Am thinking ahead slightly so's I can place an order and am wondering, which would be heaviest? A thinner, welded steel floor or a bonded, rivetted aluminium floor.

I think for steel you would use 1.5mm for ali 2-2.5mm? so given that ali is a third of the weight for the same sized section than steel the ali floor would be a quite a significant saving, their are quite a few threads on the subject if you care to do a search.

Here is a good list of FAQ's:
http://gtslocost.locostsites.co.uk/locostfaq.htm

[Edited on 10/9/06 by Gav]

Cheers mate. Searched the forum but didn't come out with much but never seen that link before.

Not sure what my Westfield floor thickness is, but at max its 2mm, its Aluminium and plenty strong enough.

Some series apparently require a steel floor though, in case you intend to race yours.

No not for racing, well only from traffic lights!

Mines 3mm polypropylene; works on Karts.

1.5mm steel? I thought thinner stuff was used. 2mm aly? I'm sure mine is thicker.

The thickness and material depend on what you think it might have to stop.

Philosophies run from stopping rain and road dirt, through to stopping bricks and wreckage from competing cars.

So as thin and light as you feel comfortable with. Though if you plan on standing on it while entering and exiting the car 1.2mm steel or 2mm aluminium are probably practical.

[Edited on 11/9/06 by iank]

most of the sylva/ex sylva cars have been using 16swg ali floors for yeahs with no ill effect and the hold up fine even with 100kg+ drivers/passengers standing on them to get in and out.

if you do gfo for ali get a decent grade such as ns4 as it will be noticeably stiffer.

I used 0.8mm steel for mine. Which I guess is similar weight to 2.4mm ali.

I ran a pair of swage(sp?) lines along each sheet to try and help prevent popping when getting in the car.

It didn't stay flat when I welded but it certainly doesn't pop!

If I was starting again...... I'd use ali. Mainly cos it's waterproof and I wouldn't have to worry about the paint wearing off the floor and rusting!

Cheers,
James

1.5mm ally on mine, same as westfield

[Edited on 12/9/06 by NS Dev]

Here is what i came up with.

16swg Aluminum = 13.4lbs (6.07kg)
22swg Aluminum = 6.7 lbs (2.75kg)
22swg Steel = 19.4lbs (8.8kg)

If there are anyother materials or thickness that you want let me know, as it is very easy to find.

I figure that with drilling and Riviting the weight differance is negligible. As you are removing and adding material.

It is likely to weigh less to bond (steel or Aluminum) rather than welding, as you are adding that much more material.

This was done on a 442 frame, and here is the attatched image of the floor.



[Edited on 9/12/06 by KENLUDE97]

Sylva cars do have 16 gauge floors it is true but not pure aluminium. They use NS4 an aluminium alloy which is very very tough.

John

Thanks all. I gather then that the welded steel weighs about the same as the bonded and riveted ally. Think I'll try for ally though due to the corrosion of the steel. Mind, all depends on the price as well, though I have seen an abandoned artic trailer in a side street hmm! Wonder if thats ally??

could be carpeted to let the paint on it..

Tks