Introduction: 1999 Jeep Cherokee Hood Inlay
In this instructable I'm going to show you how I made a diamond tread hood inlay piece for my Jeep XJ. This will help you design your own.
I made this at TechShop!
http://www.techshop.ws/
Step 1: Preparation
Lay down some thick brown paper to make a pattern of the indention found in a lot of Jeep hoods. Use a pencil to trace the outline of your hood piece you're wanting to make.
Step 2: Cutting
I used aluminum diamond tread as my insert material.
Carefully cut out your pattern with scissors or a razor blade and apply the pattern to your material using tape.
We then used a hydraulic sheet metal shear at TechShop to cut along the pattern.
Step 3: Test Fit
We then test fitted the piece on the hood. Please note that we left extra material for hanging in the powder coating booth and oven.
Step 4: Powder Coating
Time for powder coating! Get a good even spray and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cut to Fit Hood
Using the hydraulic sheet metal shears again, cut a section to fit on the cowl and leave enough room for the gap between the cowl and hood.
Step 6: Round Corners
We chose to round the edges a little bit.
Step 7: Automotive Tape It Up
We applied a liberal amount of Scotch Extreme Mounting Tape to the backside of the aluminum.
Step 8: Apply
And then carefully applied it to the Jeep.
Step 9: Final Product
You're done! Go roll down the road and show that thing off!