What should I make? Taking a machining class.

350kmileford

350kmileford

Well-known member
I enrolled in an "Introduction to Manufacturing" class. It starts on the 25th. The lab will consist of using mills, lathes, drills, and an array of other machining tools. The teacher said that we will have plenty of time to work on our own stuff, on top of the required projects... However, he wants our personal project ideas submitted early.

Now, I would really like to make something Mustang related. Seeing as how I will be changing the majority of my suspension, driveline, interior, and engine components, there has got to be something for me to make. Unfortunately I am not super creative.

Do you guys have any ideas for parts I could make? It can be somewhat fancy, but nothing over the top. I am very capable of using my hands, and i am confident in my abilities.

Edit: This might as well be moved.
 
how about a valve cover for a 300 fuel injection, that is 2 pieces (a removeable top)... my valve cover gasket is shot, and i have to take the fuel injection off to change a 5 dollar gasket 5 minute job :roll:

sounds like you would have alot of fun doing that,., good luck on your decision.

rick
 
How about one of those center links for the suspension that Addo was mentioning on another thread?

Overdrive water pump pulleys for those guys running hot?
 
ludwig":3mv2q1gz said:
How about one of those center links for the suspension that Addo was mentioning on another thread?
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I was going to suggest this. Machining isnt hard, but it does take a lot of practice. Trying to take on too large or challengine of a project at first will only be discouraging.

Make yourself a centerlink, and two solid tie rod adjusters. Fairly simple lathe operations, and if you make them out of aluminum, you can polish them up and they will look really slick.

Also, there is nothing in the aftermarket for these peices (well, maybe the tie rod adjusters, I had them on my camaro) - so they will really stand out as "custom".

If you try to make something like a pulley first, you are going to be unhappy with it in 6 months (when your skills are better) and want to do it over. The suggestion above is simple enough that you will be able to do a quality job with limited skills, and not want to re-do it later.

Make me some too while you are at it :) I need a lathe...
 
Make me some too while you are at it
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Ditto.


Maybe some billet plate 2V carb adaptors that can be direct mounted on a milled-to-taste log head. Or maybe a 2V adaptor that mounts directly onto the log without turning the carb in the wrong direction. (Like why didn't Stovebolt or Cliffie think of this?)
 
Side knobs for bucket seats

Tie rod adjuster sleeves

Blinker arms

Carb adaptors(various types)
 
a billet alternator mount that would keep the alternator inline with water pump and harmonic balancer would nice.

a mount and dual vbelt pulley for my eaton m90 would be much appreciated $$ 8)
 
grocery getter":10yllbuc said:
a mount and dual vbelt pulley for my eaton m90 would be much appreciated $$ 8)
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Hell I'll make you one of those... think I am going to need to make one for myself ;)

But I think I'll go w/ a cogged belt drive.
 
Bort62":lru438e8 said:
grocery getter":lru438e8 said:
a mount and dual vbelt pulley for my eaton m90 would be much appreciated $$ 8)
Click to expand...

Hell I'll make you one of those... think I am going to need to make one for myself ;)

But I think I'll go w/ a cogged belt drive.
Click to expand...

i'm in... I might have to sell the oz250 head to get the next '66 (today)

the eaton is a nice alternative. this is a very do-able,driveable project.

i'd like to get this done asap.... what do you need to make it happen?
 
LOL :lol:

Guy's already getting orders and he hasn't even submitted a sketch for the instructor's okay.

So I'm thinking he needs to make some trial projects and then get the old electronic billet cutter going on the custom orders. Could start in the garage.
 
ludwig":c5utav2h said:
LOL :lol:

Guy's already getting orders and he hasn't even submitted a sketch for the instructor's okay.

So I'm thinking he needs to make some trial projects and then get the old electronic billet cutter going on the custom orders. Could start in the garage.
Click to expand...
he (350k) does have a sweet motobecane moped in there 8) i'm not sure about any mills though.
 
grocery getter":nbjaufks said:
Bort62":nbjaufks said:
grocery getter":nbjaufks said:
a mount and dual vbelt pulley for my eaton m90 would be much appreciated $$ 8)
Click to expand...

Hell I'll make you one of those... think I am going to need to make one for myself ;)

But I think I'll go w/ a cogged belt drive.
Click to expand...

i'm in... I might have to sell the oz250 head to get the next '66 (today)

the eaton is a nice alternative. this is a very do-able,driveable project.

i'd like to get this done asap.... what do you need to make it happen?
Click to expand...

To use your car/blower as a template, and to buy a new welder.

Oh yeah, and time!
 
We do have an industrial lathe at my house. It hasn't been used in years but I know it does work. I'll ask my dad to show me how to use it.

I think something like a valvecover might be a bit much.

Would there be any benefits to making a centerlink? It would just be prettier/lighter?
 
Lighter, prettier, and adjustable.

And, if you haven't replaced yours - it needs to be... and a new one is $130.

I've contemplated making a VC, but it would be a little more advanced, not to mention you would have pretty high material costs.

that's a big chunk of aluminum!

Be much better to fabricte one out of sheetmetal.
 
Yank your's out :)

Seriously, crawl under your car and take a look at yours. I forget off the top of my head how these are configured.
 
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