Im attempting to make a metal apron with the cutout for the crossbow mech.

I started with a stock stern apron. Unfortunately the instruction card slots are higher than the original plastic version. By cutting out the area for the crossbow mech, I had to lose one of the holes.

I would like to keep the 4 holes on the right if possible for 1 card. Pretty much anything is on the table for the other side.

Some ideas I have, but don’t love are;

-Have the holes welded shut and recut all the slots lower.

-Cut a triangle on the left and put a backlit image behind some colored or frosted plexiglass.

-Just cut the rule card so it uses 3 slots.

Scrap the stock apron and attempt to have one waterjetted and bent.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
55D49242-9B6D-4493-87D2-942D3DEEC84B (resized).jpeg

Bump for the evening crowd

I haven’t gotten any further on this project yet. My plan is to countersink the mounting holes and change the post under the apron, so it’s flat.

Here’s what I’ve done so far incase anyone else is wondering how the got to this point.

I made a cardboard template of the plastic apron. Then I traced the template onto the new apron. Use a step drill in the middle and then cut out the rest from the edge to that point using a jigsaw. Make sure you put painters tape or wide masking tape on the metal you want to keep. Otherwise the jigsaw will leave scratches the apron.
After that use a file and some scotchbrite to smooth the cut edge.