Newbie

[The Fabricator]

Hi, this is my first post. Im a retired guy looking for something to build. Ive had many different careers in the past. My most recent was I owned a metal fabrication shop. I live in orange county NY. My question is, have anyone covered the exterior walls of a teardrop with 1/16 plastic panel that you can buy at HomeDepot? It is much cheaper than aluminum and easier to work with. Thanks for any comments.

[KennethW]

click to enlarge
If you are talking about FRP a lot have used it.
Mine is FRP - foam - canvas with no wood.

[flyguide]

Hi, this is my first post. Im a retired guy looking for something to build. Ive had many different careers in the past. My most recent was I owned a metal fabrication shop. I live in orange county NY. My question is, have anyone covered the exterior walls of a teardrop with 1/16 plastic panel that you can buy at HomeDepot? It is much cheaper than aluminum and easier to work with. Thanks for any comments.

Welcome Fab
I live in Shrub Oak in Westchester county and have a place In Roscoe, where i am right now. I am in the middle of a build right now and Looked at the FRP that you are talking about. I'm not sure of the expansion or the UV stability of this product. I'm thinking of aluminum because it is a proven product. I have been hunting around for truck supply place to order a length of alum to cover trailer from front to back. Do it once correct or do it twice wrong that's expensive.

[The Fabricator]

Thanks flyguide,
I wasn't sure about the sun on it. I'll probably stay with aluminum. If you find any locally please let me know.

[The Fabricator]

Kenneth,
I was think of 1/16 thick plastic to go over the wood, but it is probably a bad idea, due to the sun's UV.

[razorback]

FRP can be used if prepped properly. I finished mine in May of 07 and have pulled it over 32000 miles. Krylon Fusion paint adheres to FRP quite well. You can then coat with a good latex outdoor paint. This will protect the FRP from ultraviolet rays.
Larry