sheet metal

[gokart14]

is it okay to use really thin sheet metal to cover the outside are a on the kart. not to put ur feet on just as covering

 

[r97]

as long as you don't plan for it to take any impacts, sure. look out for sand and pebbles constantly messing up the paint though.

 

[redsox985]

^^^ POR15! Duh!

How thin are you talking? Too thin and it may not be able to take any hits without denting and consequently look bad.

 

[r97]

i don't know what its called either but its shiny aluminum in about 1ft x 4" DIA rolls used for roofing, correct? the guy at the hardware store should know what your talking about.

i think that stuff could work pretty well, if its aluminum you can't weld it to the frame, but if you bolt it you have the ability to remove it if its damaged.

 

[gokart14]

it looks just like this stuff this guy used..... could i use this for the outside part

i also cant remeber what its original use was so cant find at a hardware store

 

[JHen]

18 or 20 gauge should work just fine and it is easy to work

Just make sure the roll the edges or sand them round. I would roll them as it adds strength. Just SOMETHING to break the edge, especially on 20 gauge. You would be surprised how easily sheet metal can open you up like a paper cut.

 

[redsox985]

Oh yes. That's the root of the most blood I've ever seen someone lose. Fold over those edges and wear thick gloves until you get them folded. This kid was carrying a 3x5 sheet of 18ga, laid down the edge on a table, and grabbed and slid it across allowing it to slide through his palms. BLOOD EVERYWHERE.

 

[gokart14]

its called flashing this will still work right

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yep.

 

[JHen]

flashing will work but for the love of god wear gloves. I used to roof and I saw a guy slice his palm straight across one day and he had to get like 20 stiches across his palm.

 

[gokart14]

ya ive worked with it before

 

[porsche930dude]

if you use flashing that stuff is very thin and will look like crap. plus itll be loud as hell with all the bumps and wind rattling against the bars. You need something thicker or a different material like plastic or somthing would be better

 

[r97]

ha! flashing, thats the word i was looking for! yup, should work.

 

[gokart14]

plus itll be loud as hell with all the bumps and wind rattling against the bars.

dont understand how?????

 

[porsche930dude]

everywhere its touching the frame that doesnt have a screw or rivet its a potential place for a rattle. I have a kart with an aluminum floor thats louder than the engine! Its like sitting on a snare drum lol

 

[gokart14]

this kart is mainly offroad so dont think it will be vibrating that much also what plastic would i use and would that be strong enough

 

[redsox985]

Put small rubber washers between the metal and the frame to give some vibration reduction and isolation. Personally, I think adding small tabs and then pop riveting the metal on gives it a nice look.

 

[gokart14]

so i can just turn the heat way doen and put little spot welds on it

 

[firekiller52]

you could find an old dirt modified or sportsman car body. thats what i use, whatever color i want, but id rivet it on

 

[redsox985]

Don't try to weld flashing. It won't go well unless you have a high end TIG. It will need to be bolted, cold riveted, or pop riveted. I like pops for their simplicity, reliability, and looks. Cold rivets don't all mash the same and look sloppy unless done PERFECTLY, every time. bolts seem like too much work and too much can go wrong. Pop rivets are simple, hold well, and don't look bad IMO. Actually, you could drill directly into the frame and then put the pop rivets in that way with no extra tabs or welding.