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Diamond Plate (best methods)

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Marisco, Aug 13, 2007.

  1. Aug 13, 2007
    Marisco

    Marisco British exile in Thailand

    Phuket, Thailand
    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    Messages:
    32
    I want to install some aluminium diamond plate and would appreciate some advice. I can obtain 2.3mm plate and plan to use alloy rivets for fixing. Would it be best to fix the plating over a layer of that black 'underseal' stuff? I estimate that the underseal would prevent rusting of the steel bodywork. Does anyone have any previous experience or better ideas for a good long-term job?
     
    Marisco, Aug 13, 2007
    #1
  2. Aug 13, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    Any particular reason for the aluminum vs. steel? I had aluminum and installed them after coating rusty sections with roofing tar (Dutch undercoating) but later ditched the aluminum for steel that could be painted to match (and is thick enough to actualy offer protection vs. coverup).
     
    Boyink, Aug 13, 2007
    #2
  3. Aug 13, 2007
    Marisco

    Marisco British exile in Thailand

    Phuket, Thailand
    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    Messages:
    32
    Point taken about steel but I like aluminium because it is easier (for me) to work with (cut, bend, shape, rivet..can be TIG welded) and I want to plate the bodywork which in spite of being de-rusted and repaired, cannot be made straight and fair with a reasonable amount of filler. In any case I have had enough of filler. In my profession as a yacht rigger we use etch-primers and two pack paint systems which last for years in a marine environment. The paint sytem will be no problem, I just want to avoid moisture retension and rust/galvanic corrosion.
    Do you think that the roofing tar (or automotive underseal) is a good idea or should I use nothing at all (easier to remove plating) or silicone to keep the water out (very hard to remove plating) ?
     
    Marisco, Aug 13, 2007
    #3
  4. Aug 13, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    Really not sure what would be best. For me the roofing tar seemed to keep the rust from spreading. I had also used silicone around the edges to keep moisture from getting in.

    For me once the corners are on...they're on...;)
     
    Boyink, Aug 13, 2007
    #4
  5. Aug 13, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,126
    Not sure what you mean by "alloy rivets" but if they're aluminium & pierce the body then you *WILL" get corosion in a damp climate.

    Re. Behind the plates in my experience nothing will keep the moisture out of there. the more you try to seal it the harder it will be for the moisture that does make it in to get out. I would just put a good paint job on the body & place the plate over it with no sealer at all, easy for the water to get in but more importantly easy for the water to get out again.

    Have you considered just cutting out the warped body metal & replacing it ? After all its only flat sheet metal :rofl:


    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 13, 2007
    #5
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