Rides by Kam Custom Car Building Tips: Making Custom Panels

Rob Zahabi from Rides by Kam shows how to transfer a cardboard prototype into steel.
Step 1: Transfer the cardboard template to the piece of steel (00:30)
This is your final cut so everything needs to be perfect. If you have a little variation in your template, you need to make sure it's straight in your steel before you cut it.
Step 2: Cut the straight edges with a guillotine (00:47)
Then use your hand shears [this is what he says, but he’s actually using bench shears] to take most of the edges off the corners.
Step 3: Use a belt sander to get the corners nicely rounded (01:01)
Using the 3M™ Mini File Belt Sander 33573 with a 3M™ Cubitron™ II File Belt 786F 80+, get the corners and radius exactly how you want and take it down to the texture [not sure if he’s saying this or “textile”] line.
Step 4: Put it in the bead roller (02:08)
First, quickly orbit sand all the edges off and deburr anything that could be sharp. We use the 3M™ Cubitron™ II Clean Sanding Disc 80+ again because it doesn't really mark or damage the steel and create extra work later.
Step 5: Put your swage line in (02:38)
Do this now, before any holes or anything, so you won’t have anything hanging through. When you slide it around on the table, you can move it freely without it being stopped. If it stops, you’ll have to start again with your piece of steel.
Step 6: Drill the outside and middle holes (03:15)
The outside holes will eventually hold your panel to the inside of the car. The holes in the middle give you the exact locations of your dimple dies. Follow up with the 3M™ Pistol Grip Disc Sander 33577 with a 3M™ Cubitron™ II Roloc™ Fibre Disc 786C 80+.
Step 7: Finish it off with the orbit sander (03:59)
Again, use a 3M™ Cubitron™ II 80+ disc. Once you’re done sanding, it’s ready to be put together.
Pro tip: Safety first! (04:38)
We can’t stress enough how important safety is in the custom car building world. Every day you’re playing with steel and sharp stuff, sparks flying everywhere. Our essential safety tools include these gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs and respirator.
Important note:
There are of course many factors and variables that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process, including relevant vehicle, part and OEM guidelines, and determine what is appropriate for that repair.
Products used in this video:
3M™ Mini File Belt Sander 33573
www.3m.com/3M/...
3M™ Cubitron™ II File Belt 786F, 80+
www.3m.com/3M/...
3M™ Orbital Sander Original - ** confirm this is correct
www.3m.com/3M/...
3M™ Cubitron™ II Hookit™ Clean Sanding Abrasive Disc, 80+, 31371
www.3m.com/3M/...
3M™ Pistol Grip Disc Sander for Body Repair 33577
www.3m.com/3M/...
3M™ Cubitron™ II Roloc™ Fibre Disc 786C
www.3m.com/3M/...
For more advanced tutorials, check out 3M Collision Repair Academy
www.3m.com/3M/...
You’ll find courses that will expand your knowledge, deliver practical procedures that you can use right away, and, in many cases, earn you I-CAR credits.
Website: 3MCollision.com
Instagram: 3MCollision
Facebook: 3MCollision
Facebook Australia/New Zealand: 3MAutoProANZ/

[@simonhunter1990]

Hi mate, what brand are those safety glasses? I do a fair bit of fibreglass work, and I’m constantly getting dust and other s... behind mine...

[@ricky-royceanihanna7502]

7