sheet of aluminum

[raafhimself]

i need to patch a small part of rust on the car-- bottom trunk tub, opposite side of battery. whats the type of grade of aluminum i need? whats the gauge of it? basically if i go into a scrap metal shop, what specifications do i ask for

thanks

[george graves]

Not aluminum.

[ethree]

Aluminum would make it really difficult to weld into the surrounding steel. Might want to think about cutting the rusty part out before you purchase anything that way you can see how much material you need.

[raafhimself]

Aluminum would make it really difficult to weld into the surrounding steel. Might want to think about cutting the rusty part out before you purchase anything that way you can see how much material you need.

underbody = steel then? yeah its not that large, say like the size of a silver dollar on the side, and about the same on the bottom. aesthetic isnt an issue, it'll be covered by a later model valence, just dont want it to rust through especially since it won't be visible anymore

[kronus]

You won't have much luck welding aluminum to steel. Use steel and cut out the cancer first.

[Justin B]

Aside from not being able to weld aluminum and steel together, when they are mated together they will cause galvanic corrosion. Insulate between aluminum and steel.

[ck_taft325is]

So wait, I can't use admantium on my e30? What the fuck is that shit?

...

[AndrewBird]

You won't have much luck welding aluminum to steel. Use steel and cut out the cancer first.

Not to mention aluminum doesn't rust... :loco:

[Mossman]

what are you gonna do zip tie it in place? just covering it up isn't gonna help the underlying problem, and not knowing the difference between steel and aluminum I don't think you're gonna be welding anything.

Serious advice though...wire brush on a drill, clean everything up. Anything terribly perforated cut off with a dremel or grinder or whizzer or whatever you have. Paint rest with POR-15 or another rust paint, rustoleum if you can't find anything better.

Then either rivet on new steel, or get some fiberglass and glass over that sucker, then thoroughly paint area inside and out.

ORRR just pay somebody a few bucks to weld in a little patch panel

[StereoInstaller1]

Paint rest with POR-15

POR-15 requires rust to bond: it is NOT paint, it alters the chemical makeup of rust, turning it into a rock hard, non porus filling or surface.

Now, go read this: http://www.por15.com/Data%20Sheets/p...directions.pdf

Luke

[raafhimself]

what are you gonna do zip tie it in place? just covering it up isn't gonna help the underlying problem, and not knowing the difference between steel and aluminum I don't think you're gonna be welding anything.

Serious advice though...wire brush on a drill, clean everything up. Anything terribly perforated cut off with a dremel or grinder or whizzer or whatever you have. Paint rest with POR-15 or another rust paint, rustoleum if you can't find anything better.

Then either rivet on new steel, or get some fiberglass and glass over that sucker, then thoroughly paint area inside and out.

^ that's completely my plan. i just wasn't sure to use aluminum or steel (didn't know 'bout that whole aluminum causing rust on steel thing). aesthetics aint 100% here, it'll be covered by a later model rear valence, just wanna do the right thing to the underbody

[!kid]

lowes sells small thin gauge steel sheets. you should be good with a 16 or 20 gauge.

[Mossman]

16 guage is thick and hard to work with, use 20 guage much easier to cut and bend

[raafhimself]

16 guage is thick and hard to work with, use 20 guage much easier to cut and bend

thank you! that and a trip to harbor freights for rivet gun and i'm set.

[88driftIS]

make sure you seal it with something if your using rivets.