Machining for Fun

Dan Carney machines custom aluminum components for his 1948 Pontiac project car.

Drag racing and hot rods have been a part of Dan and Nancy Carney’s lives for many years. Dan, who owns Carney Custom Machining along with Nancy, was crew chief for a top fuel drag racing team. In fact, the couple’s interaction with the racing community was what spurred them to start their own shop. Early on, the shop’s prime customers were drag racing teams in need of one-off components such as brackets and plates that the car builders couldn’t make for themselves. Read their story.

When time allows, Dan taps his CNC milling and turning capabilities to machine custom aluminum components for his 1948 Pontiac project car shown above. He’s created interior door handles, dash knobs, engine pulleys, a cup holder, gas and brake pedals and other parts.

Do you ever get the chance to machine stuff just for fun? If so, shoot me a quick e-mail describing what you’ve done. Include a photo, if possible. If you’re willing to share, I may share your fun project(s) with other readers in an upcoming blog entry.