Alloy shrouding for radiator

[Ant]

I am just curious on the guage of alloy for the panels that guide the air into the radiator?

I have read the body panels are 50 thou, (1.2mm) so either that or 0.95mm would be okay.

This might sound stupid but if in my mind I know that I have used the minimum thickness/weights for enough strength then I am happy - when I get to the race track it all might add up if I can design the rest of it to work properly!

[wrm]

If you need to bend the aluminum yourself, 5052 alloy is less likely to crack than 6061 alloy. I would think 0.040 inch would be thick enough but depends on the span. Hope that helps.

[Ant]

Thanks wrm,

That sounds reasonable 0.040", and with some nice straight peices of finished wood a vice and some G-clamps I am sure I can bend it ok!

Doing only a span of about 6"

[wrm]

with some nice straight peices of finished wood a vice and some G-clamps I am sure I can bend it ok!

That method works very well. I found 5052 more forgiving when I screwed up and had to re-bend it. Though its not as strong as 6061, but certainly strong enough.

[Ant]

wrm,

I am quite capable with most mechanical issues, but lack experience in fabricating.
With my first car a guy who builds aeroplanes and cars was helping, he also had a degree in Physics, and could look at a part in a magazine and reproduce it exactly unfortunatly he is now in the UK.

The old story though if you want it done properly do the research and do it yourself, and then do exp model #1, then #2 then #3 and damn........., do some more research. I hope not eh!