this is the only recommendation i got for the type of AL to use for a dash. i want to clearcoat it so i dont have to worry about corrosion. anyone have pics of this stuff? does all industrial aluminum look the same? any other suggestions for types? thanks!



- jake

I don't know what your :smokin: but it looks like any other kind of alum
http://dkg.elmo-the-dog.com/pictures/1022777631.66.229.4.246.jpg

Here is some 6061 flat stock and 2" tube

Originally posted by JeeperJake
this is the only recommendation i got for the type of AL to use for a dash. i want to clearcoat it so i dont have to worry about corrosion. anyone have pics of this stuff? does all industrial aluminum look the same? any other suggestions for types? thanks!



- jake
did you ask what would happen if you used 6066?:flipoff2: Use anything that you want, I'd bet he said use 6061 because that is what is readily available at steel supply stores. I recommend diamondplate, it looks cool:flipoff2:

difference is when you have the stuff bent.
6061 will most likely break when you have it bent

3031 will not break when you have it bent.

difference is the hardness i think.

Originally posted by fabricator
difference is when you have the stuff bent.
6061 will most likely break when you have it bent

3031 will not break when you have it bent.

difference is the hardness i think.

I skined my firewall in 6061 and it didn't break!

YEA it's onlt 22 gauge, but it's still 6061! :flipoff2:

the hardness will be in the t6/t4 or other ratings. all the way down to dead soft. t-6 will break if you try much more than 10 to 20 degrees. it is just two hard to work with.

well, i want a bend of about 60 degrees, so what would be a good hardness rating and type? thanks!



- jake

We build fire trucks where I work, all our bodies are formed aluminum made from primarily 1/8" thick 5052-H32 sheet. This is a common grade and should be found ANYWHERE that stocks aluminum sheet.

For anything that might need a bit of extra rigidity, we use 3/16" thick 5052-H32 PLATE. downside is the PLATE doesnt bend as nice and req's a larger bend radius to eliminate cracking along the bend.

When we do gauge panels, we figure out the component layout, then I draw the hole cutouts in AutoCad, then we have the whole thing laser cut out from 16 guage brushed stainless.

We used to use Checkerplate in the "old days" for gauge panels, but the components dont sit flush due to the protrusion of the checker bumps. These little gaps collect crap faster than the floor of my truck :rolleyes:

The biggie is bend radius and thickness....

If it's gonna be thin stuff (.062 or less), and you can give it a little bend radius, you can us 6061 (T6 is the most common treatment). [medium strength] [weldable]

If it's gonna be thicker and/or you need a sharp bend stay with something like 3031 (H3 is common, as I recall). [fairly soft and easy to work with] [weldable]

Stay away from 7075 [NOT weldable] or 2024, as they are high strenght alloys that do not bend well (and expensive).

Don't know about 5052, I've never worked with it. I beleive it sits somewhere between 3031 and 6061...

The post treatments (such at T6 or H3) effect it's workabilty, but not as much as the alloy. The higher the number the stronger or harder (depending on the type of post treat).

we stay away from the utility grade 3000 series alloys, they oxidize much faster than the 5000 series, and has a lower tensile strength that the 5000 series.

If you are only makin a basic dashboard and are planning to paint it or cover it with a mactac type vinyl, the 3000 series are just fine.

well, i want a 60 degree bend in it, will clearcoat it, and the bent part will only be 1 inch wide ( but down the whole length of the dash). will this be okay, or do i need to buy a bigger piece, bend it first, and then cut it? just now thought of that...anyone?

so, the 3031 should be good for my need? what thickness should i go with? thanks a lot guys !!!!!



- jake

I would go with 5052....

cut to size - then bend - I would use 5052 myself but 3000 is fine - whomever bends it should use plastic cheet between dies and alum sheet to keep the dies from marking it - seeing as you wish to clearcoat it. appearance counts eh ?


I would use 1/8" personally.