Bash plates

[slobbo]

I am going to make up some bash plates. I was thinking of using aluminium plate but don't know how thick to make it. Will 3mm do the job?

[syncropaddy]

If you are going to copy an original one then I'd say you'll need a minimum of 5mm

[..lee..]

there is a big differance between 3mm and 5mm. if you want proper protection then i`d go 5mm. also there`s a lot of differant grades of alloy, best not buy the really soft stuff or it will bend and buckle quite easily.

[slobbo]

Anyone know where to get the plate? What sort of alloy/aluminium?

[peasant]

AlMg3 is standard fare at most metal suppliers.
Standard sizes are 1000x2000mm; 1250x2500mm or 1500x3000mm

Do not get Al99.5 (pure alu) as it is too soft, any other alloy will do really, just question of availability and price

[toomanytoys]

I got a lump off a mate, came off an old meat wagon.. prob 6mm thick.. has taken a pounding and got a couple of dents, but from some big rocks.. I do use it of road a good bit though... the metal frame will be the weak link then... I have put a slight bend in the std frame with the plate in place..
Worth searching out a commercial vehicle breakers or perhaps a commercial body builders for an offcut from a bulk tipping body.....

[syncrowjoker]

Aluminium chequer plate flooring is probably easiest, 6mm thick, 750x500 will set u back about £75.00

[slobbo]

The checker plate was my thinking as well. I've also got to fabricate some sort of grill for my oil cooler. It has been mounted behind the front bash plate with a hole cut in the bash plate to allow the air to flow over it.

[v-lux]

Why use chequer plate? It's made for walking on.

If it were my bash plate I would be looking for it to be as smooth and slidey as possible, not any grippier than it needs to be.

Plain chunky aluminium looks and works best in my opinion.