Rolled Aluminum Plate for Full-Scale Hot Wheels Track Display

On Friday, January 28, 2011, we provided a quote to Chicago Scenic Studios for bending aluminum plate into a very complex shape. General Motors wanted Chicago Scenic Studios to create a twenty-foot tall, twisting, turning, orange, hot-wheels track eight feet wide for the world premier of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro at the Chicago Auto Show. The convertible was to be parked at the bottom of the track. The date for the final installation,Feb.8th, was just nine short days away (including weekends).

This challenging hot-wheel job immediately become a very hot job in both our shops.

Bending aluminum plate for the Chicago Auto Show

Chicago Metal Rolled Products was given a 3D model in AutoCAD without dimensions.  Engineer Dan Wendt developed the 3D dimensions in order to build our fixture to fabricate and partially erect the required, off-axis, helical, multi-radius curves. He then developed the flat, 2D, patterns to be plasma cut, curved, twisted, and then welded with 60 gusset plates to the plasma-cut sides of the track. Like the toy, hot-wheels track, its sides have a 10 degree flare. Dan spent 20 hours detailing the project. We couldn't purchase the material until we developed  the final layout

Our initial quote incorporated  15 stock sheets of aluminum 48 x 120 for the 8+ ft. wide track.  With the flat patterns in hand, project manager Joe Wendt searched for material and found extra large sheets 96 x 240 that are sometimes used to line truck beds.  He was able to create the whole length of the track with just three huge plates. Instead of 14 connections, Chicago Scenic had just two splices to make.   

The material arrived on Tuesday, February 1, but so did the third worst storm in Chicago history, dropping 20 inches of snow in one horrendous blizzard.  There was no question that our shop would be closed on Wednesday. 

On Thursday after the plate was plasma cut, we went to work over two shifts of plate rolling to create the complex shapes, to fastened the sides of the track with 60 gussets, and to partially erect the structure to ensure everything would fit up at Chicago Scenic.

On Friday, one week after we quoted this job, we shipped the curved material to Chicago Scenic. Working 24 hours each day over the weekend, Chicago Scenic Studios fit-up, welded, painted, transported, and erected the display Monday morning, February 7. Hanging from the ceiling on cables, the track was erected and ready to be presented to the media on Wednesday, February 9.

The GM hot-wheels track also incorporated large monitors to engage attendees in an elaborate contest to win a new Camaro-not the hot-wheel toys the sales force was handing out, but the real thing.  Visitors competed to create the best stop-action, 3D jumping competition to be judged through voting on social media.

Joe attended the opening night charity ball with his sister and their spouses. In addition to seeing the final display, they enjoyed the music of KC and the Sunshine Band.  When KC sang "That's the way, Uh, Huh, Uh, Huh. I like it" no doubt he was singing about this cool display.

Our work TESTIMONIALS
  • "A big thank you to your team. Your parts are receiving the most positive feedback possible. Your company has new fans here."
    Bruce E., Kansas
  • "Without CMRP able to roll these channels to my specifications, there was no way this beautiful round antenna would have ever worked. 
    Damon S., Wisconsin
  • "My customer has installed several truckloads worth of 36" x 160# WF beams you rolled and cambered for us. The quality is spot on."
    Justin J., Alabama
  • "The rolled stringers were right on the button as far as pitch and radius."
    Bob O., Illinois
  • "I really appreciate your company coming through on this order & expediting the material when you said you would.You stick by their word."
    Jason R., Missouri
  • "The last order of rings were the best that we have received from you. The flanges were all flat. Keep them coming like that."
    Lenny P., Ohio
  • "Thanks for OVER AND ABOVE EXCELLENT SERVICE.  The quality and accuracy of CMRP's work is outstanding"
    Peggy, Texas
  • "The ring looks good! The OD is dead on. Thank you for your concerns regarding our questions and responding so quickly. I was impressed!"
    Fran Z., Pennsylvania
  • "Please pass on to the workers, . . . (your) rings . . . were some of the best our fitter has seen."
    Jeff K., Illinois
  • "I want to thank CMRP for exceeding what you promised. You are ahead of schedule and the strakes are fitting great."
    Jim A., New York
  • "Your advice was a significant contribution to the project.  You provide excellent service and knowledge"
    John Z., Illinois
  • "These pipes were rolled DEAD ON. The shop guys said they had never seen a pipe come in and hit every point like that in a long long time."
    Joe C., Missouri
  • "The rolling on these rectangular tubes was absolutely perfect! Barely any adjustment needed to be made."
    Tom G., Massachusetts
  • “We just placed an order for Rolled Angle Rings & you delivered them to us within 2-1/2 days ... we are three states away.”
    Jim S., Pennsylvania
  • “I would like a quote on a spiral project. I have heard many good things about your quality and timeliness from other fabricators.”
    Ryan L., Utah
  • “The rolled beams were delivered yesterday and look very good. Thank you for great service!”
    Thomas S., Maine
  • “I’ve worked with CMRP for over 16 years and can rely on them for any size job and in any time frame. CMRP delivers every time.”
    Mindy, H., Indiana
  • “It is unbelievable how good a job you guys did rolling these beams.”
    Richard G., Canada
  • “You all helped us out greatly when no one else seemed they could. Everything worked out wonderfully!”
    Cliff P., Florida
  • “The parts are very impressive and the service was stellar. I will certainly be recommending you to anyone needing such services.”
    Randy W., Georgia
  • “We got everything we needed in a very short turnaround, I appreciate it.  We are happy to have a reliable source to turn to.”
    Russell P., Illinois
  • “Quote was great! Timely, appropriate, and frankly less money than we expected.”
    James L., New York
  • “CMRP immediately took action and shipped out my order the same day! This all happened like clockwork, allowing us to meet the deadline.”
    Margo R., Ohio
  • “We only use CMRP for our rolling needs. We can always depend on getting a finished product that is to our expectations or better.”
    David P., New York
  • “I wish everyone could get quotes back that fast! That is why we use you, fast response to quotes and questions and great quality!”
    Will F., Indiana
  • “Your quotes are always so well organized and thorough, I trust your work.”
    Jessica, South Carolina
  • “On larger more complex rolling items, I typically only go to Chicago Metal Rolled Products for pricing due to quality.”
    Kevin H., Pennsylvania
  • “Thanks for providing the material. First two sets were laid out and fabricated. Radius was excellent!”
    Brad, Iowa
  • “We really appreciate your work on this. Amazing attention for a smaller sized job. Thank you for coming through.”
    Erik J., New York
  • “The project was AMAZING! Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”
    Kelly E., Iowa
  • “Your salesman provided a quick quote with an offer to explain things we should take into account. It's known you guys do the best work.”
    Mark R., Maryland
  • “Thank you for your help with the project and for getting everything complete and shipped out in a such a timely fashion. You guys saved the day.”
    Ben B., Florida
  • “You guys did an amazing job on these stringers. We would NOT be having such a success story without your team's effort & patience!”
    David B., Oklahoma
  • “You gave me excellent service and help which I appreciated very much. Material was on time and right on spec.”
    Brian S., Pennsylvania
  • “Your positive attitude is noted & CMRP reputation in the steel industry is impressive. All of our locations will contact you in the future.”
    Dave B., North Carolina
  • “My boilermakers in the field had positive things to say about the quality and accuracy of the angles that you rolled. Thank you.”
    Walter L., New York
  • “The project is complete and our customer is very pleased. I appreciate your diligence and quality on this one.”
    Dusty A., Texas
  • “CMRP has been instrumental in our ability to deliver high quality & great looking parts. Any job, big or small, CMRP has come through.”
    Eddie C., Kansas
  • “Your rolled steel worked great! We check lengths & chord dimensions ...everything was within an 1/8".”
    Don L., Michigan
  • “We received our order on time and the level of workmanship is excellent!"
    Roger R., Georgia
  • “Your company did a great job rolling these parts. Our fab and installation is going very well thanks to the quality of your work."
    Ronnie S., North Carolina
  • “Your company is the only one that was able to give me a quote that was right on with my specs, everyone else had to modify at least one dimension."
    Adam S., Minnesota
  • “Thank you for the follow through & turn around time, it greatly helps in the environment that exists today."
    Don F., Nevada
  • “This was our first experience with your company & I was very impressed with all aspects."
    Rick N., Minnesota
  • “I want all to know your hard work and efforts have not gone without appreciation."
    Lance B., Minnesota
  • “The accuracy and quality of your product put a smile on our foremans face - that is hard to come by."
    Jonathan S., New York
  • “Competitive price. Beat the schedule. No complaints from the project site."
    Lane K., Florida
  • “We appreciate you working with our tight schedule and overdelivering on this project."
    Alyson M., Texas
  • “The rolled segments were perfect and priced right. We will definitely use you again."
    Joe M., Nebraska
  • “Your group is awesome to work with and greatly appreciated!"
    Tammie N., Kansas
  • “You did EVERYTHING correctly. That's why you guys are the best in the business!"
    Walt W., Florida
  • “It was very impressive to get such rapid service and a great product."
    Jeff L., Pennsylvania
  • “Very impressed with your speed and overall service!"
    Brian W., Iowa
  • “Great service, product looks good, arrived a day early. Thank you!"
    David C., New York
  • “Your work, as always, near perfect, timely, and accurate. Exactly the same for the last 40 years."
    Pat M., Wisconsin
  • “Absolutely fantastic job by your guys! The fit of the two parts in AWESOME!"
    Kenny R., Florida
  • “The other guys were off by 3/4", CMRP spot on. We won't even question where to send our rolled plates in the future."
    Brant M., Illinois
  • “Your guys responsiveness is way better than any vendor that I have ever dealt with!"
    Jay W., Minnesota
  • “I always appreciate your continual positive attitude even in some difficult situations."
    Christopher L., Illinois
  • “We could not be happier with the parts and customer service you and your team provided. We have never been disappointed."
    Rodney H., Virginia
  • “What an amazing first time experience!! Couldn't be happier!."
    Jason S., Indiana
  • “We consider your company to be one which we can always count on to be on time and accurate."
    Andre T., Missouri
  • “It was very easy working with your company. I will recommend your company to others."
    Jim R., Illinois
  • “You handle all of our orders quickly and efficiently. Working with you is a joy!"
    Patti W., Texas
  • “Pieces fit like a glove"
    Mark F., New Jersey
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    Dan P., New York
  • “Couldn't be happier with both the order and how quickly you processed everything. Very happy!"
    Dan M., Texas
  • “The rolled plates & tube laser parts are perfect - having the plates rolled without any pickup, & ends meet up on true verticals is HUGE!"
    Jim M., New York
  • “High praises on the work you folks did. It's nice to know you guys are around."
    Peter B., Illinois
  • “Your superior service and quality are unmatched. This is not a cliche."
    Ted S.,Indiana