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Aluminium grade for the bodywork?
Mr Whippy - 18/8/20 at 03:01 PM

Hi,

As part of this "rebuild" of my Robin hood I'm going to ditch quite a bit of the stainless steel bodywork, 1 cos some of it been done so badly by the previous owners that I have to start again (ah I bought it as a project I really don't care...) & 2 stainless is pretty darn heavy! I took off the rear bulkhead and wow what weight! I'm keeping the stainless sides and floor but everything else is being replaced, including the 2 ton bonnet I need help to lift off

I was just off the phone to our local supplier who fortunately is just 5 mins up the road and he asked me what grade and I was like oh... not fussed, but really what is the best grade?!

Suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks


hughpinder - 18/8/20 at 03:45 PM

here is a generic guide
https://www.1stchoicemetals.co.uk/aluminium/grades-guide/

although I always thought it was 3003/3103 you used if there is a lot of shaping, but difficult to find. I used 5083 for the floor and some bits because it is extremely strong and good corrosion resistance, but good luck shaping it to anything but flat!

I'm sure some real expert will be along shortly
Regards
Hugh


Mr Whippy - 18/8/20 at 05:16 PM

That's a good guide in the link loads of information in there

Thanks


steve m - 18/8/20 at 05:41 PM

I just ordered two sheets of 2mm medium (8X4 feet) and that's what arrived, it was 23 years ago though
Perhaps the grades have changed


907 - 19/8/20 at 09:19 AM

Pure aluminium is 1050, usually bought as 1050 H14 (half hard)

This is semi work hardened and will shape over edges quite easily.



I have a stainless floor but the rest of my car body is 1.5 mm thick.


HTH
Paul G

Edit to add:-

All metal has its limits, as you can see from my avatar.
This was to be a front indicator pod pressing.

[Edited on 19/8/20 by 907]


Mr Whippy - 19/8/20 at 09:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
Pure aluminium is 1050, usually bought as 1050 H14 (half hard)

This is semi work hardened and will shape over edges quite easily.



I have a stainless floor but the rest of my car body is 1.5 mm thick.


HTH
Paul G

Edit to add:-

All metal has its limits, as you can see from my avatar.
This was to be a front indicator pod pressing.

[Edited on 19/8/20 by 907]


Thanks I'll go with that. Your car is quite amazing, loads of nice touches


907 - 19/8/20 at 12:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
quote:
Originally posted by 907
Pure aluminium is 1050, usually bought as 1050 H14 (half hard)

This is semi work hardened and will shape over edges quite easily.



I have a stainless floor but the rest of my car body is 1.5 mm thick.


HTH
Paul G

Edit to add:-

All metal has its limits, as you can see from my avatar.
This was to be a front indicator pod pressing.

[Edited on 19/8/20 by 907]


Thanks I'll go with that. Your car is quite amazing, loads of nice touches




Very nice of you to say so. Thanks.

I did get the indicator pods right in the end.
Decided on orange lenses instead of clear as I felt the car needed a splash of colour here and there.

ally winkers final stage
ally winkers final stage