March 16 Huntsville AL Meet and Greet/Mod day

A chassis punch will cut the cleanest hole in thin sheet metal, the step bit next, the hole saw last. I really would not use a hole saw on sheet metal - especially where you will see it (as in, your roof.)

I have a 7/8" chassis punch, which is what I used for my 3/4" antenna holes. I will have it with me on Saturday if you want to use it.

Are you using a backing plate of any sort? I used .120" aluminum under my mounts. The roof sheet metal is rather thin, and I don't want the mounts to flex in the roof.

 

Awesome, that punch would be much appreciated. I wasn't planning on using a backing plate out of a combination of uncertainty if I'd need one, and laziness of procuring it. You wouldn't happen to have some for sale, or know where I could get some, would you?

 

I don't have any with me.

The home centers sell sheet metal - not sure what thickness aluminum they have. There should be a metal supply place around here.

 

Hmm, actually I bet I could steal a piece from the case of an obsolete computer laying around the office. Bet we can chop off a usable chunk with a dremel or something.
Or bribe @Jerneyman to take his plasma cutter to my old skid plate? Thickest antenna backer ever!

 

Also @tacoala What's the plan for what times everyone will be hanging out/working, and should we plan to bring food to grill, or just hitting up a restaurant?

 

The nearby Chick-Fil-A is next to a Redstone Credit Union - which has big parking lot. Aren't they closed on Saturday?

 

I've got some 1/8" flat stock that would be perfect for an antenna bracket if ya'll want to give that a shot. Would be substantially cheaper than the material at Home Depot.

 

Aluminum or Steel? (which would be ideal anyway?) How much are we talking? Bet I can get the side off an old computer for free if @Scott B. thinks that would work. Or even just a big washer from home depot to save time/trouble cutting...

 

It’s steal. Aluminum would definitely be better in the application though.

 

You can aluminum or steel, it doesn't matter. The objective is to make the roof material thicker around the antenna mount, to reduce flexing.

Yes, the side of a computer case should work. We can trim it to fit (12" x 12" or smaller, depending on roof layout.)

A big washer would work, but I don't think you can find one big enough. You try looking at McMaster-Carr - ordered today, you should get delivery by Friday.

 

You can dig through my scrap bin anytime you want. Just sayin'.

 

I'll probably just stick with aluminum then. I'm no materials expert, but I'd be nervous about a steel plate vs aluminum roof- can't certain metals butting against each other react and cause premature corrosion?

Edit: yeah: https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/blog/2017/09/15/stainless-steel-and-aluminum/

 

I don't believe our trucks are made from Aluminum. I could be wrong, but I believe its just made from steel sheet metal.

 

Oh Guess I just assumed most vehicle body panels were formed aluminum. Maybe I should go with steel then lol.

 

Well, the offer still stands, I got some steel you can use as a backing plate.

 

Now that I think about it, those computer cases are probably actually steel as well, right? A magnet wouldn't stick them if they were aluminum. Which also means the body panels are definitely steel as well.
Maybe two wrongs do make a right! Would have ended up with the right solution if I went with old computer case, but only because I misidentified both

...Shows how much I know about materials...

I might take you up on that offer. I obviously can't be trusted to figure this stuff out myself lol.

 

Lol. Well if you want, just PM me with the size and hole dimensions and I can cut you out a piece tonight and leave it at our drop site.

 

@Scott B. Any recommendation on dimensions? roughly 2 or 2.5" outer diameter (or similar square)? I'm assuming 3/4" hole to match the roof?

 

IIRC, mine are 12" x 12" square. As long as it fits, bigger is better.

Yes, same size hole as in the roof. I'd wait on drilling the hole - position the backing plate on the roof, then cut the hole. Just in case the plate can't be centered due to cross braces or something.

 

ok, here goes the update.

I've PM'ed everyone on the Attendees list that I know doesn't have my address.

@BAMATOY, @JKU3000 , @TheTacoma , @stronghammer , @JMY24 , @Leman , @JBTacoma , @Scott B. I know you have been here, but let me know if you need the address again. I have already sent it to @GotLift37 because he needs it everytime.

I'm not sure how long TRD Tyler will be banned. I don't have his cell number, so if someone will check if he still plans to come.

All the following people are still marked as possible. Let me know if I should move you to Attending and we can follow up with the address. @POOLGUY , @BamaTaco56 , @InfernoChalupa , @BlackBeauty04 , @Your Boy Rocco , @ty.s07 , @WasoHatkaTaco , @jeg0005 .

If I have missed you somewhere, let me know!