Aluminum Panel Thickness/Type?

[desertspeed]

I am making some new side panels for my buggy and was wondering what thickness aluminum sheet to use? Also, are there any specific type (6061, 2024, Alclad vs non Alclad, etc.) that is better suited for panels? It will be bead rolled and then painted, so I guess it wouldn't need to be Alclad. Thanks!

[DUMP!]

I use 5052 H-32 .050 or .063 for everything except skid plates.

6061 is too hard to roll nice beads into and doesn't like to bend very far without cracking unless you use it in a the T-4 condition. 5052 H-32 is almost as tuff as 6061 T-4 but much easier to work with.

2024 is way to hard and would most likely crack easier then 6061 if you had to make a bend. 2024 usually is only used in a structural enviornment and sense body panels are not structural would be way overkill.

Some people like 3003, but I would not use it because it is alot softer then 5052 and will dent easier. It will shape and form better and easier then 5052 but will also deform easier if it takes a good hit.

1100 is softer then 3003 and is almost like working with tin foil. You can bend it and shape it over your knee, but you can also wad it up into a ball without much effort

Dump

[desertspeed]

Thanks- that is exactly the reply I was hoping to get! Very helpfull