0.020 vs 0.025 2024 for belly pan

[mile2885]

I just bought six 0.020" 2024 T3 in 4'x4' sheets for $29 and am planning on using i for the belly pan on my 76 Safari. After searching around I noticed that everybody is recommending 0.025". Does/will it make that big of difference? If it makes that big of a difference, i'll go with the thicker stuff. I thought it was a pretty good price but I might be wrong. Thanks in advance!

[dwightdi]

2024 is not particularly good for salt corrosion, which you may get from road salt or parking on the ocean front. The alloy has too much copper in it but does give you good strength. Widely used in airplanes prior to WWII but replaced by Alclad after problems during the war.

[fastrob]

I like the price you paid. If the stuff does not dissolve in the rain, even better.
Too thick and it is very difficult to install.
Too thin and what it is flimsy?
If you fasten it without sags, holes and gaps you should be good to go.
At the factory the trailer was, before the coach put on, flipped over to take advantage of gravity. They used to do that, I do not know about current practices.

[azflycaster]

My service manual shows that the belly pan is 3004 Aluminum 0.024". The 2024 T3 that you have is used on the skins. If you use these sheets you could polish the belly pan...

[mile2885]

So it sounds like I'm better off finding the alclad based on corrosion. The size doesn't appear to be the issue.

[CanoeStream]

Personally -- I wouldn't go with alclad for belly pan. And I've never heard this used for this purpose. I believe original specs were for 0.025".

Belly pan aluminum in vintage units certainly gets thinned from corrosion over time. So you are at least on even ground with so many other units out there. I'd use larger head rivets intended for belly pan and be happy with economical 0.020" that you've found -- Large Flange Rivets

[toastie]

I used 0.040 5052, 5052 has the highest strength in the non-heatable alloys. 5052 aluminum sheet has higher fatigue strength than most alloys and has excellent corrosion resistance. Plus it was the only stuff the local dealer had in stock and with a good price. Very happy with the results.

toastie

[mile2885]

Well, it can't be any worse than what I pulled off. I applied POR-15 to the frame and I'm planning on using what I have...I think I'll be fine.

[Aerowood]

What you have should be fine, a little flimsy but just use more rivets. I, like Toastie also used .040 5052. I can get it local and it's cheaper then the 2024 with better corrosion resistance.

[mimiandrews]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

2024 is not particularly good for salt corrosion, which you may get from road salt or parking on the ocean front. The alloy has too much copper in it but does give you good strength. Widely used in airplanes prior to WWII but replaced by Alclad after problems during the war.

Alclad is just 2024 alloy coated with pure aluminum for corrosion resistance. They also make 2024 sheets that are not alclad. Depends on what you have whether it's easily corroded or protected by the cladding. Look at the stamping on the back side of the sheets. It should tell you if it's alclad or not.

[RaleighAir]

I'm searching for exactly what to use for an antenna patch. Any advice on type/thickness of aluminum?

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by RaleighAir

I'm searching for exactly what to use for an antenna patch. Any advice on type/thickness of aluminum?

I just used whatever they had at Home Depot...they sell these 1 or 2' square pieces of alluminum; no idea of its specs, but for a small patch, I don't think it really matters much.


Toastie: what is that strip of aluminum that is wrapped around your grey tank? I was looking at your blog for tank inspiration, and noticed this in the pics, there, too...but there was no description of what it was, and what it was for.

[clipperguy]

is this thickness hard to work with for the belly pan i can get the 5052 in 0.032" thickness but i thought everyone used the 0.025" thickness the 0.025" is not available in my country, should i go with the 0.032".

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by clipperguy

is this thickness hard to work with for the belly pan i can get the 5052 in 0.032" thickness but i thought everyone used the 0.025" thickness the 0.025" is not available in my country, should i go with the 0.032".

I used .032 5052 for the belly wraps on my '55 Safari (because it was cheaper and easier to get) and found it best to pre-curve the edges by rolling them over a 6" dia. PVC pipe before trying to install them. With two of us pre-bending them this way we got it to hold the curve somewhat, but we had to hold it in place completing the bend with some force to get to the point we could rivet it in place. I've never worked with thinner stock, but assume it would be a little easier. But in the end, you can use .032 if necessary.

[Althea68]

2024T3 Is AlClad. The original skin panels were made of this same material and will do well for corrosion resistance as long the "Al"uminum "Clad" coating isn't removed via scrapes or other such damage. It is not recommended for the belly skins because it is the most likely area to receive regular abuse from simply driving down the road thus damaging the AlClad coating and permitting corrosion to attack the underlayer alloy.
I'll be going with a 6061T6 for our skins in either a .020 or .025 for our belly skins. It is highly corrosion resistand and really strong, it has great shear strength(side load) and it polishes very nicely. Besides its on the bottom and most of it lays flat so its not to difficult to work with in its application.