Aluminum advise

[evo]

I know very little about aluminum. I have a aluminum dump insert that I have built wood sideboards and have a mesh tarp over the top. It doesn't look horrible, but not great either. I think I'd like to build sideboards and a roof out of aluminum. It would be great to have a hinged roof which opens along the center line for the rare times that I have equipment dump into the bed.

Shopping around for sheets of 1/8 there seems to be a huge price range with the type of alloy. Every thing from 3003 to 6061. What alloy would you use and why? @monkeylove

 

[Magnum783]

I will post you a chart explaining a lot of it when I get to work Tuesday.

 

[AxeTree]

5052 is my go to can break/bend well and welds nice

 

[monkeylove]

I would look over the chart @Magnum783 sends over and then if there are still questions, ask away. The different grades all have pro's & con's, which grade to use is sometimes more about the product design and manufacturing techniques.

 

[southsoundtree]

Bolt-on might be simpler and more cost effective than hinging.

 

[tc262]

Instead of sheets of aluminum you may also want to consider hdpe sheets. I've found them to be very strong, reasonably priced, and don't dent.
If you have Menards by you I've found them to be pretty competitive price wise and are available in several thicknesses and in black and white.
https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...ic/1-4-x-4-x-8-hdpe-panel/p-1444424093579.htm