Hello all. I have a 48 chevy 1/2 ton and it has the gas tank under the bed. I had to order new bedside panels and it didn't come with the filler neck hole. Has anyone ever used a large hole punch to cut out the hole or just a hole saw. From what I measured it is 2-7/8" but it does have a lip that protrudes into the bed area. If I were to use a hole saw there wouldn't be a lip but just a hole. Thank you
Hello jayz63, While I do not know the diameter of the hole, might I suggest a Dimple Die (of the correct diameter, of course) to create the aforementioned lip? Mike
Okay thanks. Ill look into that but it seems like I might have to use a hole saw to get the right size.
Beware the hole saw ! it often leaves jagged edges and a poor finish . I'd suggest a Chassis Punch or 'Dimple Die', these will give you clean , nice holes .
Okay that’s what I was afraid of leaving a jagged edge instead of a punched hole. Have you ever punched out one of these holes.
Yes, many times . Back in my day a 1-1/4" chassis punch co$t about $35 (!) . Now you can find them cheaply online, it only needs work once, do not use power tools to operate it . First you need to measure the area to ensure it'll fit then figure out the exact center point and drill a pilot hole then assemble the chassis punch and slowly tighten it until the hole is cut . I expect Evan or Russ know far more than I about this tool.....
It seems like an easy process but the problem I’m having is locating the correct punch size. The original hole on my bedside is 2-7/8” the filler neck is 2.5” so if I can get a 2-3/4” that should work.
just a quick search : Amazon.com : 2-3/4” punch Try google and switch up the names chassis punch and so on as well as the spacing of the size numbers .
This forum seems to not have as many active people anymore that’s too bad. Even in the parts for sale section is dated. I was needing some glove door hinges. Unless I can find mine.
This seems to be the way of things . Some years back (1990's) I had an old '49 Chevy 3100 shop truck, I liked it and worked it hard, then Advance Design light duty trucks became cool, hip or whatever and this became a really busy site .
