Chevy Pokes Fun at Ford Aluminum Truck

[Redneck in training]

I don't think you'll ever hear anyone say aluminum is stronger than steel in a general context, since it's not generally true. But it's possible that thicker aluminum panels could be as strong as or stronger than thinner steel panels.

You need to consider strength per mass. For the same mass of a part Al is stronger than steel. For the same strength Al is lighter than steel. Corrosion resistance depends on particular Al alloy. In example aircraft Al (in example 7075) is strong but has to be treated against corrosion. Aluminum has, in general, good corrosion resistance as long as it doesn't contact dissimilar metal. 6061 alloy has very good corrosion resistance.

 

[MossRoad]

So previously referenced brackish water and marine environments aside, I think you are saying that aluminum centric Fords will rust out faster than the steel centric GMs? I don't know who makes trucks out of treated lumber.

Geeze Tom. Let it go. Aluminum corrodes when exposed to salt. Steel rusts. We all know that. The paint keeps both sealed from the salt. No one knows how well the aluminum body will hold up over hours of usage in salt air environments yet like those found on the coasts, or heavy road-salt usage areas, like northern states. We all know that steel bodies of today hold up much better to salt than the steel bodies of decades past due to how the metal is treated. Lets see how the aluminum holds up. Being around aircraft the first half of my life, I know aluminum corrodes when left bare. However, I haven't seen it corrode through like a steel car fender or wheel well. But airplanes aren't exposed to road salt, dirt and rock chips like a automotive wheel well, either. Time will tell.

 

[bcp]

Lots of aluminum boats out there on the water, including salt water.

Bruce

 

[TomSeller]

Geeze Tom. Let it go. Aluminum corrodes when exposed to salt.

Geeze MossRoad, let what go? I have two responses to S219 who mentioned brackish water marine environments and treated lumber trucks. Naturally, I am curious as to to both trucks. S219 should clarify if he is going to counter my comment. I'd like to see those ocean going and treated lumber trucks. Curious minds want to know.

 

[dragoneggs]

You need to consider strength per mass. For the same mass of a part Al is stronger than steel. For the same strength Al is lighter than steel. Corrosion resistance depends on particular Al alloy. In example aircraft Al (in example 7075) is strong but has to be treated against corrosion. Aluminum has, in general, good corrosion resistance as long as it doesn't contact dissimilar metal. 6061 alloy has very good corrosion resistance.

Redneck, you sound like you might have an aircraft background. I will enjoy the rest of this thread reading opinions on strength and corrosion of aluminum alloys and steels. Folks be careful not to generalize. I can find aluminum that is stronger and better in corrosion than a steel just maybe not stiffer.

 

[TomSeller]

Lots of aluminum boats out there on the water, including salt water.

Bruce

Yep. But some do not seem to know of the advantages of aluminum. It and its alloys are not an answer to everything, but in many cases, they are so much superior to the typical the iron/steel headed mind set.

 

[Garandman]

Strength issues aside, the fact remains that it is much more expensive to repair a damaged aluminum body than a steel body, at least for the time being. Aluminum material used for bodies etc is a bit more expensive than steel also but one may get a bit more MPG from an all aluminum vehicle. Would it make up for the extra cost to build- your guess is good or better than mine.

My 2006 Subaru has aluminum hood and tailgate and others have the entire front clip. Audi has sold aluminum bodies for years.

This is only new in pickups. Ironically a comparable Chevy weighs less than an F150.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 vs. 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat, 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Comparison Tests - Page 5 - Car and Driver

 

[Egon]

Does not AL oxadise (corrode ) very quickly on exposure to air forming a coating which protects it?

 

[s219]

So previously referenced brackish water and marine environments aside, I think you are saying that aluminum centric Fords will rust out faster than the steel centric GMs? I don't know who makes trucks out of treated lumber.

I have a feeling you're trying to turn this into a brand war, and honestly I could care less about that part of it. I have nothing for/against either Ford or GM. So let's roll back to the original post:

And overall lighter than the thinner steel panels. => stronger and lighter. => more durable and better mileage.

Oh and less corrosion

No mention of brands in your post. I said both points are debatable, not something that can be generalized. I stand by that. I already explained why and gave examples.

 

[KennyG]

It's great that we've got a variety of technologies available and new things are being developed. Those that are skeptical of aluminum body parts continue to have a wide choice of steel bodied vehicles. Too bad we don't have point and condenser ignitions for those that don't trust electronics and 4 wheel drum brakes for those that can't get comfortable with those newfangled disc brakes. :laughing:

Seriously, technology advances and someone has to try it on mass scale. I can remember, in my field, when you had to make a very convincing case to use stainless pipe because of the cost and difficulty in welding. Today, stainless isn't much more expensive than similar quality carbon steel pipe and welding is no issue. Ford may fail with the aluminum bodies (I doubt that) and we may have to go straight to composites, but it's better than sticking with the same old technology.

I've watched this happen with bicycles. There are still a few purists who stick with steel frames but aluminum is now being pushed out of the mid range by improved carbon fiber technology.