Bending aluminum

[wytpnoy]

I have searched for this topic on here for a couple of days with no luck. Sorry if this has been a thread already but I'm ready to camp. I have purchased roof trim molding and t-molding to finish my build. What is the best method (heat gun, torch, walk it in place, etc.) to bend the roof trim with out it twisting or crimping. I'm also confused on the best method of bending and attaching the t-molding. Am I supposed to drill holes? And help or pictures would be greatly appreciated. Last hurdle than I'm camping.

[KCStudly]

First post? Any more info to offer on your method of construction, profile, etc.? The trim is likely already annealed.

There are a lot of details that could come into play, such as the radius of your door corners and if you have any tight radii in your profile. One good piece of advice seems to be to form your trim before putting the alum skin or paint finish on, then set it aside until it is time to install. that way you don't beat the paint and/or alum up when bumping the trim into place with a dead blow or rubber mallet. Some guys use a block of wood as a punch to help set the shape.

[woodywrkng]

Assuming the roof trim moulding is the wide stuff with a vinyl insert, it should bend easily with your hands. Put on some thick gloves and you can make a nice smooth curve. As for the T moulding, I didn't use it so I don't know how soft it is. If it's rigid, you'll need to anneal it. I used a propane torch and a felt tip marker to anneal and bend the stuff I used, which was angle aluminum from a hardware store. There are many annealing instructions on youtube and such.

[wiseguydirk]

I used a rubber hammer. Which you can use to slowly bend the aluminum into place as long as you screw down the pieces along the way.

[wytpnoy]

Thanks for the help. I think I'm over thinking it. Just spent more on aluminum than I was planning and if I screw it up it'll be another set back.