Best thickness of aluminum sheet with no plywood back

[IamJerryP]

Have not seen this addressed anywhere, but sure it has, and I have not seen it.
If I wanted an Aluminum sided teardrop, with out any plywood behind it, what is the best thickness to go with??
As in just attaching the siding to the frame.

[jonw]

I used .040in. for my roof & hatch without any plywood backing and it's doing fine...

[Lgboro]

Mine has .040 on the roof and .032 on the sides. You really have to be careful handling .032 due to it being so thin but it will hold up well as I have 26,000 plus miles and no problems. My aluminum is floated over just the cedar stick frame and 1 1/2 inches of blue insulation. The only heavy blems (character marks) are from wind impacted blown objects that would have dented almost any thickness aluminum.

[IamJerryP]

Thanks guys, that is a big help.
What did you affix it to the frame with???

[GuitarPhotog]

Thanks guys, that is a big help.
What did you affix it to the frame with???

Mine is 0.050 aircraft aluminum, and it's attached to the frame with aircraft-style (double sided) rivets.
It was built in 1948 and has never leaked. It has a couple of dings from large stones thrown up by the tow vehicle, but hail has never damaged it.

<Chas>