Sheet Aluminum Source

427sharpe · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2002, 03:30 PM

I know a lot of us panel our cars in aluminum, so I would like to tell you of a good place I found to buy the aluminum sheet. I am helping a friend do his car, and I found TRIDENT METALS in Richardson, TX. We bought 3 sheets of .040 thick 5052 aluminum that measure 4' by 12' for $50 each. Trident is located at the corner of Plano Rd and Apollo just off of I75 and Arapaho in Richardson. VERY helpful folks, with plenty of on hand inventory and a willingness to help out however they can. They're even open half days on Saturday. Their phone number is 972 231 5176 and the physical address is 405 N Plano Rd, Richardson,TX 75085. give them a shot, and I know you'll be as please as I was!

Campy · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2002, 05:04 PM

Here's a great on-line site that ships right to your door.

www.onlinemetals.com

Neal Jackson · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2002, 11:28 PM

Sharpe and Campy,

Thanks for the great links and contact info. Just what I needed.

MattK · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2002, 11:43 AM

And then there is the always trustworthy http://www.mcmastercarr.com they are an invaluable resource for nearly anything hardware related as well!

-Matt

renaissance man · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2002, 11:54 AM

The Home Depot and Lowes both offer sheet aluminum in rolls of varying lengths and widths. It is where the building materials are kept like flashing and roofing materials. I just got a roll of 12"wide x10' long x1/16" thick for $7 and change.

rbray · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2002, 12:10 PM

Don't forget e-bay. I have come across a few great deals on aluminun there. Do a search for sheet metal and see what you come up with.

mr bruce · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2002, 03:02 PM

Most commercial roofing supply houses have 4'x8'-4'x10'(around $40 bucks here) sheets in various guages. This stuff is of the softer alloy so it is easily formed on a break. It won't split on the bends like the harder stuff.Don't know the specific alloy ,but for panneling engine compartments ,etc, it's just the ticket . Then again ,it all corrodes pretty quik, so now you have to coat it (paint? anodize?)

427sharpe · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2002, 06:22 PM

Thats the nice thing about 5052--it WILL NOT CORRODE! Just wipe it down w/WD40 and you're done. As far as the use of roofing flashing, I have never found a supplier that has very high quality, one that will hold up well over time. I think it's better to go with .040 the first time, and be DONE! The 40 is a bit hard to work, but when you get the groove going, it will hold up forever...even in the wheelwells. I checked a lot of places, and Trident had the best price going on the size sheets I needed, with plenty in stock. I highly recommend them to anyone, especially if you're in the DFW area.

renaissance man · #9 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 07:31 AM

Don't know how high of quality you can get? I've had the same flashing on my roof for 18 years and it's not pitted or corroded in any way?

Cobra Dude · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 11:58 PM

Hmmm... I never find a good deal on aluminium on Ebay. However, Trident here in Austin has also been great! Another company here in Austin wanted $158 for a 4'x12'x1/8" sheet of aluminium, and a 4'x6' half sheet was $147 due to the "cutting charge and higher price per square foot". Trident sold me the same 4'x6'x1/8" 5052 alum for $58.

I like Home Depot stuff, but I worry them on my car, especially those grade 5 bolts that I can pop with a hand ratchet.

Cheers,
-Neil.