Thread: Metal recommendation

Hi all,

First time here and looking for some advice. I have not worked with metal before but wanted to do two small projects.

First, I want to replace the cover of an air conditioner on my old RV. Second I want to make a couple overflow boxes for my refrigerator and freezer. So what I would need are recommendations on the type of metal to use. Bear in mind, I don't drive the RV any longer, so aerodynamics of the covering is not important. I need to purchase some sheets of metal that I can shape, can drill through it with a regular drill and cut with cutters and will hold its form. I have no specialized equipment. Also thick enough to remain firm in a decent wind. Off the top of my head, I was thinking aluminum. So I am wondering if aluminum is the best common metal I can obtain or if there are better alternatives? Also what is a good thickness?

Thanks in advance!

Firstly welcome to these forums.
You mention wind so I assume it will be exposed to rain?
If so I would use galv sheet.

For not a lot of $ you can get places like Stratco to supply and custom cut and bend what you need.
They can advise on thickness.

Also have you though about purchase premade galv tool boxes from places like Bunnings - might solve the problem quickly and be cheaper in the long run?

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, the RV is parked outside and exposed to the weather. I use when I need some peace and quiet but I need a workable AC. Right now I have it covered with a large rubber sheet. So I don't want to use it without the cover. Also we do get hurricanes, so I need a box that will maintain its integrity if we get a bad one.

I am not familiar with Stratco. Are they in Louisiana? I suspect Home Depot or Lowes probably has what I need but whether I can find some one knowledgeable about my project, I don't know.

I noticed the galvanized sheet is made of steel. Is it easy to cut slots in it? The AC covering will not slots and openings cut into it for air flow. I put up gutters last year and had to cut that metal. I used a drill to cut a hole and then used a set of metal snippers to cut as necessary. Fairly easy to work with and maintains form well. I am not sure what metal they are composed of but actually would work well for my purpose if I could get it in sheets maybe 4 feet in width.

I haven't looked at galvanized tool boxes. They would have to be fairly good sized to work. I will look into that.

Not sure any of the Australian retailers mentioned service Louisiana.

For something like that, depending on the nature of the forming required, I’d probably look at 1.0mm (040”) or 0.6mm (025”) galvanised sheet. Complex bending of aluminium causes it to work harden and require annealing, steel not so much.

Originally Posted by Jagger

Hi all,

First time here and looking for some advice. I have not worked with metal before but wanted to do two small projects.

First, I want to replace the cover of an air conditioner on my old RV. Second I want to make a couple overflow boxes for my refrigerator and freezer. So what I would need are recommendations on the type of metal to use. Bear in mind, I don't drive the RV any longer, so aerodynamics of the covering is not important. I need to purchase some sheets of metal that I can shape, can drill through it with a regular drill and cut with cutters and will hold its form. I have no specialized equipment. Also thick enough to remain firm in a decent wind. Off the top of my head, I was thinking aluminium. So I am wondering if aluminium is the best common metal I can obtain or if there are better alternatives? Also what is a good thickness?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Jagger, Welcome to the forums.

In my Camper/RV my fridge overflow/defrost tube drains straight through the floor onto the ground.

Use the existing air con cover as a template for a new one ! Aluminium or steel its up to you, you will probably have to paint it anyway.