i do mine old school. i just plop the old part down on some new metal and trace <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

id say if your looking to make your stuff "bullet proof" use steel diamond plate. 1/4" and thicker. i use a product from vht called epoxy coat. its a spray paint with a self primering etching epoxy. it seals metal so it doesnt rust. i find using a wire wheel to scuff up the part, then some paint thinner to clean it off makes it look best. the black is what i use. silver is decent and blue is a bit bright. the red looks like crap though.

1995 nissan maxima se, 5spd short throw, aluminum flywheel and crank pully, stage 3 clutch, custom ported top end, full 2.5 exhaust jdm front end