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I'm planning on replacing the floor on my VD this winter. I'm using an aluminum floor as i need the weight savings.
Current floor seems to be .080", but i don't know the aluminum.
What the pros and cons of different types of aluminum when used as belly plans?
6061, 7075, 2024, ect.
I've always used 6061-T6, both 063 and 080. The big question is to do the entire underbelly to the bell housing or only to the engine bay. I have no real answer to that.
Mike,
Is your pan straight & flat? Or curved? Are there any bends required?
7075 is extremely strong and stiff, not at all suitable for bends or even curvature. Perfect for a flat pan.
6061 provides a tiny amount more flexibility and can curve slightly but, again, not suitable for bends. I use 6061 for my vees. (.063")
Both (especially 7075) tend to crack / split when trying to bend in a press-brake.
2024 is very pliable (used on many aircraft skins) but then you're looking at extremely soft and easy to puncture / tear.
Glenn
If I recall, Dave Freitas uses a thin alum in sections (front v engine) but a whole sheet of Jabroc.
Makes the cars slide over things better ;)
You might call or email him and ask.
Belly pan is flat, but yes i understand 7075 won't bend well. 2024 T3 bends ok, but not as good as 6061.Quote:
Originally Posted by pacratt
2024 t3 is actually tougher then 6061. It's more a question of which properties are more important in a floor material. Hardness? Tougness? Tensil / yield strength?