Making the rear tub body cappings out of aluminium would reduce the opportunity for galvanic corrosion. I'm particularly thinking of the vertical corner cappings. Any reason I shouldn't do this? Some thick aluminium, a wooden former, and some time with the panel beating hammers ought to result in something usable?
Agree that the strength is required - but the specific strength (i.e. strength to weight ratio) of the aluminium is the same as steel. You'd clearly need thicker aluminium - about three times thicker - but the end result would be neither weaker nor heavier than the steel it was replacing.
For reasons I won't bore you with, standard rear corner cappings (the upright bits) are the wrong height for my tub, so I needed either to cut and weld a set, or to make some from scratch. Here's a work-in-progress shot - they still need trimming to length, drilling and riveting. I don't need taillight mounts on these:
bluedog333
Well-Known Member
Looks good. My only criticism would be that you haven’t used enough rivets.
Mikewilliams
Active Member
Not much room for lights either. Looks good though.
