Aluminum roof with folds

[Gage]

Hi Gage
sorry but you called my source into question, assumed we knew nothing about aluminium fabrication.

No, not at all. What I said was:

Instead of asking your friend who probably doesn't even know what a NON-FIBERGLASS trailer/caravan even looks like...

It would be great if we could both put a differing view forward without any ill feeling or digs, lets strive for that eh?

No ill feelings on my end until someone starts calling names and then it's revenge time. But I still don't call names. I do a lot of joking around the campfire. And yes, I have talked about some as being jerks on this board, but never said who. Let those who think the shoe fits, put it on thier own feet.
And with that I'm back out of this thread.

Have a good day.

[rooster]

Guys, Guys, I didn't mean to start an argument. I just wanted some help.
The advice give was mot welcomed. I hopeing to install the roof today and I took from each of the answers given. I will clamp one end and put weights on the other to put tension on the aluminum, the place a 2x4 on each of the folds untell the adhesive has fully set.
But again thanks for the advice, and like my father told me, "Stop your arguing or we'll go to the woodshed."

Jim,

[mikeschn]

If this continues I'll have to take this thread away from you guys too.

Mike...

[Gerdo]

I think, if i'm following you right, you have peices that interlock and make a weather tight seal. Cool!

[John6012]

It sounds like you have the same problem I'm going to have. Around here I can get a sheet of 4x10 aluminum for $48.00 but if I buy it elsewhere I pay around 108. (if I'm lucky) and then I have to pay shipping. I pan on going the cheap route and getting my aluminum locally and using rachet straps around the trailer to hold it until the glue is set. Hope you have success.

[Steve Frederick]

Rooster,
The joint that you have is either a pittsburg or s-lock joint, these are commonly used in HVAC metal fabrication, something I am very familiar with. If you try to add fasteners, you will create a non-removable, ugly dimple in the lock on both sides of the fastener,
In actual use, the joint is held at the ends with another locking joint, or a fastener.
I'm with the "floaters" in the crowd. Glue it as best you can. Don't apply enough clamping pressure to collapse the pittsburg joint. I would avoid clamping straps, unless you place sticks or other means to alow the straps to not bear directly on the joint. Just get close to each side! Also, can you lay out the lock so that the wind blows over the back (closed) side of the joint, and not into the open side??

[rooster]

Gage and Steve F: This is what I, I did clamp at the galley end, cut the roof to lenght. I put clamps on the roof in front and placed c-clamps and hung a 3x36 inch pipe with bungie cords and let it pull the aluminum tight.
The fold laid flatter that I expected. I couldn't find alum. twist nails so I used nickel plated one 3/4" long. The roof came out great.

Thanks for all the help. "It Floats"

Jim,

[Steve Frederick]

"It Floats"

Jim,

Cool!!