Surround

[woodman]

What gauge of aluminum is used to line the engine compartment
as well as the nose and trunk of the Cobra? Are they all the same or do they vary?
woodman

[427sharpe]

I used .025 everywhere--easy to form and it has held up well

[woodman]

Sharpe, Are you refering to the gauge or the micrometer measurement when you say 0.025?
Mike

[427sharpe]

I presume that's a mic measure--it's was how it was labeled @ the metal yard when I bought the three 8x10' sheets to do my project

[BMMILLER]

F.Y.I - I was just at a metal shop buying some aluminum last week. I asked the same question regarding the thickness. They told me that aluminum thickness is measured in thousands of an inch, i.e. .035. Guage thickness applies to sheet metal and not to aluminum.

Blair

[jeff_taylor]

Both steel and aluminum are sold by "gage" in the US. Steel gage and aluminum gage of the same number refer to different thickness. Here's some common sizes:

gauge_________steel_______aluminum
10.....................0.135" .............0.100"
11.....................0.120" .............0.090"
12.....................0.110" .............0.080"
14.....................0.075" .............0.063"
16.....................0.060" .............0.050"
18.....................0.048" .............0.040"
20.....................0.036" .............0.032"
22.....................0.030" .............0.025"
24.....................0.024" .............0.020"

As you can see, there is quite a difference in material thickness between steel and aluminum of the same gage. Galvanized steel sheet is about 0.004" thicker for a given steel gage number. It is best to always specify the gage and decimal thickness of material to make sure you get what you need.

[woodman]

Thanks to all for the replies. I now have the material on order
( I am using 0.025 thickness aka. 22 gage) Now to locate a good sheer and brake.
Mike
has anyone heard from Blackjack?

[Rick 427 Cobra]

With that thin of material a couple of 2x6 and some good hinges should work fine. Forget the shear, A Skil saw with a carbide blade will cut that stuff like butter. Use a straight edge for best results.
Rick

[woodman]

Great idea Rick. Thanks
mike

[427sharpe]

if you want professional looking results--try the sheet metal brake/shear/press from Harbor Freight--go to www.harborfreight.com and search keyword 'shear'. A good one is about $400--a really good one (40") is $500. They are awesome, and cut fabrication time in half. If you search CC for aluminum panels, I think Brent hotlinked directly to the smaller one above that he used on his car to very good effect. Remember---there is no such thing as a bad tool investment (as long as your wife doesn't find out!).
The three common ones @ Harbor Freight are P/N'S:
5907-8VGA ... 30" capacity.... $400
43353-0VGA ...40"................. $500
41162-4GVA.....52"................. $970
I bought the 40", and have been very pleased. It made everything I needed and then some, and now is a nifty looking ornament on a sidebench in my shop. Watch for sales--mine was only $349 here in Dallas.