SCHOOL OF FAB
Session 1: Custom Panel Fabrication
Presenters: Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer
Location: Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
This session is an ideal start to get seasoned fabricators into a ‘next level’ mindset. Learn the important thought processes that simplify the fabrication tasks you’ll undertake, as well as give you pivot points in your designs to add more (or less) customization for a given time and cost budget. We’ll cover expanded uses of templates and Pro Tips to capture the vehicle geometry saving lots of time in the process. Discover how to design something that avoids added difficulty at the upholstery stage. Learn the importance of solid mounting methodologies to build panels from so your structural attachment points don’t need trimming or modification upon final fitting. This session is the basis upon which subsequent sessions are built and an essential part of being a fabricator above the rest!
Topics covered:
• Learn important order of steps in the fabrication process
• Using templates and other tricks to capture the vehicle’s geometry
• Creating framework and repeatable base parts using templates
• Custom mounting brackets and panel attachment methodology
• Pro Tips
Presenters: Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer
Location: Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 7:30am-8:50am
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
This session is an ideal start to get seasoned fabricators into a ‘next level’ mindset. Learn the important thought processes that simplify the fabrication tasks you’ll undertake, as well as give you pivot points in your designs to add more (or less) customization for a given time and cost budget. We’ll cover expanded uses of templates and Pro Tips to capture the vehicle geometry saving lots of time in the process. Discover how to design something that avoids added difficulty at the upholstery stage. Learn the importance of solid mounting methodologies to build panels from so your structural attachment points don’t need trimming or modification upon final fitting. This session is the basis upon which subsequent sessions are built and an essential part of being a fabricator above the rest!
Topics covered:
• Learn important order of steps in the fabrication process
• Using templates and other tricks to capture the vehicle’s geometry
• Creating framework and repeatable base parts using templates
• Custom mounting brackets and panel attachment methodology
• Pro Tips
Session 2: Metalcraft meets Plastics Fab
Presenters: Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer
Location: Main Hall
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
Learn enhanced 3D routing techniques and how to minimize multiple body working steps. Check out new ideas for accent lighting in multiple colors and panel layers to add dimension to your designs. Watch aluminum and plastics used in creative ways as panel inserts or visual cues that tie into the vehicle interior theme. Of course tons of Pro Tips throughout this session are shared, including many of the important materials used in the process of fabricating these creations!
Topics covered:
• 3D Routing – Tools and safety-focused techniques
• Make the most out of the bodywork stages – effective techniques
• Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact
• Creating unique trim inserts using aluminum and plastic elements
• Assembly of fabricated panels with an eye on longevity and serviceability
• Pro Tips and Material Recommendations
Presenters: Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer
Location: Main Hall
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 9:10am-10:40am
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
Learn enhanced 3D routing techniques and how to minimize multiple body working steps. Check out new ideas for accent lighting in multiple colors and panel layers to add dimension to your designs. Watch aluminum and plastics used in creative ways as panel inserts or visual cues that tie into the vehicle interior theme. Of course tons of Pro Tips throughout this session are shared, including many of the important materials used in the process of fabricating these creations!
Topics covered:
• 3D Routing – Tools and safety-focused techniques
• Make the most out of the bodywork stages – effective techniques
• Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact
• Creating unique trim inserts using aluminum and plastic elements
• Assembly of fabricated panels with an eye on longevity and serviceability
• Pro Tips and Material Recommendations
Session 3: Elevated Finishes and Trims
Presenters: Gary Bell, Tom Miller, and JT Torres
Location: Main Hall
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
This session is all about the finishes to lean into a particular unique design influence. Learn the tricks used by top fabrication pros that yield results as if the car manufacturer designed it that way. Shadow trim, paint tricks (marbling, faux wood grain, etc.), surface texturing, using wood-like veneers and much more are all part of this incredible session. Also learn the secrets to having panels look finished on the back side when removed for service as they do on the front. Get plenty of Pro Tips on prepping fabricated panels for perfect upholstery or final paint finishes.
Topics covered:
• Creating shadow trim features
• Surface texturing with paint
• Pressed metal grilles/inserts
• Wood veneer finishes
• Prepping for upholstery
Presenters: Gary Bell, Tom Miller, and JT Torres
Location: Main Hall
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Second Group: Tuesday March 8, 2022 – 11:00am-12:20pm
Total Time: 80 Minutes
Description:
This session is all about the finishes to lean into a particular unique design influence. Learn the tricks used by top fabrication pros that yield results as if the car manufacturer designed it that way. Shadow trim, paint tricks (marbling, faux wood grain, etc.), surface texturing, using wood-like veneers and much more are all part of this incredible session. Also learn the secrets to having panels look finished on the back side when removed for service as they do on the front. Get plenty of Pro Tips on prepping fabricated panels for perfect upholstery or final paint finishes.
Topics covered:
• Creating shadow trim features
• Surface texturing with paint
• Pressed metal grilles/inserts
• Wood veneer finishes
• Prepping for upholstery
Session 4: Expert Automotive Upholstery
Presenters: Tracy Weaver, Jeremy Katz, and JT Torres
Location: Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group: Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 8:30am-9:50am (next morning)
Total Time: 90 Minutes
Description:
Upholstery is the final step in any interior design and fabrication process. All of the previous sessions lead participants into this critically important finish. Watch a custom hot rod seat be fabricated and upholstered in real time. Learn some of the important secrets to using sewing machines to create seams and join patterned sections for a highly custom look. Discover even more important Pro Tips that experienced master upholstery professionals use every day.
Topics covered:
• Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
• Upholstery materials of choice – for hard and soft panel finishes
• Patterning and stitching different seams
• Full seat fabrication from foam to upholstery
• Finishing techniques to ensure a cohesive appearance and more Pro Tips
Presenters: Tracy Weaver, Jeremy Katz, and JT Torres
Location: Palo Verde 1 & 2
First Group: Monday March 7, 2022 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
Second Group: Wednesday March 9, 2022 – 8:30am-9:50am (next morning)
Total Time: 90 Minutes
Description:
Upholstery is the final step in any interior design and fabrication process. All of the previous sessions lead participants into this critically important finish. Watch a custom hot rod seat be fabricated and upholstered in real time. Learn some of the important secrets to using sewing machines to create seams and join patterned sections for a highly custom look. Discover even more important Pro Tips that experienced master upholstery professionals use every day.
Topics covered:
• Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
• Upholstery materials of choice – for hard and soft panel finishes
• Patterning and stitching different seams
• Full seat fabrication from foam to upholstery
• Finishing techniques to ensure a cohesive appearance and more Pro Tips
