Steel vs aluminum

[Schoolhouse mama]

Hey y'all so we got our bluebird and are in destruct mode. She is a beast and we are having lots of fun with it.

I have a question though, in closing off the Windows we popped all we wanted out but what is the recommendation for paneling it off aluminum or steel sheeting to screw on the exterior?

Also, what are the recommendations on a/c units in the bus? I.e. Window mount or roof mount?

Thanks for the input!

[turf]

mixing metals will cause corrosion. stick with steel, its cheaper too.

[jake_blue]

I would agree, stick with steel. I know aluminum is lighter but for only as much as you're adding it won't be a significant weight savings versus cost and the added headache of insulating the two metals from one another.

[Tango]

From an engineering standpoit, going with as close to what the rest of the skin might be is the best overall option just to equalize stresses throughout the structure.

[aaronsb]

Aluminum would be a poor choice. You would have to insulate the two metals from contact, which is difficult at the fasteners. I supoose if you have the metal already at no cost it might be worth it if you don't plan on keeping it for a long time. I would try and get electrogalv sheet steel. Its usually got a green hue to it.

Failing that, regular galvanized steel, followed by regular sheet steel. I'd aim for somewhere in the 16 to 20 gauge thickness. I personally have found that 20ga was thick enough.

Originally Posted by Schoolhouse mama

Hey y'all so we got our bluebird and are in destruct mode. She is a beast and we are having lots of fun with it.

I have a question though, in closing off the Windows we popped all we wanted out but what is the recommendation for paneling it off aluminum or steel sheeting to screw on the exterior?

Also, what are the recommendations on a/c units in the bus? I.e. Window mount or roof mount?

Thanks for the input!

[Schoolhouse mama]

Thanks y'all for the great insight! I will go with original plan sheet metal.