I wondered if this might be of interest to anyone who is contemplating making an air intake or exit grille.

Whilst I did manage to TIG weld the mesh to the surround on the air exit grille, mentioned on a previous thread, it wasn't easy because the grille was anodised. So for the grille in the front end of the sidepod to take away heat from the exhaust I thought of another way.

I formed the surround in the usual way but allowed more material in the returns so that it bent again when in contact with the surface table. After forming and fitting the mesh, I was able to bend the tabs further and finally using a door skinning tool, crimp them tight up onto the mesh. I was thinking about riveting as well, but the result is really tight and I don't think further fixing is needed.

John

If you need to fit it more firmly, could you spot weld it?

Not sure on the chemistry involved with spotwelding ali...

I don't think you can spot weld ali but it really isn't necessary. The mesh is clamped really tightly ans will be even tighter when the whole thing has been powder coated.

John

PU adhesive is really great for this type of application - strong but flexible.

Yes Raz but will it take the temperature of powder coating?

Firegum probably will...but I'd put sikaflex / PU on after powdercoating...

But as you say, if it's strong enough as is then don't bother

(looks smart, BTW - do you want to make me one? )


[Edited on 19/3/07 by stevebubs]

You can spot weld ali, well its an ongoing research project here. They have it working

David

quote
(looks smart, BTW - do you want to make me one? )

Course I will, mates rates!