View Full Version : Using 5052 H32 Aluminum for FB Mods
4.6 litre
10-10-2014, 12:59 PM
My panel fabricator recommended using 5052 AL instead of 6061 T6 for making new FB side panels . He said 6061 is brittle and can crack on bending. He also said most of his customers use the 5052 since it’s malleable . Should 5052 H32 be used for FB side panels and if so, can it still be 0.04 inches thick or should it be some other thickness, any recommendations?
Regards,
Damien
MPTech
10-10-2014, 01:56 PM
Made my entire expanded PS FB out of 6061 T6 .040. no problems with bending / cracking, unless you try to bend it, then bend it backwards. The other trick I heard is to drill a small hold at the edge of each bend, but that really isn't necessary.
frankeeski
10-10-2014, 02:48 PM
5052 is easier to bend and is also less expensive. When you start getting past .060 in thickness 6061 starts getting really fun to fabricate with. If you are having thicker foot box bottoms made the 5052 is just fine. If in fact you are just using .040 for foot box mods, stick with the 6061. It holds its shape better.
edwardb
10-10-2014, 03:40 PM
Made my entire expanded PS FB out of 6061 T6 .040. no problems with bending / cracking, unless you try to bend it, then bend it backwards. The other trick I heard is to drill a small hold at the edge of each bend, but that really isn't necessary.
Same here. Did the FB mod on my Mk4 build as well, using .040 6061 from Aircraft Spruce. No issues whatsoever. 6061 will handle the 90 degree or less bends of this mod with no problem. Just don't try to make the bends too sharp. Not a problem with my high dollar HF brake. :D
Personally, I see no reason to go any thicker than .040 either. Once it's all assembled, insulated, carpeted, etc. it's rock solid.
CraigS
10-11-2014, 06:57 AM
Another trick is to make the bend a slightly larger radius. But I agree, I haven't had any problem unless I made a bend and then tried to flatten it out again.
4.6 litre
10-12-2014, 04:01 PM
Thanks for all your responses. I'll be conferring with my fabricator tomorrow. I'll be glad to get these foot box mods behind me so I can check them out with my coyote engine.
Regards,
Damien