The MDF material (medium density fiberboard) we initially used to create the first round of tooling https://pbase.com/9146gt/image/163626454 was not up to the task of allowing us to fabricate the 914-6 GT Engine Bay lids. Nearly at the completion of the first GT engine lid, the MDF material started to fail. The solution? Re-create the tooling out of a stronger material--the choice was steel and aluminum. The better tooling will not only deliver a more consistent product, but it will last for years to come.

To cut a 48" long eliptical line in this piece https://pbase.com/9146gt/image/163630172 of 1/2 inch thick aluminum https://pbase.com/9146gt/image/163630173 took nearly 1 1/2 hours using a large industrial metal bandsaw sporting a new blade https://pbase.com/9146gt/image/163630186. Talk about patience, no automatic feed here---all done free-hand! :-(

The fabrication of the all-metal tooling was an extended work in progress, but it's now complete! https://pbase.com/9146gt/the9146gt_engine_lid_other_tooling_day_32