Sheet Metal Press Die for Firewall AC or Heater Lines - Classic Auto Air

Sheet Metal Press Die for Firewall AC or Heater Lines - Classic Auto Air

This model was designed very specific for its purpose, but I have had a few people ask me for it, so here it is! I also did my best to make it parametric so you should be able to customize it within Fusion, but I haven't tested messing with all of the parameters, just the ones I needed to change a few times while designing.

This model presses a flange into metal around two holes. It was designed around the heater pipes for the 1969 Chevy Nova unit from Classic Auto Air, but may work with all of their models and some others. You should also be able to adjust the parameters to fit the AC lines as well.

If you adapt this to work for another make and model, please post the remix so I can let everyone know!

Printing:

99% Infill is key! Slicers slow printers down for 100% infill, so keeping it at 99 is best. It also allows for forgiveness if your flow rate is not calibrated perfectly.

I used PETG, but other strong filaments would work. I have even heard of it working with PLA+

The two parts that stick up are for aligning purposes only and don't need to be so strong, I used a modifier to lower the infill to 15% for that section of the print.

Use:

I supported the back with a piece of sheet metal just in case. I didn't want the bolts pulling through.

Add a sprits of WD-40 or other lubricant to help everything clamp down smoothly.

The tool is designed to use two ½" bolts (m10 or m12 should work too) with nuts and a washer on each side. If you have a shop press and two pieces of steel, that would work even better.

Tighten with a ratchet at first to make sure everything is lined up and not binding. Then if you're feeling brave, send it with an impact gun!