How to measure for accurate hole drilling?

[mike]

> AH-SO, I am trying dowels but takes much time to whittle down to size. Good news is if works, I can use them on lower panel as well.

An easier way might be to make a template of the cover out of thin cardboard, tape it in place and tap the area of the holes lightly a number of times
with a small ballpein hammer. On the backside of the cardboard will be circle marks of the holes. Most times you are even able to punch out the hole
completely like a paper punch would with the hammer. Lay the template over your cover and drill the holes in the cover.

--
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan

 

[Matt Colie]

> How about these aircraft hole finders?
>
> https://www.browntool.com/Default.aspx?tabid=344&CategoryID=77&Level=a
>
> Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM

Those are neat and I have used them laying aluminum patches on hulls, but they really on work well on joining flat sheets. Our (or at least my)
door(s) have a lip that will preclude getting the centering pin into the hole.

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[mike]

This photo gives an example of how I used the cardboard and ballpein hammer method to mark existing holes on a '35 ford frame I was repairing. I
marked the holes and used two from an area where the metal was not cut out and replaced to line up the template then drilled the new holes. after the
picture was taken , I had tapped the cardboard some more and most of the holes ended up looking like I had used a paper punch to make them.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/gmc-photos/p63102-marking-existing-holes.html
--
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan

 

[michael bozardt]

Phase II - - I tried dowels, that did not work. Next, paint pencil around the holes, that did not work.
Finally, used the Dremel tool with a very small point on a little grinding bit. Was able to get close enough or centered in the hole to enlarge the
small hole enough for the screws to fit. Top panel hung and will hang the lower panel on the door today.

 

[Jim Hupy]

If there are existing screw holes in the door itself, and I am using a
fabric covering, I use a needle pointed scribe and pierce the fabric and
probe the existing holes. If I am using a rigid faced panel, I use trim
screws with a washer head to secure the panel. Sometimes called by other
names, but they incorporate a stainless or Chrome plated brass washer under
the screw head. Fairly forgiving, you can use a bit larger hole and align
the panel with the edge of the door. On my own coach, I used Naugahyde to
cover the door. Sheds water very well, and scuff resistant. Not dog claw
proof however.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Phase II - - I tried dowels, that did not work. Next, paint pencil around
> the holes, that did not work.
> Finally, used the Dremel tool with a very small point on a little grinding
> bit. Was able to get close enough or centered in the hole to enlarge the
> small hole enough for the screws to fit. Top panel hung and will hang the
> lower panel on the door today.
>
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