I've been told by a couple of people that aluminum is one of those odd
metals that actually gets stiffer when heated (until some sort of critical
melting point of course). Apparently that's what makes it so good for
airplane skin. I'm not so sure about that story, however I do know from
experience that heating AL doesn't seem to make it bend smoothly like steel.
It just seems to break into flakes as you bend it. Does that mean that
cooling the metal will make it follow the curve better without splitting as
you bend it? Beats me, but it would be interesting to know.
Cheers,
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: David Templeton [mailto:davidt@opentext.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:55 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Microsoft Truck, the TR3a and other thoughts (longish)
Evening all,
Some may remember, I asked about a bracket to mount an electric brake switch
on the TR. Tonight I finished taking measurements and making a cardboard
mockup. My current plan is to transfer that to some aluminum stock ( 1/16"
x 1" x 36" ) that I have. I want to heat up the AL to make bending easier
without melting, what would be better a propane torch, a micro torch or
something else? I am making diagrams if anyone wants the plans. Also, will
JB Weld or adhesive hold together aluminum? There will no stress on the
bracket. Will "roughing" the contact surfaces help?
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any answers.
David Templeton
'59 TR3a
'74 Spitfire
'95 GMC K2500 HD LB Ext Cab
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