Skinning a 102C3

[Flight102C3]

Is there any good reasons I can't use mild steel? Say 16ga or 14ga that way I don't have to worry about ripples.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Flight,

Yes, you can use cold rolled steel. I would go for the 14ga. for sure.

2 things that come to mind when using steel, 1, weight. 2, properly sealing both sides of the metal to prevent corrosion/rust.

Each panel would have to be pre cut and sized, then removed to properly primer and seal, then reinstalled.

I reskinned my entire 102C from the drip rails down with .080 aluminum. yes it wrinkles a bit in the sun but, you will also get some

wrinkle with steel. The aluminum wrinkle is not that noticable if it's secured properly.

I preferr aluminum as long as you don't entirely rely on sika flex. Use rivets and Sika with any surface you decide on because

even though sika is great stuff, it will still expand and contract in weather changes and eventually will fail without mechanical back-up.

Good Luck
Nick-

[jjrbus]

Yes you can use steel, I did.  It is very important to use galvinized steel, not the rough galvinized that comes to mind, but the type that auto body shops use for repairs. It comes in different brand names. Galvaneal, may be the name of the one I used.
This steel is available from steel supply houses and comes in a variety of thickneses and dimensions, IIRC I purchased 4 ft by 12 foot sheets. It is also available in large rolls. Steel also needs to be heated when installed to avoid ripples.
                                                                                              HTH Jim