Project Choose Your Own Adventure

[ScottyB]

big change with the original concept - no longer doing a "woody" but sheathing it in aluminum. After trying to hunt down high quality hardwood plywood in the size I need for the outside, there is almost no price difference to just doing the outside in aluminum which will resist UV light better, punctures and impacts better, less upkeep on the finish and will reflect heat better. It also looks equally sweet.

i originally thought the wood would be the cheaper way to go and was prepared to deal with the finish maintenance (re-sand and reapply varnish every 2 or so years) but the numbers don't make sense. always something to learn with this.

currently sourcing 5052 aluminum which is the go-to for outdoor and marine use. i'm after a "mill finish" which was a matte/satin appearance like this:


i'll have some fingerprints to smudge off and it'll need a coat of wax from time to time to keep a little oxidation at bay, but whatever, i'm willing to let it get some character.

also decided on a color for the fenders and wheels: L31 Volkswagen Dove Blue.


its a color from the 60's and 70's, mostly used on bugs 'n buses. i think it looks spot on in the "classic" department without being flashy or "hot-roddy", and is a nice mix between blue, slate, and grey and is non-metallic. it'll get a coat of gloss on top. blue accents and silver aluminum will look great together i think. paint will get here in 12oz. spray can form which will be fine for doing wheels and fenders....anything bigger and i'd definitely let a pro handle it.