Joe, what we discussed seems to have helped. I decreased the depth and formed some hard rubber to act as a female die. Went with a little thicker metal and this combination has stopped the tearing at the corner of the louver. Pressed about 20 holes in one of the hood side panels on my old Model T yesterday afternoon.
Going to reinforce the press frame some more also, have to wait till Monday as I've used up all the 2x4, 1/4 wall tube I had in the shop.
Thanks again for the help.