what/where aluminum for drop trunk.

[Real Time]

Hi all,

I'd like a drop trunk for my MK4.
Could someone point me in the right direction for what type of aluminum and where to purchase it?
Lows has 6063, 22 guage.
I read up a little bit but I'm really not sure if this is the right stuff to get.
My intention would be to purchase a brake from Harbor Freight.

I'm open to any suggestions.

Also open to purchasing one pre made.
-I'm not seeing them listed on anyones website other than dark waters-"sold out"....

thanks for any help
George

[DW66]

Russ Thompson a forum vendor sells a kit that works very well. I used it and would recommend it. Try calling Russ if its not on his website.

[JJK]

second for the RT trunk, took me about 2 hrs to put it together, and quality was great

[dbo_texas]

Agree w/ others - Russ Thompson doesn't list it on his website but he sells them - just give him a call. Its a very simple box, but you will spend a lot of time designing your own. Hit the easy button and save yourself a bunch of time and buy from RT unless you just want to fab your own.

[edwardb]

The panels from FF are .040 6061 aluminum. Not typically available in big box stores. I’ve found Aircraft Spruce has about the best mail order prices. Shipping isn’t bad unless you buy big pieces. Making the box is easy. I did the one in my Coupe since I made it a non-standard size plus a cover. But the one from Russ isn’t a bad deal if you have to mail order the material plus buy the brake. But a handy too to have.

[Real Time]

Thanks to all regarding the RT.
I had called and his phone mail box was full.
Perhaps Russ is out this week. Many people are. I Will try again on Monday.

Thank you edwardb for the stats and the where to order if need be.
I like pressing the easy button but will make my own if need be and I'm sure I'll find a good reason to use that break again.

George

[Namrups]

Russ Thompson had a stroke and is in the hospital. (see other post on this)

In upstate NY (Albany) we have a Metal Super Market. You can order from them and they will make whatever you want or you can go in and they have an area of cutoffs. I found cutoffs that I could use for my drop trunk. Very reasonably priced.

[Zach Bohn]

I have kit from Russ Thompson for my 289, will be installing it soon.

[Ted G]

If you want to make your own for sizing, extra space and whatever, best place that I found to buy sheet panels (in any grade or thickness you want) is OnlineMetals.com Reasonably priced too and MUCH less than the big box stores.

[phileas_fogg]

x2 for onlinemetals.com They've got a pile of my money!

[Norm B]

You could look for a Metal Supermarket in your area. They’re a chain store it’s locations all over North America. The one in Calgary got a lot of business from me.

[Slow and Slightly Angry]

I found this niche online store, amazon.com. real up and Comer- https://www.amazon.com/Online-Metal-Supply-6061-T6-Aluminum/dp/B08QZQT2L3/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=M19IE0YZANLT&keywords=aluminum+sheet+0.04&qid=1680879534&sprefix=aluminum+sheet+0.04%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

I used this plate for my exterior insulation cover by the driver/passenger hip structure.

[Avalanche325]

You would be better to find a local metal supplier. Shipping on panels is not cheap. I love McMaster Carr for fasteners. However, DO NOT order metal from them. The shipping is outrageous.
You want .040" thickness. It doesn't have to be 6061.

It is a pretty easy thing to DIY. I did mime on a finished car with no issues. I made two of everything to make a kit for a friend.