I also bought smaller hardboard panels as part of my interior-material supplies.
The featured Amazon option is Ampersand Twelve-by-Sixteen Hardboard Panel.
Where it fits my build
I marked the opening beneath the passenger seat and used a drill, reciprocating saw and grinder to make it. I then drilled the mounting holes and sanded the cut area.
The finishing sequence included two coats of primer and two coats of white paint. That put the cutting, abrasive preparation and coating into distinct steps before the heater mounting continued.
The cut heater-opening area during finishing work.White paint around the heater mounting opening after preparation.
My build notes
The opening changed from marked sheet metal to a cut edge and then to a painted mounting area. The sequence in the photos explains the role of the finishing supplies alongside the cutting tools.
Cutting the opening was followed by abrasive preparation and coating before assembly continued.
Alternative products
Two alternatives to compare
The three cards compare ready-cut hardboard panels with different footprints. A smaller sheet can reduce the amount of stock handled while laying out an individual piece.
Tempered Hardboard Twelve-by-Twenty-Four Panel
This tempered hardboard sheet measures twelve by twenty-four inches. The one-eighth-inch panel provides a small blank for cutting and layout work.
This flat hardboard panel measures sixteen by twenty inches. Its one-eighth-inch profile provides a thin sheet for painting, mounting and small projects.
