Thread: Aluminum-vs-Steel

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Tryin to decide whether i want to use aluminum or steel pans for the floor/wheel tubs'rear firewall/interior/etc in my car.

I know the aluminum will be a bit lighter but anyone know if the wieght difference is really that much?

Also i've heard guys say the aluminum tubs dent alot easier for a car that is see "limited" street use will they dent easily enough to make the tubs look "bad" quickly?

I really like the looks of the aluminum but dont want to use them if they are gonna dent up fast.

BG

Aluminum is a lot lighter per cubic foot, but a lot weaker too. This does make it more vulnerable towards denting, so keep that in mind. There is a few other options. You could go with a thinner steel, re-inforce your aluminum with steel bands or just go with a thick aluminum. Or, if you want to be REALLY creative, you could go with Fiberglass. But im not sure how well that will work for a firewall. Anyway, theres always more options.

Fiberglass would be slick man! I never seen that done before... You should give it a try. Buy you some cheap ply wood and make your shape of it and lay your stuff to make the fiberglass and try it out... You can paint them the color of the car too instead of leaving it open aluminum color or steel.

Would someone mind telling me what that has to do with Anything?

Since the 55 is going to see plenty of street use, I went with steel. Rhino Coating (the stuff they use on pick-up boxes) sprayed on will help deflect stones. Aluminum looks nice, but IMO, it's not as practical.

Hey Goat, if you're gonna street the thing, use steel tubs. Any gravel, rocks, trash etc. zinging off your tires will ding the heck out of aluminum tubs. A good long burnout on a surface with a bit of gravel on the top of it can rip holes in the aluminum ones!!! Steel tubs are a bit heavier, but the durability will make up for it. If weight is that big a consideration, try the Atkins diet!!!!

Het BG. They have carbon fiber tubs for $900.00. He He
Fiberglass probably won't work......... because it won't pass @ the track (Fire Hazard).
I like the stainless idea, but I don't know how much weight it would add. You could always carpet the tubs with that real thin glue on stuff,......... purdy light I think?

Or...... If you know any little rugrat kids, you can just superglue em back there. heh.

Thanks guys i probaly will do the steel and just polish them to a nice finish then since i dont want to have ta deal with a ton of dents/dings.

Car wont see "alot" street use but from the sounds of it even with limited street driving the aluminum would be "ify" at best.

BG