Bingster Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 I have a dent in a trailer and I've had a piece of sheet aluminum made to screw onto the sheet metal and act as a new panel. Everythings cut and holes drilled and I wanted to know with regards to heat, the sun and warpage, assuming that both panels are roughly the same temperature, should I apply the new panel in the cool or the heat? Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 if both panels are the same temp at the same time of fixing them together what is the difference...after all it is a patch and not anywhere near a permanent repair...... Quote
Bingster Posted July 26, 2016 Author Report Posted July 26, 2016 Well that's basically all I need to know. Thanks. I just thought that they might expand at different rates and buckle the patch sheet. It's a good size panel. Quote
TodFitch Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 An aluminum patch on steel panel is by its very nature a short lived band-aid as they are dissimilar metals and the galvanic action will promote oxidation. 3 Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 An aluminum patch on steel panel is by its very nature a short lived band-aid as they are dissimilar metals and the galvanic action will promote oxidation. yes...and why it is a PATCH and not a repair..... Quote
Bingster Posted July 26, 2016 Author Report Posted July 26, 2016 Primer on both metals will not help? Quote
jeffsunzeri Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 Primer on both metals will not help? Yes, it will help. If you can isolate the two materials, it will slow or stop galvanic corrosion. Although, your first concern, differential expansion, is still very valid. Depending on the thickness and alloy. The aluminum will expand more than the steel in sunlight or other heat and oil-can/warp/bend depending on how large it is. Quote
T120 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Posted July 26, 2016 It has been a long while since I applied primer to aluminum..I used zinc chromate primer,(follow the directions for use). Quote
pflaming Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 ". . . . the galvanic action will promote oxidation. . . "! Great information, properly used, one could achieve a faux, faux original patina! Got to add this to my notes! 1 Quote
Dave72dt Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 Different expansion rates, galvanic reactions. you need a 2k primer for aluminum. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 its a patch...it is not going to look right or last either way...patch is universally accepted as a TEMP fix only... Quote
Bingster Posted July 27, 2016 Author Report Posted July 27, 2016 Well, it's not really a patch. When in place, it will look like a panel on the trailer. I had it made at a sheet metal shop. Whether it will last, or how long, I don't know. I looked online at web sites that gave information about using various metals together, and aluminum on steel rate a 0-1 with respect to serious reaction. It's not a car and so I'm not too fussy abut it. Actually, most of the aluminum panel doesn't even touch the steel due to the gouge/damage in the steel. The perimeter will be sealed with caulk. 1 Quote
Don Coatney Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 If you are sealing it with caulk then don't screw it down. The caulk will act as an insulator to prevent oxidation, a glue to hold it in place, and as caulk is flexible expansion rates will not matter. Both problems solved. 1 Quote
Frank Elder Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 you need to use alodine, then zinchromate...... Quote
Niel Hoback Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 (edited) Get some panel cement at an auto supply and glue it on. Edited July 28, 2016 by Niel Hoback Quote
T120 Posted July 27, 2016 Report Posted July 27, 2016 you need to use alodine, then zinchromate...... I, for one, wouldn't argue with a man who sported a tattoo of an anchor from an early age.. Quote
Bingster Posted July 27, 2016 Author Report Posted July 27, 2016 Gee, that's nothing compared to kids and even older folks these days. Quote
ptwothree Posted July 28, 2016 Report Posted July 28, 2016 Just have to ask: If this panel was made at a sheet metal shop as you say, why was aluminum used instead of sheet metal? Quote
Bingster Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Posted July 28, 2016 Well, because I use this fella quite a bit for other projects where I've always use aluminum like Art Deco furniture and stuff like that. I like using aluminum and I wanted to cut down on trailer weight. But I'd go steel if I had it to do over. Quote
Bingster Posted July 29, 2016 Author Report Posted July 29, 2016 Not certain these will show up, having loading problems, but here is the finished panel. Caulking has not yet been cleaned up. Panel Two (1).zipPanel Two (1).zip Quote
Bingster Posted July 29, 2016 Author Report Posted July 29, 2016 Okay, they didn't show up. Don't know why the file was too long to upload. Quote
Bingster Posted July 30, 2016 Author Report Posted July 30, 2016 Here's the aluminum panel installed on the trailer. c 1 Quote
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