Skin

[wysedav]

Sorry in advance, I'm sure this has been asked before....

I'm building a ATMA clone and am just about ready to skin it. I need to source clear anodized aluminum in 0.032" x5x10 and 4x10 sheets, does anyone know a source in CT area? I found J Freeman in Boston but they don't have the 5x10 sheets.

Thanks,

David

[halfdome, Danny]

Good luck in finding 5' x 10' anodized aluminum.
I can only find it in my area in 4' x 10' sheets.

I butt joint the aluminum on the sides towards the roof (just above the door) and then cut a 1/2" wide strip to cover the butt joint, using the thin 3M VHB tape.


On the roof of my 5' wide teardrop I cut the sheets in half with the grain going across the roof and do a 2" overlap with the leading edge facing rearward.
I use the thicker VHB tape and also cover the edge with "L" shaped aluminum trim.

Don't know what an ATMA is but these building principals should work if it's a flat surface your covering.
Danny

[wysedav]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to find 5’ but I think you’re right I’m going to have to have a seam.

The ATMA Travelear was a build I saw here it has about a 50 page write up. I’m sure you’ll remember it when you see it. The build looks very similar to yours. Which is very nice BTW.

David

[Aguyfromohio]

For our build we used pre-painted aluminum, not anodized.
But I did spend a huge amount of time seeking a source for sheets bigger than 4 x 8, we really wanted seamless skin on the sidewalls.
I only found one outfit that seems focused on the auto racing community, selling over-sized painted sheets so people can have seamless skins on their race cars haulers.
In the end we went with smaller sheets and seams.

Big sheets of aluminum are one of those items that industry can get easily for a truckload, but that hobbyists almost can't get at all in small quantities.
Anodize finish is a less common than mill finish or pre-painted so it's probably even harder to find in over-sized sheets.

[MatBirch]

Try different resources. I work for a Truck Body and trailer manufacturer. We keep 5x10 in stock. We don’t advertise, but I know we’ve sold to the public before.
Maybe check for someone like that in your area?