Hatch skinning wood and aluminum?

[shoeman]

I had planned on skinning my hatch with 1/8" baltic birch and .042" aluminum, but in speaking with the Teardrop fix it shop yesterday I was told that there is no need for the birch under the aluminum. The weight is the main objection apparently.
I skinned the body with just the aluminum, no under layer, and it came out fine.
Any thoughts on using just the "tin" on the outer hatch surface? I'll still use birch as the interior liner if I do it that way.

[halfdome, Danny]

The 1/8" Baltic Birch doesn't weigh that much. I used the 1/8" BB and contact cemented the aluminum skin on for a no fastener look. Danny

[Hoosier Greg]

Danny. What brand of contact cement did you use,if you don't mind me asking.

Beautiful job you did on your build.My hero..
HG

[shoeman]

The 1/8" Baltic Birch doesn't weigh that much. I used the 1/8" BB and contact cemented the aluminum skin on for a no fastener look. Danny

Yeah, the ply in that thickness and size is light. Having it under the skin gives more to work with on the edges when it comes to trim too. But on the flip side of that using just the skin I can use his soft rivets to attach the edge trim and get a real clean install there.
Always something to worry about, aint there!

[halfdome, Danny]

Danny. What brand of contact cement did you use,if you don't mind me asking.

Beautiful job you did on your build.My hero..
HG

I use whatever is available that will spray, Wilsonart is the most common. They all work just as well as any other brand. If you don't spray contact use a low nap roller and make a box that will hold the roller & roller pan (metal) with a tight fitting removable front. The roller will last up to 6 months without hardening. Thanks for the kudos, Danny

[madjack]

While, I didn't use an underlay on the body, I would sure use one on the hatch...it will give you something to work with when applying trim and since the hatch gets raised/lowered/dropped, it is subject to stresses that the rest of the roof is not....
madjack

[shoeman]

That's what I was thinking too. The stiffer the better. I did the body as you suggested and it came out great!

[2bits]

I was wondering about that with the thicker AL. Mine is .040 and I can tell it is thick. Sure does blow the Masonite vs. Luan debate out of the water eh, go commando!