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Shaping aluminum bodys
Hi I am currently in the process of building a prototype car and would like to know what grad aluminum to use how thick and how you go about shaping it
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I know it's Christmas and let me preface this by wishing you a Merry Christmas! Don't you think this might be an undertaking that is a bit beyond your expertise? I gleaned this from your post but I may be all wet, have at it! Call Dr. Phil!
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See here for some hints...
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Thank you for the response as for "thorconstr' I could do without your smart ass response.
Also what grade aluminum is used and what is the thickness |
Typically 3003 or 1100 at .060" is used.
Forming methods: English wheel, British Sports cars. Hammer form (often just a tree stump), Italian sports cars of the '60s. Power (Yoder) hammer, Kimmons Coach works (built several Cobra bodies for Shelby. Also has restored several original Cobras) Another more modern method is superplastic forming. Panoz, Morgan and Ford GT form their bodies this way. This type of forming also requires the use of special alloys. I do not know how the new Audi, Jaguar, and Ferrari are made. I suspect they are pressed. Bodies are typically gas (oxy actelene or oxy hydrogen) welded together. TIG is too slow and brittle. |
lj;
Having been teaching myself a little bit at a time, might I suggest www.tinmantech.com as a starting point. Lots of instructional stuff, as well as tools and even some classes. Also, look for some videos by Ron Fournier, also very good. For inspiration and knowledge, check out http://members.aol.com/coupechuck/ For tooling, you can find pretty good deals on Ebay, just search for "English Wheel' and you always get quite a few hits. I bought my big floor model from OklaHdwr on Ebay. I have been very happy with it, 8" x 3" wheel and large enough to put in a 4' panel if you want. I paid about $2200, and that is WELL below retail. As for smarta$$es, I guess it goes with the territory :CRY: Anyhow, start small and good luck! Don't forget to post a few pics. |
Don't you think this might be an undertaking that is a bit beyond your expertise?
I have been told this a few times in my life also. Each time I have heard it, it pi$$ed me off. To this point it has yet to hold true. :LOL: We are a pretty smart bunch. With a little homework, a little patience, some help from others, and a lot of persistence I know I can do just about anything. I am sure you are no different. I wish you the best of luck and hope you post some pictures. -John |
For all the basic-skill and capital investment required to do a one-off in aluminum, you might consider fiberglass instead. Either techniquie requires that you build a buck. You might as well finish the shape of the buck completely and take a quicky mold...
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thorconstr,
The guy is a newbie with no sense of humor. Must be an Australian thing :D :D :D |
It is one hell of an undertaking, and I was trying to be funny! As for the body, I believe that after all the equipment, junk pieces of aluminum in the corner and man hours ( you have to figure your time is worth at least $50.00 per hour unless your a lawyer, then it's worth $200.00 and up). The body will most likely cost about $100k conservatively. Kirkham's # is 801-377-8224. Tom, Dave, Steve, great guys, or Mary, their very well informed Mother. One heck of a deal when you think about it! And, my wife says that I am a "Sarcastic Curmudgeon", I believe that is an older more sophisticated wiseass! I truly did not mean to make you unhappy, have a great New Year! And call Dr. Phil!
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I see two others have posted links to Chuck's coupe and that is where I would suggest going too. Since he has gone through everything you are about to embark on he would be a great place to start asking questions.
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Thanks guys that will be great and help save lots of time with the your guidance sorry "thorconstr" I have bean finding it hard to get assistance from people in other web sites thanks for you help too
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