How To Make HOT ROD Louvres With Simple Tools! EASY!

[@WaxMeister]

I really think your videos on making custom tooling using mostly simple hand held tools are great and not often seen on-line. Bravo!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot it’s definitely rewarding when there’s so much positive feedback

[@travisstepan6167]

I agree, and I also would recommend that you check out Pask Makes. Much of the same, but a lot more on the woodworking side of the house. He also dabbles in the metal work.

[@c-man5679]

I love making tools! sockets with notches cut in the end, bars wielded on & holes cut out...showed our oldest boy with his Jeep, next thing I know he came home w/3 gallon bucket damn near full of sockets 😳 "I gotta smoking deal at pawn shop" 😉 HELL YEAH!

[@Group-Five-Industries]

Very cool, I going to need you to post more often as I have no life except this.

[@johnmcclain3887]

When I was your age, I was totally focused on "getting as much done as possible" before getting too old. You've got great skills, and you do very well teaching and you do it very well. I became an instructor in aviation electronics, late in life, and have often wished I'd focused more that direction, younger. That's a really impressive bit of work on a beautiful hood. A lot of good "home made tools" came into being in the mid and late sixties, and you are reviving that spirit among people all around the world. You're making a substantial impact I think.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot for your support John. I’m sure you’ve made an impact on many minds in your teaching career👊 cheers!

[@larrykirk7845]

NoL❤❤

[@ПасенкоФедор]

Когда я был в твоем возрасте, я был полностью сосредоточен на том, чтобы «сделать как можно больше», пока не состарился. У вас отличные навыки, и вы очень хорошо преподаете, и вы делаете это очень хорошо. Я стал инструктором по авиационной электронике в позднем возрасте и часто жалел, что больше не сосредоточился на этом направлении в молодости. Это действительно впечатляющая работа над красивым капотом. В середине и конце 60-х появилось много хороших самодельных инструментов, и вы возрождаете этот дух среди людей по всему миру. Я думаю, вы оказываете существенное влияние.

[@zimmermanlandscape9287]

Save up as much money as possible now. You are gonna need carpal tunnel surgery soon and they are eventually going to make you stop doing what you love

[@jasonhoffman9895]

I spent 2 years in school learning tool and die work. I will never not be in awe of you and my dad and what you can accomplish with a grinder and a little time. Awesome video as always.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks Jason ! Still learning every time I make a tool that’s the best part

[@spiderbrandt4066]

Karl , if you start from the other end you could hook the last louver on the back of your die that then becomes your gap between them and keeps it square ,

[@brucecard5213]

that's how the old blacky green louver press worked die butted against back of louver you just punched

[@paulsdavis3025]

I hav2e a sketch for a louver die set I made when I worked for Romeo Palamides in Chicago during the mid 80's before his passing.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

Sit down to watch some Flix and there is a Make It Kustom notification just in time.

[@clydewatson7889]

Heck yeah, new lessons from Karl, great way to end a Tuesday night!

[@freeidaho-videos]

Outstanding! It is good to see someone that knows how to properly use files. When I apprenticed as a machinist, my mentor said to me: "you can always tell the ability of a Tool and Die man by the quality and variety of his files.

[@markgriffin4888]

YES , I was going to comment on the fact that he didn't "drag" the file back over the job , mind you, he did wipe the job with his hands ( oil from your body ) and then continued to file it again. Other than that, I totally agree with you 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TrevorDennis100]

It's funny you say that. I worked 40 years as a toolmaker (not a press toolmaker - they are different), and I was taught to file a radius from the far edge working back towards yourself. Karl worked the other way round. When I was an apprentice, one of the test pieces we had to do was to make a 1" square hole in flat stock, and a 1" cube that fitted the square hole in every orientation. This was entirely using files, a drill press and emery cloth. The instructor tested the fit with feeler gauges, and IIRC .005" was the max allowed to get a pass. I'm 73 now and still use machine tools at my local Menz Shed, as well as having a decent wood shop at home.

[@markgriffin4888]

@@TrevorDennis100 -- it's interesting that you say that, including my 4yrs appreciateship, I spent 11 years in the metal trade as a plastic injection tool maker for a medical firm, my first job was similar to yours, was all about using hand tools ,plus learning to use a hand scraper when "blueing " something perfectly flat,square, then told at the end of the exercise, to throw it in the bin.😂😂😂 I don't know about you, regardless of what I'm working on, it's still has to be accurate, rough enough does not exist 👍👍👍

[@RappinIggyG]

@@markgriffin4888 Fireball tools does an interesting study on the "never drag" myth!

[@markgriffin4888]

@@RappinIggyG --- all I know is that when you are an apprentice, you do things the way the Foreman tells you do it ,no questions asked!!! I've never draged a file ,so I wouldn't have a clue if it dulls the file or not. I'm 70yr old, I'm not changing my habits now.

[@kennethdandurand3472]

LOL Back in 82, I retired from the Navy and went to work teaching SQIP to Navy Tenders on the east coast. On my second tender course, I showed the sailors how to use some of their equipment, which included a press that had dies for louvers. I showed them how to set it up and when I went back for the two-week refresher course, everyone in the shop had louvers in their car hoods. Love it. My hat is off to you and what you are doing.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Well I know what I’m doing on Saturday! Making a louver tool, making a new hood and giving the race car more attitude! Well done man, love these small ‘how too’ videos showing skill and patients with simple tools! Thanks for the shout out! Heading back up there in 2 weeks to crack that 100mph.

[@randymacsgarage]

great job I would like to share with you my lesson learned on louvers years ago by an ole skool lead metal guy if you get my meaning he told me to always punch louvers thru fresh unpainted metal he had his reason and his louvers were like yours always perfect thanks for sharing.

[@LG-ct8tw]

Beautiful work, good time watching it happening. Kudos to who-ever cuts the videos too.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks very much 👊

[@eloyanzaldua7433]

outstanding. I'm a fabricator, fitter, welder, ironworker, so I'm looking forward in helping my younger brother with truck he's been saving to build. this weekend I'll be making one of these n practice with it. can't wait to surprise my lil brother. thanks.

[@darinwilton9122]

the absolute best thing about these videos for me, other than learning how to do metal working, it's the tools used and where to get them. being from Canada, most of these things i watch are in other countries and i can't get the stuff lol great videos as always :)

[@Reaper4367]

you are in a country that shares a border with the U.S. You can get what you need, if you really want it. Here in Australia, no chance.

[@dennysautorepair946]

@@Reaper4367 no chance to get tools? If so, why’s that?

[@atruefreethinker1944]

fantastic method. consider attaching a couple of small thin pieces of sheet metal (or just one full length) to the female die that extends up thru the angle grinder cuts for alignment.

[@chrisshorman522]

Great job Karl. My buddy and I always comment on what a great teacher you are and how you simplify things so people with less than you and we have have hope. Keep going. Awesome.

[@MakeItKustom]

Much appreciated Chris I’m so stoked to know that the info is relatable. It my biggest motivation. The craft will die otherwise!

[@conover1978]

Another tool to add to the collection of badass tools

[@randywright8575]

Your metal working skill is off the hook So impressive!

[@CKMAX]

Fantastic video Karl. I can't wait to louvre my wife's dishwasher!

[@sidler420]

Karl clearly loves what hes doing even if it does wear him out sometimes, another great video from Make It Kustom

[@MakeItKustom]

Haha if it’s simple, it won’t be easy. If it’s easy it won’t be simple…

[@tomcoryell]

Big shout-out to your lovely bride for the top notch video editing!

[@papawheelie5835]

Too cool, Karl! Maybe take it a step further and add a second pocket to index the previous louvre to assure spacing and easier alignment. Great job!

[@JohnTurner313]

Agree, could even go further and make it so the index location can vary, that way the spacing isn't always the same.

[@waynespyker5731]

Add the same adjustably to offset the centerline left and right for angled column centerline locations. Posey did my 53 Studebaker hood, a column down the center flanked by 2 columns matching each side edge (the louvre backs of the 5 columns were perpendicular to the hood's centerline). Good content, could buy a single die set from the back cover of the old J. C. Whitney catalogs.

[@ukaszmalczewski6807]

That's a really good idea

[@hfdzl]

You are learning how to be a toolmaker. A trade that I enjoyed for many years. Many things were handmade before the introduction of power machinery. Only limit is your imagination!

[@richb419]

Hi, the first louver is the easiest, the subsequent ones are very hard to space evenly and square to the preceding one. If there is an easy way to add a feature to the die that registers to the preceding one that would help placement that would be very helpful. also weld a limiter to the top die to stop at a certain depth, that would also help you tell when the desired depth is reached. Nice video Rich

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

Good info here

[@reneprovencher8395]

Now that was a lot of work! I’m very impressed!!! I remember the Navy Shipyard Submarine cabinet builders used to put vents on cabinet doors! Yeah it was a lot of work. Great job!!! “Bad Chad” U-tuber has a friend that made a machine to do vents! Awesome!

[@John_D75]

Karl, I knew you would figure out an awesome way to enable those of us without specialty tools to accomplish this! When you posted that teaser I knew we would all be in for a treat, and you did not disappoint us! Thank you for this!

[@williamtoon6021]

My first time at looking in on your project work. Impressive. One thing I did notice on your preliminary trial was that the die wasnt going into the cavity squarely. That may have contibuted to the unequal tearing in the corner. Perhaps a horizontal reference line on the body of die would aid in others accomplishing their goal easier. I would like to know the clearance between the core and the cavity. Is there a formula for arriving at that, say like a third of the thickness of the metal being cut? All in all very well done! Thank you!

[@hughliddle5233]

Hi from Scotland. Just discovered the channel and I’m blown away by the content! Brilliant. Keep it up Karl.

[@peterwiley4383]

Love what you guys do!! Great production, amazing lessons and tips. Thanks guys.

[@MakeItKustom]

So welcome Peter !👊👊👊

[@tstuart7333]

No end to this young man's talents. When something needs to be done, or shown me doesn't hesitate to get going. Many thanks great video.

[@croppedgrain]

high skill, great ideas well executed. Always great to see an artisan. Great instruction delivery and great soundtrack tunes too!

[@franksgarage8551]

With my eyesight, i think i would cut a strip of sheet metal to drop in slot for alignment. Consistintancy is king! Pretty easy to make louvres, its all about time. Certainly dont need a fancy press. A stellar job,Karl!

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

You are amazing at what you do and inspire others. No way in heck I could do half the stuff u do, but luv watching and gives me hope and ideals!!!! Keep it going ❤

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Another note how much (est) time in making , punching luvers just wondering time to DIY versus getting it done. Again thx for awesome vid

[@designandbuild3953]

Karl! Have you no limits, man! Bravo...bravo!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much! This was a fun one!

[@Milkshake_dub]

Great Video Karl! You continue to amaze me with your how-to videos. We all appreciate the time and effort put into these tutorials. Not only are you a great teacher but the production side of your videos are superb too. I'm sure many people don't realize the time and effort that goes into the video production as well. You my friend are an inspiration.

[@mapleholler9800]

Wow! Just wow! Great video! My dad would have loved your videos. He and his friends, worked steel and fiberglass back in the 50s and 60s for themselves and others. They once, cut and pieced a 57 Chevy dash into a 36 Chevy coupe. He bought a wrecked, 54 Corvette in 55-56 and rebuilt it, completely fabricating the left rear quarter panel. I still have the mold. He was amazing and I didn't learn near enough of what he knew. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@ConnorVosburgh]

Awesome video Karl, and awesome results! I so appreciate the way you open the world of metal for the average guy! I am planning a cycle car build and this will be an awesome addition! Also i bet that sledge gave you a good workout with all those louvers 💪

[@MakeItKustom]

Lol arms still sore 😂 ya had I known it was this easy I would have been punching louvres on everything

[@richardstanley8460]

Great job! That hood came out amazing, I wouldn't believe the louvers were punched by hand if I didn't see itl

[@beetlebayley5237]

I love the "back to basics" vibe and the consideration of cutting noise level. You've just gained a subscriber and many likes to come...

[@sweden_ove2074]

This is handicraft as real. I always wanted to make these louvers in the 1970s Alfa Romeo Alfetta Hood to tribute the Alfa Romeo Tipo 158 from the 30s to 50s. The greatest of all race cars, used so many years.

[@Tamaboi]

Hi from New Zealand, great video, very clear, precise and intelligent tutorial, awesome workmanship to boot, cheers for the inspiration, 60 years old and loving the fact I am learning from someone so much younger with a wealth of knowledge. Cheers mate.

[@dcsensui]

I like how you do all of that by hand. Some of us don't have CNC setups to create tooling like that. True craftsmanship.

[@59vaughn]

Had to rewatch....seems bang on...or cork...think about all the louver profiles, thin, wedge, teardrop, 😏

[@fredmasse6451]

Respect mec , can be proud of you. Sur un capot d’époque et sa peinture d’origine, c’est un travail où le rendu fini peux te rendre fier de toi. Merci pour le partage.

[@robertbornemann1601]

Very nice work 55+ yrs in the train still at it again nice work!!!

[@kennit24972]

Looks like you have a real winner of a tool that you could make and sell. There’s a lot of people out there that would like to have one but may not be able to make it themselves. I bet a lot more people would buy them than you think.

[@imetr8r]

It is amazing that your pneumatic grinder is in tune with the music at 23:10!

[@larryreece1403]

Wow! When you first started this I thought "It will never work!" Awesome results! It really has that raw organic look! Totally old shcool! Now I gotta find that three quarter bar stock i was saving!

[@gilauth6791]

Knowledge being the ultimate humans tool. Defenetly your contribution and willingness in shearing experiences /skills. Can only promote the emergence of unsuspected talented after such tutorial . Well done . Thanks .

[@jasond4752]

Your skills as a fabricator are beyond impressive. But your patience and dedication is something to behold.

[@shanehack871]

i first found your channel because you were chopping up your wife's caddy to drag it on the ground. Then i saw your shop truck and knew i'd found a great channel. To have tool making on top of these is just icing on the hotrod cake. I do miss the twice-weekly vids though. And congrats on surpassing 200k🍻

[@Billy-rh7yi]

Great work my friend. I'd never have thought that could work so well until I saw you do it. Which is also a lesson in itself. If there was a Nobel prize for education in engineering you'd walk it.

[@paz6918]

Not just teaching skills, but teaching how to think and problem solve. Your one of life’s natural teachers, thank god you didn’t get into ‘formal’ academia. Keep it real buddy 👊

[@chriskappes9170]

another cool video for the at home guys havent seen louvres in awhile maybe they will make a big comeback

[@TheOkiedodge]

Well done young man! You are a young craftsman teaching an old dog some new tricks! Thanks for the great videos!

[@tomsmith3045]

In addition to cars, this would be perfect for ventilation louvers for electronic equipment. Thanks for putting this up!

[@stefanandersson1872]

Superbra nu fick jag svar på mina frågor. Du är bäst och så ödmjuk fast du klarar av allt 👍

[@lukewinzar7132]

I love the time and patience you put into showing how much you can really do with less! You are a true artist and mentor and I thank you. Respect and good juju your way my friend 👍

[@stuartfletcher2378]

Nice job on the louvers!!! Who'd a thunk it. And all hand made, Priceless. Stu from Canada........

[@kevinkirk4285]

Relief cuts are one of my favorite methods for cutting inside shapes.

[@dustcommander100]

Man, you are a creative genius and a WORKER!

[@mitchellodom6746]

I wonder if you could make one or two more female dies and put them all in a line on a mounting plate so that once you get a few of them formed it'll help you line them up a little easier, giving you a positive retention basically.

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

love your content brother... that's why I share.... I actually WANT that baby Buick... coolest thing I have seen in a half century

[@MakeItKustom]

Haha right on man thank you👊 ya that little car sure is different!

[@johnbehneman1546]

WOW!!!! YOUR HOOD CAME OUT EXCELLENT!!!! GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING!!!

[@s.michaelyohman6049]

Wow!! Haven’t seen a video on fabrication like this…EVER!! Great work!! From one artist to another and one fabricator to another…you have serious talent! Thank you for teaching me something new! God bless you, Brother!

[@TheTubeTube2]

That’s really terrific Karl, really good!

[@davidf.8497]

I love it how experimental it looks. It teaches us many things on how to and not to do. Thanks. Keep it up! Hi from Réunion Island, Indian Ocean.

[@kimmat40]

Best louvre punch dies video on u tube meticulously explained.own a 37 Chevy sedan after looking at this video think I have the confidence to do it I’m across the pond thanks for a great vid

[@cindyrisner5731]

Superb Videos, hand made, how to !! Low cost . A lost talent. Your schooling to make instead of buying. Lots of us enjoy making it happen ! Keeps you out of the cookie cutter line … Make It Kustom , Always ! KEEP THEM COMING !

[@Wayz5145]

You are a very talented metal worker. You sure are not afraid of hard work. Thanks for the videos.

[@ciscolm]

Just found your channel was very impressed with the skills you are teaching yourself i'm mid 70's started out in the wrought iron business around age 16 learning from blacksmiths who had to make there own tools and was taught to be very meticulous i went on to the auto body business building wrecks where you have to be on the money from the frame to the finish paint oh and hats off to you for not letting the background music over power the video.

[@mottavator]

Dude that is AWESOME! You are the D.I.Y. customizer's best friend.

[@yurycz8933]

👍My favorite channel. I have been doing this for many years and now I am resting, but my hands still itch.😁

[@csabadoth4838]

bruh you are a true craftsman !!!!!!! you get a star of the fabricator !!!!!!! keep on keeping on !!!!!

[@andrel3]

Pure gold Karl!

[@ericdavila2055]

Grinder and music mix from 23:03 to 23:20 is awesome, love it.

[@jaybuilt4187]

Karl you and Jordan are the best !!!

[@HubsAlgarveKnives]

I had bought some sheetmetal plates with louvers already in it and welded it into the cutout I had made into the hood.Looked perfect and was done in just minutes 🤩 After primer and paint it looked 100% perfect made👍

[@DRDE_CUSTOMS]

Absolutely love watching your videos I'm a terrible body man and sheetmetal worker but I enjoy watching you and trying to pick up on a few tips and tricks. Keep it up man

[@reaganvanwinkle3447]

This vedio is highly underated you know how much work this king just did wow great job man

[@DaleDirt]

Wow , I love this channel . Thank you so very much . I have a 38 Dodge pickup , It was a terrible experience trying to get the hood louvered . If I had only known what you just taught me , I could have saved myself a headache and money . I am going to build me a louver maker for sure .

[@theoriginalDirtybill]

Karl, think about making a slide hammer with that louver punch on the end.... or sticking the shank from an air chisel on it....

[@tat255987]

Looks great! Center line wouldnt hurt and marking the depth across the tool face would be a good quick visual reference for depth.

[@gapthomson934]

The sound of grinder together with the background music is just badass 💕

[@YosielLedesma-v4h]

Opino lo mismo 😅

[@kevincorbin6273]

I’m not surprised, Karl you got skills! You’re an artist

[@markhowley6537]

Fantastic. I have never never subscribed to a channel after watching only one video. I subscribed to this channel at 0:31 of the first view. The only thing cooler than making your own tools is making a tool to make a tools.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Fisher so happy to see a new how 2 videos. Always a great job explaining it. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab on. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@darylphillips1699]

I made a slapper after seeing your video and I will be making one of these for my shop, too.

[@jayrhinehart2551]

Grate job Karl put as a painter it is very hard to sand around a louver for paint. So the best thing to do is DA all the old paint off first it will look mutch better when painted. Love old customs.

[@1212sman]

It's cool to see somebody that does his own stunts. You go, Tom Cruise! I'm totally saving this vid to use as a reference when I make me one of these.

[@richardgraiff9995]

sure makes cutting with a grinder look easy. Love your videos . I have learned a lot from them. keep up the great work.

[@mikedimaio1237]

Great job, you have to be stoked, the hood looks amazing.

[@bradbaker1035]

Absolutely beautifully done! Who would suspect the job was done with home made hand tools, especially once it gets a good paint job? Very impressive!!!

[@MikeZyouthpastor]

Fantastic! I'm a total newb to metal work but having a blast learning and doing.

[@sciCHD]

Amazing job Karl as usual. Thanks for sharing it ! Cheers from Switzerland

[@RB-we2if]

If you drill your corners before your cut you slot and cut into them without hitting the outside edge you will get a nice rounded corner to your louver and also reduce cleanup and burrs. It will also establish your edges and make it easy to have a uniform line of louvers. Nice job man. Good to see someone who still thinks outside the box and isn’t afraid of a little elbow grease

[@davidr4332]

Awesome little 57 you also have there in the back ground ,, Nice louvre tool too great job.

[@brianmogle1121]

Thank you for making this video!!! I was trying to figure out how I can do this myself on my 53 Chevy panel van, Rat Rod project. outstanding teaching ability and instruction!

[@ncstonecrew]

You knocked it out of the park Karl!

[@duramax78]

One thing I really like is when a Louvre has a top that is as vertical as the material it’s on. Right after the bends.