This was mentioned in another unrelated thread, with enough dialogue that it probably deserves it's own.
There is a lot of concern in the industry and on BITOG about how these panels should be repaired. I have seen everything from not that big a deal, to advocating complete clean room environments. I come down some where in the middle. I have a good friend that owns a body shop (30 years). It's the shop I worked at while in college. He has been working aluminum for decades with no real issues, but recognizes there will need to be some changes as the use of aluminum increases. I think the refinishing side of aluminum is pretty squared away by now. Its the metalworking side that has everybody concerned.
Aluminum panels have been used for decades.
http://www.paintgages.com/List-of-Car-Manufacturers-who-use-Aluminum-Body-Panels-s/51.htm
The list above is not great, I couldn't find a complete list by manufacturer, model,and years, but IIRC the domestics started using aluminum hoods and decklids in the late 80's or early 90's.
Some have been problematic in areas of corrosion protection from the factory.
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/...e-forward/?_r=0
I don't know how this came out.
There is a misconception that aluminum body panels will not corrode out. That is not true, even without contamination it can happen. Anybody that has spent any time around old airplanes can testify to that. There are a number of variables that contribute to how long it will take.
Here is a paper from I-car way back in 2007.
https://www.i-car.com/pdf/advantage/online/2007/100107.pdf
So here you go guys, have at it. Anybody with first hand experience either as a tech or as a customer?
BTW the only vehicle I have with aluminum body panels is a 2008 Mustang GT. No issues so far, but it doesn't get driven in the winter if that makes any difference.
There is a lot of concern in the industry and on BITOG about how these panels should be repaired. I have seen everything from not that big a deal, to advocating complete clean room environments. I come down some where in the middle. I have a good friend that owns a body shop (30 years). It's the shop I worked at while in college. He has been working aluminum for decades with no real issues, but recognizes there will need to be some changes as the use of aluminum increases. I think the refinishing side of aluminum is pretty squared away by now. Its the metalworking side that has everybody concerned.
Aluminum panels have been used for decades.
http://www.paintgages.com/List-of-Car-Manufacturers-who-use-Aluminum-Body-Panels-s/51.htm
The list above is not great, I couldn't find a complete list by manufacturer, model,and years, but IIRC the domestics started using aluminum hoods and decklids in the late 80's or early 90's.
Some have been problematic in areas of corrosion protection from the factory.
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/...e-forward/?_r=0
I don't know how this came out.
There is a misconception that aluminum body panels will not corrode out. That is not true, even without contamination it can happen. Anybody that has spent any time around old airplanes can testify to that. There are a number of variables that contribute to how long it will take.
Here is a paper from I-car way back in 2007.
https://www.i-car.com/pdf/advantage/online/2007/100107.pdf
So here you go guys, have at it. Anybody with first hand experience either as a tech or as a customer?
BTW the only vehicle I have with aluminum body panels is a 2008 Mustang GT. No issues so far, but it doesn't get driven in the winter if that makes any difference.
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