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I used a magnet:
The magnet only sticked on the roof.
Not on the hood, trunklid, doors or fenders.
If i recall correctly, my LS 600h only had an aluminium hood and trunklid. Is this true?
Aluminum car bodies make sense. I’m surprised the entire industry doesn’t go to aluminum.
Just imagine a car that won’t rust out, ever.
I had two F150s that were aluminum, never any problems with the bodies.
Wonder why Lexus stuck with steel for the roof and quarter panels?
Got an aluminum F150 in the garage as well. I've never had issues with rusting on steel cars but I have to say I'm shocked at how much lighter some pieces are. The giant hood on the F150 appears to be far far lighter than the steel hood on an old Corolla.
My guess why it isn't more common is probably just cost, both to produce and to repair. Don't quote me but I also believe it might be harder to stamp/shape than steel.
Oh the other nice thing about it, on the F150 at least.... killer payload capacities. Lighter body means the frame can handle more weight than competitors. Definitely important on a truck if doing work with it.
I'm not in the auto industry but in the aerospace industry and there are many particular issues/design considerations when working with aluminum structures. Bare steel against aluminum causes galvanic corrosion. Aluminum has a set fatigue life, only so many load/flight cycles before an airframe is chopped up. Welding aluminum is trickier than steel and has a greater strength reduction at a welded joints. You have to have a larger cross-sectional area with aluminum to maintain the same relative stiffness. Just to name a few.
08-04-23, 11:58 PM
Aluminium?
