Why not use Aluminum?

[Koz]

Corvette - fiberglass
AC Cobra - aluminum
Saturn - plastic
Lexus IS350 - aluminum hood (How did this get in there?)
McLaren F1

 

[mjfrank]

The 2001 Ford Expedition had an aluminum hood. I found out about that when it was hail damaged, and the hood had to be replaced, rather than repaired.
Once dented, aluminum has too much of a memory for the dent to be pushed out.

Our 2005 Expedition is the same as the 2001. The rear lift-gate is a composite material. (I think)

--Mike

 

[boston_kevin]

As far as I have heard, aluminum body panels are not as durable as their steel counter parts because of the relatively low resistance to rupture (think about how hard it is to puncture a soda can verus a steel can of tomatos). Any kinda of large rock hitting the front end would put a hole through the body panel. Now, almost all SUV's have had aluminum tailgates (lift gates) in the back since 2000. For a while, I know there were also issues in applying paint and clear coat to aluminum because of the bonding process, but I think those are mostly resolved. Now the major issues would be getting everybody to retool to form aluminum panels instead of steel (and the steel industry would not be happy).

 

[Jay]

The Mitsubishi EVO has aluminum fenders and hood, for weight reasons. Personaly, i wouldnt want alum parts, its too soft, and onces its dented, you have to replace it. Might save a few lbs, but not worth it in the long run for durablity and price.

 

[qballjr13]

let's talk about the ones we can afford! for the audis and other high ends, i believe only the panels are aluminum such as the hood, trunk, and some other body parts.

The A8 has an aluminum frame and body...the whole body. You are right in a way that there are some high end cars that have a piece here and there for weight. I use the A8 because I know for certain is ALL alluminum.

 

[jacal]

Ford ranger (99) had and alum hood as well.

All-alum generally can't be repaired by a "standard" body shop.


J