Sheet metal and dimples

[swhite832]

I am picking up multiple pieces 18g, 2' x 8' sheet metal tomorrow. I am sliding it under the rain gutter. I do not want to grind away all the rivets that this sheet metal will cover. I have alot of putty for roofing I can use or just some high grade caulking or maybe even liquid nails to seal it up. My fear is dimpling. I am not worried about the bottom edge as much as the pillars. If I can tap close to an existing rivet it shouldnt be as bad. Any advice, other than quit "sand baggin?" I have labor in town for one day and I want this stage done.
S

...also considering overlapping new sheet metal starting at the rear. This may solve some dimpling issues.

[swhite832]

That is correct Smitty. I am removing the windows. I have precut, 2x8, 18g, sheet metal that will slip under the drip edge. I prefer not to remove all of the rivets that it will cover. I do not mind the gap it will cause. I can seal that. What I do not want is a "dimple" everywhere I put a fastener.

[Ob1]

Unless you stack some washers to offset the height if the rivets at you attachment points, it will dimple. Me? I'd grind the rivets.

[GoneCamping]

If you are removing the windows, then you can install some 2x4 or other type of upright support beside each pillar, and make them protrude out so that they match the rivet heads, then attach the metal to the new supports. Make sure those new supports have a solid mount... You can also shim between the rivet heads on each pillar as well, which would prevent the dimples. I had the same problem and didn't things through well enough before I skinned mine, wish that I had though!!

[swhite832]

I went ahead and removed the rivets and screw heads on the pillars. I purchased a pneumatic shear and trimmed the panels to fit above the 30 ft of screw heads that were the main problem. If you dont have a pneumatic metal shear, you are suffering needlessly. Best $75 spent on a tool. The sheet metal is lying flat. There are a few spots where the sheet metal rides up a screw head a bit but it looks good enough. We also attached the 1 1\2" sq tubing base for the 32' x 8' deck on top. Not a bad day.

I should prolly start a blog to keep track and share.

Thanks for the input.

S

[Sojakai]

Pictures?

[swhite832]

Yes....forthcoming

[swhite832]

Just screwed down all the sheet metal. There are some imperfections here and there but if you aren't looking to critique it they are not that noticeable. I cannot access under the drip edge to screw down that portion. I was going to use some construction adhesive and wedge it but will use the sikeflex if readily available.

[swhite832]

I need a name for this project. Ive had this bus for almost 12 months now and no name. My wife has always said "Laissez les bon temps rouler" should be written on the front which fits but that is more of an attitude not a name. Now that the Saints have won the big one, if Im going to name it, this I need to jump on it now. Now that I am actually making progress I need to start a separate thread or blog and need a name. What do you think?

[jkindt]

Originally Posted by swhite832

My wife has always said "Laissez les bon temps rouler" should be written on the front which fits but that is more of an attitude not a name.

What does this mean? I don't know enough french to quite understand.

[swhite832]

"Let the Good Times Roll" my brother.

....and that is what this bus is for, pure entertainment!!

I considered the name "white trash" in Latin but its just not sticking...and the wife doesn't like it.

[jkindt]

That is a great one. It reminds me of that song by The Cars.

[timbuk]

i think its a good job too but get some prime on that bare metal before it turns into a rust removal job.I suggest a metal etching prime for the bare metal.LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

[swhite832]

Yep...need to. Have much more metal going up this weekend.