Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

After building the framing for the hatch over the weekend, the question of how to attach aluminum to it has been bothering me. I have solid 3/4x2 pine ribs and 3/8 bendable luan material to work with. The outermost ribs are a little over a half inch from the edges of the luan-I have a couple of different options I think, but suggestions would very much be appreciated.

Regie

Regie, our hatch was similar in that we used a 3/8th bendable ply on it...we used RV insert edge molding on top and plain angle underneath to make a sandwich and used rivets from the bottom up, covering the "stud" with the insert in the top molding...I'm sorry that I really don't have any pics of this process as we were up to our ears (literally) in urethane windshield sealant and couldn't grab a camera...
madjack

Thanks Madjack, that sounds perfect. I have really been undecided about the finish method, one day I'm pro AL and then the next I'm back to paint. I'm now pretty sure its AL, at least until tomorrow

Regie

I just found these fasteners, and was thinking about using them instead of real rivets. Just cause I never have used rivets before---any thoughts

http://www.screwpost.com/product_info.p ... ducts_id=3

Regie

Regie, they would probably work...at least you wouldn't have the rivet "stud" to deal with...keep in mind what you have shown is designed to bind documents into a folder and MAY or MAYNOT be able to be tightened sufficiently for your application...I would use some kind locktite on the threads and seal the opening they pass thru very well...
madjack

Well horse feathers!!!! Your right-even looking at the steel ones by the time I get one that is long enough the diameter is way to big. I'll have to bite the bullet and learn to rivet. That is one of those skills you need to have when you start but don't have until after you finish

Thanks Madjack

rmcelroy wrote:I just found these fasteners, and was thinking about using them instead of real rivets. Just cause I never have used rivets before---any thoughts

http://www.screwpost.com/product_info.p ... ducts_id=3

Regie

I used those on my hatch and found that I needed two sizes to make it work but I'm quite satisfied . They won't take too much of a torque since they are aluminum. They are designed for binding pages together. Danny

I did as MJ did but left them exposed. I used Stainless steel rivets. It's pretty easy. The stud is under the weather stripping.

Sonetpro wrote:I did as MJ did but left them exposed. I used Stainless steel rivets. It's pretty easy. The stud is under the weather stripping.

How did you pein them? My super duper hardware store (Mc Lendens) sells them but has no idea how to apply them. Danny

I didn't pien them. I used pop rivets. You just drill a 1/8" hole put a dab of sealer then insert a rivet in the gun and tighten till they snap. Then put a dab of sealer in the hole.
Pop Rivet