Making new engine compartment mounting tin

[scarceller]

I need to manufacture a new mounting tin in the engine compartment, the tin that has the 3 rear compartment fuses and relays. Here's a picture:


What material should I use and what thickness?

I'm thinking 6061 type Aluminum sheet stock 1/8" thick

What's the stock tin made of? anyone know?

Any recommendations welcome, I have some metal working tools: bender, punches, ...

This is for installing and locating a MSD pro ignition box and coil in my 84 Carrera, the new tin will be longer and continue down past the the stock coil to right before the fuel filter. I plan to mount the MSD box and coil onto the new tin along with the other stock components.

[jbell959]

They are made of aluminum but I think it's much thinner than 1/8" - I'll measure one when I get home. Maybe one off an early car would work and save you a bunch of time. The ones from the SWB cars are longer. I think I may have one in the garage. If I can find it I'll post a pic

[scarceller]

Originally Posted by jbell959

They are made of aluminum but I think it's much thinner than 1/8" - I'll measure one when I get home. Maybe one off an early car would work and save you a bunch of time. The ones from the SWB cars are longer. I think I may have one in the garage. If I can find it I'll post a pic

Great, please post a pic if you can. I'd love to just find something that will work rather than build something.

[David]

Why not call a dismantler and buy one for a couple bucks?

[scarceller]

I simply did not know that the older cars tin may work. I need to find a picture of what it looks like to see if it will work.

I also just measured the thickness of the stock tin and it's 2mm Aluminum.

If I decide to build I'll use .08" Aluminum like this:
http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=76&step=2&top_cat=60
Cheap enough

[jbell959]

The aluminum is 1.6m (about 1/16"). Here is an early panel... it's a little different design.

[scarceller]

Originally Posted by jbell959

The aluminum is 1.6m (about 1/16"). Here is an early panel... it's a little different design.

I need more shelf space, plus a nice spot for the existing 3 fuses. It could work but I think I'll try to make a custom tin for the MSD 6600 and the matching MSD Coil. The MSD unit needs to mount lid facing up for water tight reasons, so it really needs to mount to the shelf and that shelf is simply to short. But thanks for the picture it sure helps.

I have on hand 16Gauge metal sheet I'm going to build the tin from this then simply paint it.

[efhughes3]

I wouldn't use 6061, if you're going to consider alum. Go with an alloy like 5051 or one that forms better.

[jbell959]

My MSD is mounted under the drivers seat on my car. It's nice to have it out of the engine area.

[scarceller]

Originally Posted by jbell959

My MSD is mounted under the drivers seat on my car. It's nice to have it out of the engine area.

Not sure if running the 500volts from the box under the seat to the primary side of the coil will work. The box I'm using is a MSD 6600 Pro Unit with a matching MSD 8250 coil, it produces 500+ volts on the output of the box that feeds the primary side of the coil. I think the standard MSD6x boxes also work like this? not 100% sure?

I assume you are using a MSD6x unit? So you have no issue with the long cable run from the box to the coil in the engine bay?

If this would work I think it's a great idea to keep the box dry under the seat.

Thanks for the hint.

[scarceller]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

I wouldn't use 6061, if you're going to consider alum. Go with an alloy like 5051 or one that forms better.

Ed,

Have not worked much with Aluminum so thanks for the hint. I think I'm going to simply use 14-16gauge cold steel sheet since I already have this.

If I decide to use Aluminum I'll take your advice.

Thanks.

[euro911sc]

The 16 ga. would be better as it will be easier to work with. Keep in mind that you could get a use part from the dismantler and then use your 16ga. sheet to simply make an add-on panel. Might be a ton easier as the OEM part mounts well to the body.

Best regards,

Michael

[911pcars]

Fabricating/bending aluminum sheet is so much easier than steel, and lighter too. You could get some excess cut-offs from your supplier. If you're going to paint it, light scuffs shouldn't matter. 5051 is a good choice also, and .051-.062" should be sufficient for this non-structural mounting bracket. Why overbuild it?

Sherwood