Aluminum sheet metal

[PAULDH]

Hi everyone

I am constructing a teardrop of my own design

What type and thickness of sheetmetal is used in covering teardrop trailers ??

Thanks

Paul

[asianflava]

What type is used?... Whatever you can find.
What thickness?... Typically .030, anything over .040 makes it difficult to bend over the curves and adds unnecessary expense and weight.

[RandyG]

The type of aluminum really depends if you plan on painting it or leaving i bare and polished. For the polished look go for 2024, 7076, 6061, stay away from 5052, it will not keep a shine but anything will work if painted.
For thicker material it helps if it is T-3 or less but then your skin is more prone to dent and not "pop" back out.

[Roo Dog]

Paul,

Something different from aluminum.
Steel sign grade colorbond over ply for us.
Prepainted.

SD

[Rochester Coops]

not to steal the thread, but Randy, do you have any tips for painting the aluminum?

[GerryS]

Check out EAA web sites. Home build airplanes are as often as not 6061 aluminum. I'm sure there's good articles out there. And those guys are seriously concerned about keeping it light and durable....

[RandyG]

not to steal the thread, but Randy, do you have any tips for painting the aluminum?

Well of course!
What type of paint are you using? Paint won't stick to polished surfaces so scuff it up with 240 - 400 grit paper. Also find the color you want and get the compatible primer with it. I work with high solid paint, different from auto paint and is much easier to shoot, IMO.