Searching for new diamond styled aluminum sheet material to cover the sills (door and trunk) have yielded no results. I would like to maintain the original look.
For those not familiar with the design it looks like this:
I suspect that it was stamped. It is pretty inconsistent. I experimented with etching the pattern in .090 3003 aluminum sheet by using hydrochloric acid, peroxide and a vinyl sticker. It seems to work, but I would have to commit to something larger than a 2" x 2" square and a far bigger container to hold the liquid. I would be interested if this material looks familiar.
The sill material in my Healey 3000 is also aluminum, but tiny raised dots. The Warwick used a stamped sheet that has crosses to give a tight linen look. I believe that material is the same as the early Aston Martin's, neither of which is similar to the Peerless design.
Any leads on locating this decoration would be appreciated before I mix up a solution with sufficient by products to gas the Hindenburg.
interesting. Warwick's (as far as I know) didn't have this material on the sill threshold. it was only Phase 1's. the 2's have a (GRP I think) cover and the Warwick is paint finish (although I do remember seeing something silver on a car).
I know your car has an interesting history and it might have been something that Brian did? anywho, would like to know more.
on the matter of the patter. I have a vinyl cutting machine in the workshop and have for some considerable time been meaning to set up a trial run.
if I can inveigle my son into generating some artwork I think I can cut that pattern in vinyl and lay it up say, 3 layers. then I intended to bead blast the ali whilst taped to a board (to keep it flat/reduce distortion)
this would save making an Olympic sized swimming pool of acid in the workshop.
Warwick's also seem to have a unique patterned ali, but it's used on the dash and kick plates at the bottom of the A posts. I'll dig the offending articles out and post a photo tonight.
My Warwick sill covers are steel plate, covered with carpet.
And for a third variation, I've never seen the vented ali used in a Phase 2 grille anywhere else. Sort of 1/2 x 1/4 square holes and slightly uneven, as if they were punched by hand.
I would be happy to clean up a piece. The problem is I only have the trunk trim. Both sill pieces went missing, along with the previous owner's talent to fabricate replacements from truck diamond plate. I'll refrain from sharing that picture.
I did create a large .svg file that I gave to a vinyl cutter. Hope to have the pattern (mask) back early next week. I can post the .svg file to the forum if anyone has the capability to cut their own pattern and desire etching their own. Nigel?
I have been experimenting with etching aluminum using the laser printer/laminator transfer method with good results as long as the part is reasonably small.
Rich here #0182
I have the sill pieces, but where in the trunk is the aluminum meant to be?
How are the sill pieces removed without bending them?
How do you get that piece of wood out to remove the gas tank?
Is the steering wheel wood walnut?
What is the ledge under the back window covered with?
Any word yet on shipping windshields to the US?
Well I think I licked this one. It was a long road with several dead ends, but I managed to create two new Phase 1 sill pieces for my Peerless and I could produce another set if I was enticed:)
Check out my thread here with photos and a brief explanation.
truly stunning. Is it just the image but have you got the plate curving up towards the door latch?
On the original plate it ended straight and flat and then there was a small fillet set into the corner along the door rubber shutline (and just that line curved up)
Don't know if your going for originality or not?
I mean, you don't want to turn up at your first concours and be the only one in a long line of Peelri to have incorrect trim
I can go take a pic and post a of an original (all be it badly folded) plate if you need it?
It might be the photo as there is still a piece of clear application tape over the sill and it is pealing back.
That said, I could use a photo. I thought it curved up a bit on just the outer 1" piece and then a small triangle is welded to the gap. It would be great to see it properly trimmed so I can trick all the judges.
Being curious, what etching depth did you get and how long did that take?
Starting with a batch of cold solution (65 degrees F) it took about 1/2 hr to reach .3mm, which is about the thickness of the commercial vinyl. Once the acid/peroxide warms, it takes about 15-20 minutes to etch the next panel.
Hello Dean, most impressive sir. Were I still at the helm, I wouldn't hesitate to ask you for a technical feature. Working title, 'Shine on, you crazy diamond'
I guess the red wine helped numb the pain of cutting out those diamonds.
All the best,
Gary
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