Building Cases, Where to Find Parts?

[BassAxe]

Hi there.
I posted this in the BG side, too.

I have some instruments of unusual shapes. Instead of searching for something that might do the job, I've decided to build the cases exactly as I want them.

I'm handy with tools... welding, riveting and such. I can find websites offering replacement parts like hinges, corners, latches and locks. What I can't find are the rails where the two halves of the case will meet. I'd like something which will help deflect rain drops from getting in to the instrument.

I'm thinking of cases like I see pictured on this site:
http://www.unitecproducts.com/_cases.php

I plan on filling the insides of the cases with this spray-in expanding foam which will contour to the instrument, before I cover the foam with velvet or something.

If anyone knows of any good sources for these parts, please let me know.

Thanks!

[bassist14]

sorry, i can´t help you with the rails, but am interested in "this spray-in expanding foam which will contour to the instrument"
do you have a link for that?
thank you

[BassAxe]

Originally Posted by bassist14

sorry, i can´t help you with the rails, but am interested in "this spray-in expanding foam which will contour to the instrument"
do you have a link for that?
thank you

I've found a site which pictures the application. I just need to find some means of doing this small-scale on a budget. Everything I am finding online is for mass production and shipping business applications.

http://www.propakinc.com/sprayfoam.html

The basic technique is that you spray in enough of the material, place a layer of plastic over the wet foam, lay the item to be protected, then do the same thing with the top half of the box and sandwich the item. I figure when it has cured, you should be able to coat it with an adhesive, lay in some fabric, and be done.

So many of the things I'm finding online are meant for businesses, though.

If anyone is wondering, I need a case for my Hadgini Udu and maybe one for a Koto.

[salcott]

I'd do lots of testing with the expando foam before using it with an instrument. I believe it generates some heat as it expands and cures, and may be capable of exerting enough pressure to crush a fragile object as well.