Finishing Heat Shield - weld or rivet???

[longms]

I am putting together my own heat shield and am stuck on the last step. I am going to get a sheet or sheets of aluminum and cut out the different templates for the walls of the shield. I do not own a welder of any kind and do not know how to use them. Should I rivet the sides together or should I take the cutouts to someone that cold weld it all up for me?

Here is what I am thinking about making. I hate the damn ABS units location but do not want to get rid of it. Any criticism and suggestions are welcome.

Sorry for crappy cell phone pics.






Have since added extensions to not make a lid or top to it but am still undecided.

[jlevie]

As far as I can tell from the pictures most, if not all, of the fabrication can be done by bending a single sheet of material. Otherwise use pop rivets.

[longms]

True. I will have to see what size sheets I can get my hands on. The only part that would need to be riveted would be the part at the bottom that is angled in. I need to find materials first and see what my options are.