what metal is best for skinning a MC9?

[ttomas]

should I use aluminum or steel to cover the windows, and what thickness do you recommend?  I have access to any kind and thickness of sheet metal. thanks, Tom

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Tom,

It's your personal prefrence....  If you are using aluminum, It's best to use .080, down side, aluminum expands quite a bit more then steel.

And aluminum needs to be heated to expand it to insure that a hot summer sun wouldn't make it buckle, then secure it to your bus. [usually 200 deg]

If you choose steel, 14/16 ga. but, remember steel rusts. That means be very sure to primer and seal the back side, including any holes that you will drill.

There is nothing worse then wrecking a new paint job because your bad prep work on steel started rusting through in less then a year.

Good Luck
Nick-

[belfert]

Craig Shepard used Alucobond on his MC9.  It is a composite so it won't buckle or oilcqan like other products.  See bus.gumpydog.com for more info.

I also used this stuff to cover my windows after reading Craig's website.

[jjrbus]

There are several options for material. For steel a good choice would be galvanized steel. There are speciality galvanized steels which are smooth and accept paint well. One brand name is Galvaaneal. Tell your supplier what you are useing it for they should know what you want.