Aluminum Skin....so many choices

[jdjernigan]

Hi Everyone, (You guys are awesome....I really enjoy reading everyone's comments)

I'm a first time builder and have plenty of questions. I've got an over-engineered trailer chassis (I tell you that story later) and floor framing complete, sides are cut out and trying to think 20 steps ahead of what I'm doing now so I won't mess up anything.

I want to skin my tear in aluminum, so I have lots of questions specific to that and I didn't see much discussion on it. Hopefully these will be a catalyst for some healthy debate:

1. What gauge aluminum should I use? Why?
2. What Alloy...you know the 4 digit number?
3. I love the polished look...What are the pro's and con's? Maintenance?
4. Has anyone ever started with polished sheet aluminum? My local metal dealer can get it covered with a protective film (to keep it nice).
5. What are the best adhesives to use if gluing to ACX plywood?
6. Other than the glue, what surface prep is recommended?

By the way...I have lots of pictures...just need some time to post.

[madjack]

Welcome to the board JD...we wanna see da pics for sure...as to your questions
1) .032/.040 are probably the most commonly used...050 and .060 are also used if the others are unavailable or for the top if no underlayment is used
2) I just bought the cheapest .032 mill finish that I could find...a little over 40 bucks a sheet (4x10)
3/4)can't give you a llota info here but get it with the protective film on it...especially if you go with the polished(do it with either if you can)....handling the Al is tricky(very flexible) and VERY EASY to scratch up
5) a product by the name of Henry's 663 Outdoor Carpet Adhesive(or its equivalent) has become very popular...it's waterproof stays flexible and is easy to apply and work with
6)hit the glue side with a scuff pad or light sand paper to give the adhesive something to "bite" to
good luck on your build and we are waitin' on da pics
madjack

[doug hodder]

I'd agree with Madjack on this one...the only difference is that I did a scuff finish on the aluminum from the get go to hide any scratches and it gives me a really different look... then clear coated it with automotive clear....pretty expensive...but it doesn't tarnish and I can wash and wax it like a car....check my album for pics....Doug

[larryl]

Doug:

How much pressure did you have to apply to the 4.5" grinder to acheive your finish on the TD? I think it looks great.

How long did it take?

I am fed up trying to polish out the scratches.

Larryl

[jdjernigan]

How did you do the scuff finish Doug?...I like that a lot on your galley counter top (I assume that stainless). Have you done the sides in a similar fashion? Did I miss the pictures?

Thanks for everyone's quick advice...I think I like it here

By the way...great pictures everyone! My mind is spinning with all sorts of new thoughts/ideas for my build.....better tack on another 6 mos. to my ETB (Estimated time to build). My wife thanks you all.