I have sheets of 1/4" aluminum and steel.
The mounting of my M62 involves taking a sheet of either steel or alu and drilling holes for both the mounting points (in this case it is for the alternator delete bracket) and then drilling holes for the M62. The sheet will then be bolted in place over the ac delete bracket and I will then bolt the M62 to it with 1 1/2" spacers added and some 4 1/2" bolts to provide a level / true and square installation of the supper charger with respect to its alignment to the belts.
My question is should I be using steel or alu? (I have both 1/4" pieces of both) I am concerned that the aluminum will not have the strength but then again it is 1/4" thick. I would prefer to use the alu as machining it is much easier.
What would you do?
Shaun
Reader
6/25/11 3:13 p.m.
It does not sound like that bit of metal is going to be working very hard and will experience a very limited range and direction of load so the work hardening characteristic of aluminum will not be an issue. So, Aluminum. Hopefully the spacers can have accurate flats, generous foot prints with soft edges, and the plate loads nice and flat when installed
Hmmm. Aluminum brackets can be more rigid than steel because they can be made thicker for a given weight, since it's less dense. But for the same thickness, aluminum is less rigid, meaning thin aluminum brackets need to be carefully designed. That's why there are 'ribs' all over cast aluminum brackets: 'point loads' on aluminum can lead to premature fracture. For safety's sake I think I'd go with 1/2" aluminum, if you can't find that inexpensively I think I'd go with steel.
