Sheet metal for cockpit

[Michael Oritt]

I am considering replacing the interior sheet metal in the Courier--what thickness aluminum is generally used for non-structural panels as for doors, rear bulkhead, etc? There is a metal source near me but they only sell aluminum sheets in what they call "Mill Finish" which seems a bit on the dull side. If I want a brighter finish must I polish it myself or is there another grade that is preferred?

 

[aeronca65t]

I've been buying from ~Online Metals~

Good prices. They have an online Product Guide and Sample Pack to help you decide.

I bought some 5052 AL sheet for a similar project....worked well.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Michael, I use .030" and .050" for these applications most of the time. Here's one of the Midgets I built.

 

[Twosheds]

Michael, for interior panels I used .025 2024-T3 alloy aircraft aluminum sheet from Charlie Vogelsong's Dillsburg Aeroplane Works in Pennsylvania. The sheets are Alclad, which means they have a thin coating of pure aluminum. This can be polished, like I did. He will sell a partial sheet, but there is a shearing charge.

Probably aircraft aluminum is overkill, but I'm just an aviation guy through and through and I can't help it. We used Dillsburg all the time at work and had no problems as long as our Accounts Payable department paid the bill!

 

[Michael Oritt]

Thanks for the info guys. The website that Nial posted is very helpful in that there are visuals of the various finishes.

I have seen some cars where the metal was very bright and seemed like it would be overly reflective, but the mill finish offered by my local supplier seems very dull and would probably be hard to keep clean and free from oxidation. Hap: Can you give me more info on the finish of the aluminum that you use--grade and finish if possible?

Here's wishing a Happy New Year to all.