Checkered Aluminum Plate for 4x4s

Tejas@perioimpl · 16th March 2010, 00:03

I have seen a lot of people using checkered aluminum plates for door panels and floorbeds in India and abroad (called diamond aluminum panels there).

I have a few queries regarding this:

What's the rational of using them?
- could be looks
- definitely rust proof
- reduces weight
- prevents slipping
What else?

Why use it for door panels? It will rattle more after a couple of OTRs and also increase weight.

What gauge is used in the floorbeds?

How is it attached to the floor bed? If you directly attach it, there is a chance of water remaining between it and the metal and thereby causing rust below.

If you cut the floor, what should be the thickness / gauge of the sheet for strength?

Can you cut the entire back part of the tub bed to replace with this? If yes, won't the structural integrity be compromised since aluminum is more prone to flex than iron?

Looking for thoughts and insights.

bigman · 16th March 2010, 00:38

Does aluminium not corrode?

I guess you could eradicate possiilty of water on the floor surface by bedding it down with a bituman type material and sealing all around the sides with a bituman type sealant.

I was going to use it for the floor on our Jeep but the bodyshop guys said putting it in is no prblem but if you get rust underneath then it is harder to spot etc.

From what I have seen in the UK, some of the floorbed chekered plate for pickups comes pre welded and you just drop it (so to say). It is usually 3mm plate.

Drop some rubber mats in if slipping is a concern.

GTO · 16th March 2010, 15:30

They are also immensely easy to clean after an OTR. Simply hose the muck & dirt away. I have an install lined up for the next time that my Jeep visits Milestone.

Tejas@perioimpl · 16th March 2010, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

They are also immensely easy to clean after an OTR. Simply hose the muck & dirt away. I have an install lined up for the next time that my Jeep visits Milestone.

Cool. Let me know when. We can get it done together.

OT: They are making a bigger skid plate for me. Ask subhash if you want one too. He can get one fabricated for your classic as well using my same dimensions.

ex670c · 16th March 2010, 17:16

Hi Guys,

The Checkered Plate if used to cover the Tub/Floor Plate will encourage rusting on the original floor plate.

I faced this problem with my MM540XD's Original Body, finally replaced it with a 1987 MM540's body.

Regards,

Arka

Tejas@perioimpl · 16th March 2010, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ex670c

Hi Guys,

The Checkered Plate if used to cover the Tub/Floor Plate will inhibit rusting on the original floor plate.

I faced this problem with my MM540XD's Original Body, finally replaced it with a 1987 MM540's body.

Regards,

Arka

How will it inhibit rusting? Won't water get trapped between the two?

ex670c · 16th March 2010, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

How will it inhibit rusting? Won't water get trapped between the two?

Will encourage rusting as water will remain trapped.

Jaggu · 16th March 2010, 20:59

Arka is right, am also looking for some ideas where by i can make the original floor panel water proof while installing these sheets. Maybe first a layer of 3M rubber sealant and ensure no gaps at the corners, etc etc.

Just at conceptual level right now

vaisakhr · 16th March 2010, 21:10

I think its a bit OT :
Guys I think it is "Chequered plate" not "Checkered plate". Because in ships the flooring in engine rooms and all are called chequered plates. We are using both Mild steel and Al plates.

jaysmokesleaves · 16th March 2010, 21:16

Guys: Im planning a few add on mods for my Safari. I hope this is not OT.

Fabricate a plate to protect the fuel tank that will be a bolt on fitment. Will alluminium be strong enough and what gauge..? What are the pros and cons of fixing such a plate for the fuel tank ?
I also want to take out the front and rear bumpers and fabricate something decent looking and sturdy enough for OTR's to improve the approach and departure angles for the Safari. Preferably with a chequered alluminium plate on top to give it a butch look.
Is there someone in and around Bombay to do this and/or has some expertise in such fabrication.?

Tejas@perioimpl · 17th March 2010, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysmokesleaves

Fabricate a plate to protect the fuel tank that will be a bolt on fitment. Will alluminium be strong enough and what gauge..? What are the pros and cons of fixing such a plate for the fuel tank ?

See the metal type one in the Gurkha. I guess for same strength as metal in Aluminum, you will have to go thicker. I guess the only con would be the departure angle getting lowered slightly more.

Quote:

I also want to take out the front and rear bumpers and fabricate something decent looking and sturdy enough for OTR's to improve the approach and departure angles for the Safari. Preferably with a chequered alluminium plate on top to give it a butch look.
Is there someone in and around Bombay to do this and/or has some expertise in such fabrication.?

Contact Danny or MKraft. They've done a great job on an Endeavor. Let me know if you want their number.

fazalaliadil · 17th March 2010, 09:36

No method of applied sealant can keep moisture out, it may keep the water out, but not moisture which is the principal factor for floor corrosion.

It is not a good idea to fix this checkered aluminum sheet over the existing sheet. Better get the old one removed and get additional reinforcements done for holding the new 4mm aluminum and either screw or rivet them to the new channels.

Can you cut the entire back part of the tub bed to replace with this? If yes, won't the structural integrity be compromised since aluminum is more prone to flex than iron?

As the thickness of the existing metal sheet is not much, it will not compromise on the structural stability, moreover a 4mm thick aluminum sheet should add more strength to the structure.

Live To Jive · 17th March 2010, 09:48

The joint between steel and aluminium will rust unless there is a proper rubber or teflon packing between the two. Now you wish you had attended that Chemistry class in school.

Jaggu · 17th March 2010, 15:42

Let me clarify, first rust proof the existing body > Some rubberized compound which will act like modelling clay and keep the aluminum sheet on it, making the in between layer water proof.

These are vague idea here, so please.

DirtyDan · 21st March 2010, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Let me clarify, first rust proof the existing body > Some rubberized compound which will act like modelling clay and keep the aluminum sheet on it, making the in between layer water proof.

These are vague idea here, so please.

Make sure your exhaust does not heat up whatever you use to seal with. You don't want to become a crispy critter.

16th March 2010, 00:03	#1
Tejas@perioimpl Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 4,423 Thanked: 9,581 Times View My Garage	Checkered Aluminum Plate for 4x4s I have seen a lot of people using checkered aluminum plates for door panels and floorbeds in India and abroad (called diamond aluminum panels there). I have a few queries regarding this: What's the rational of using them? - could be looks - definitely rust proof - reduces weight - prevents slipping What else? Why use it for door panels? It will rattle more after a couple of OTRs and also increase weight. What gauge is used in the floorbeds? How is it attached to the floor bed? If you directly attach it, there is a chance of water remaining between it and the metal and thereby causing rust below. If you cut the floor, what should be the thickness / gauge of the sheet for strength? Can you cut the entire back part of the tub bed to replace with this? If yes, won't the structural integrity be compromised since aluminum is more prone to flex than iron? Looking for thoughts and insights.
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 00:38	#2
bigman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NA Posts: 1,224 Thanked: 93 Times	Does aluminium not corrode? I guess you could eradicate possiilty of water on the floor surface by bedding it down with a bituman type material and sealing all around the sides with a bituman type sealant. I was going to use it for the floor on our Jeep but the bodyshop guys said putting it in is no prblem but if you get rust underneath then it is harder to spot etc. From what I have seen in the UK, some of the floorbed chekered plate for pickups comes pre welded and you just drop it (so to say). It is usually 3mm plate. Drop some rubber mats in if slipping is a concern. Last edited by bigman : 16th March 2010 at 00:40.
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 15:30	#3
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,516 Thanked: 300,576 Times View My Garage	They are also immensely easy to clean after an OTR. Simply hose the muck & dirt away. I have an install lined up for the next time that my Jeep visits Milestone.
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 17:16	#5
ex670c Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Chennai Posts: 2,470 Thanked: 1,937 Times View My Garage	Plate Hi Guys, The Checkered Plate if used to cover the Tub/Floor Plate will encourage rusting on the original floor plate. I faced this problem with my MM540XD's Original Body, finally replaced it with a 1987 MM540's body. Regards, Arka Last edited by ex670c : 16th March 2010 at 17:30.
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 20:59	#8
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,215 Thanked: 15,903 Times	Arka is right, am also looking for some ideas where by i can make the original floor panel water proof while installing these sheets. Maybe first a layer of 3M rubber sealant and ensure no gaps at the corners, etc etc. Just at conceptual level right now
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 21:10	#9
vaisakhr BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: KL-32 Posts: 381 Thanked: 197 Times	I think its a bit OT : Guys I think it is "Chequered plate" not "Checkered plate". Because in ships the flooring in engine rooms and all are called chequered plates. We are using both Mild steel and Al plates. Last edited by vaisakhr : 16th March 2010 at 21:12.
	() Thanks

16th March 2010, 21:16	#10
jaysmokesleaves Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mostly Mumbai Posts: 1,702 Thanked: 1,452 Times	Guys: Im planning a few add on mods for my Safari. I hope this is not OT. Fabricate a plate to protect the fuel tank that will be a bolt on fitment. Will alluminium be strong enough and what gauge..? What are the pros and cons of fixing such a plate for the fuel tank ? I also want to take out the front and rear bumpers and fabricate something decent looking and sturdy enough for OTR's to improve the approach and departure angles for the Safari. Preferably with a chequered alluminium plate on top to give it a butch look. Is there someone in and around Bombay to do this and/or has some expertise in such fabrication.? Last edited by jaysmokesleaves : 16th March 2010 at 21:17.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 09:36	#12
fazalaliadil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 2,022 Thanked: 672 Times View My Garage	No method of applied sealant can keep moisture out, it may keep the water out, but not moisture which is the principal factor for floor corrosion. It is not a good idea to fix this checkered aluminum sheet over the existing sheet. Better get the old one removed and get additional reinforcements done for holding the new 4mm aluminum and either screw or rivet them to the new channels. Can you cut the entire back part of the tub bed to replace with this? If yes, won't the structural integrity be compromised since aluminum is more prone to flex than iron? As the thickness of the existing metal sheet is not much, it will not compromise on the structural stability, moreover a 4mm thick aluminum sheet should add more strength to the structure.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 09:48	#13
Live To Jive BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 698 Thanked: 89 Times	The joint between steel and aluminium will rust unless there is a proper rubber or teflon packing between the two. Now you wish you had attended that Chemistry class in school.
	() Thanks

17th March 2010, 15:42	#14
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,215 Thanked: 15,903 Times	Let me clarify, first rust proof the existing body > Some rubberized compound which will act like modelling clay and keep the aluminum sheet on it, making the in between layer water proof. These are vague idea here, so please.
	() Thanks