I have always wanted to be able to shape metal, particularly aluminium. However, I've never had the opportunity or the tools to do so. All I have at my disposal is a metal guillotine, a sheet metal folder, and various hand cutters, snips, etc. So having decided that the central ply transmission tunnel had to go, the obvious replacement would be made in aluminium.
Ply transmission tunnel
The tunnel from the rear of the car to the gear change area was relatively easy as it was single plane curve with lips at 90 degrees to fix to the floor. With the new extended remote I wanted to enclose the whole of the gear mechanism so I would have to join the small rear tunnel to a larger one covering the gear change. I sometimes think I make life very difficult for myself!
With a suitably sized sheet of aluminium ordered I drafted out the shape I wanted to achieve. It seemed relatively straightforward (stupid boy!).
Only when I had received the aluminium did I realise that it wouldn't be enough as the height was greater than my pathetic calculations had forecast. Never mind. I doubt that I could have made it in one piece anyway and I wanted an easily removable access panel to be able to reach the clutch slave cylinder and the gear box filler plug. Using the few tools I had and ably aided by a 5 litre can of Dulux emulsion and a handy log I managed to achieve the desired shape.
New transmission tunnel
I cut out some ribbed rubber for mats in the passenger and driver's side floor and then turned my attention to the dashboard - a relatively 'orrible fabrication made largely out of exterior ply and housing the original Herald speedometer and switches. Something more period in style was called for.......
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