DIY Network

Show-Car Display: Brushed-Aluminum Sign Accent Extra Flash for the Auto-Show Floor, Part 2 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-311

	Andrew creates a brushed metal backdrop and cut-outs to highlight the grapcics.

In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew creates several accessory items to highlight an award-winning Mitsubishi Eclipse in its next show entry. Now that the modification lists are complete it's time to make a board on which to display them. Andrew uses some aluminum sheeting to create a cool backdrop that will coordinate perfectly with the car.

Materials and tools used in this second phase of the project:

stainless steel
aluminum flashing
grease pencil
scissors
drill with wire brush attachment
small binder clips
nuts/bolts
angle aluminum

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Brushed Metal Backing and Cut-Outs

The lists will be sandwiched between two pieces of metal. At the back, the mod lists will attach to a larger, stiffer piece of sheet metal. Andrew uses stainless steel, but may wish to select another material that suits the look and color motif of your vehicle.

On top of the mod lists, Andrew bolts another sheet of metal with cutout designs to make it look like the mods have blown a hole through the top. For the top sheet, Andrew uses aluminum flashing. Again, choose a material and texture that will highlight your own vehicle.

Steps:

• Using a wire brush attached to a drill, add some swirls to the flashing (figure A). Do this over and over until the metal is distressed as much as you like.

• Lay the printed transparencies on top of the aluminum (figure B), and draw a simple design to highlight the modifications (figure C).

• Next, cut out the transparency design, and then trace the design onto the aluminum.

• Use a drill to make a hole in the middle of each outline.
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E

• Take a pair of scissors and cut from the hole up to and along the traced lines (figure D).

• Once you have all the holes cut out, test fit the signs behind the aluminum (figure E), and adjust them so that all the signs are completely unobstructed.

• Since the mod lists are larger than the aluminum, you'll have to trace along the edges and cut along the lines so they are even with the edges of the aluminum.

• Then arrange them on the board again and mark a straight line on the sheets where they overlap. Trim them down at this line.

• Do a final test fit to make sure they all line up properly.

• Now it's time to stick the signs on and bolt everything together.

• With the top sheet removed, mark the location of all the signs with a marker and then take them out of the way.

• Peel off the self-adhesive backing and stick all of the signs into place.
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Eclipse Slick-Finish: Introduction and Getting Started Eclipse Slick-Finish: Prep Panels and Build Paint Booth Eclipse Slick-Finish: Prime and Paint Panels Eclipse Slick-Finish: Gauge Overlays and Reinstall Panels Eclipse Light EFX: Underbody Light Kit Eclipse Light EFX: Wheel Well Lights and Control Unit Eclipse Light EFX: Tire Tagz Lighted Wheel Graphics Eclipse Light EFX: LED Windshield Washer Nozzles

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Show-Car Display: Custom Signs for Mods List
  	Show-Car Display: Brushed-Aluminum Sign Accent
  	Show-Car Display: Velvet Ropes and Motion-Activated Sound
  	Show-Car Display: Hood Props and Other Show Extras