I have an aluminum bed that currently has a small (about 18 inches) bulkhead/headache rack in the front of the bed. I want to add to it to get it up to the top of the cab. 3003 alloy is cheaper than 6061. Which is better for this kind of purpose. Bed goes on a 1 ton truck. I've been told that both are equally weldable.
- Thread starter DRussell
- Start date
el6147, I read the information in the link, thank you. However, that is referencing the filler wire for welding 6061 aluminum. I'm asking about the actual alloy itself, not the filler wire to use when welding. 6061 alloy is stronger than 3003 alloy, but is also more expensive. My question is whether the 3003 alloy is appropriate to use as a bulkhead/headache rack.
Janicholson
Well-known Member
If you routinely carry things, or load against the front, use the 6061 T-6 If not the other is OK. Jim
RCP
Well-known Member
- Location
- Grove City Pa
Do you know what aluminium was used to make your bed?
I would likely use the same material.
Ultimately the strength of the rack will depend on the material but more importantly the design and contruction.
Rich
I would likely use the same material.
Ultimately the strength of the rack will depend on the material but more importantly the design and contruction.
Rich
I'm no expert with welding aluminum, but I don't think you need the 6061 for this job, the 3003 should be fine.
I've welded 6061 in the construction of our cranberry harvesters which are used in the water. I was told to use 6061 as this would marine grade use...they run in 6"-12" of water for a week of the year. The machines do have a a fair amount of flex and need to take an impact .... especially if the driver isn't watching what they are doing.
Having said that, how much aluminum do you really need to extend the rack up an extra 2' and will it really cost significantly more?
Grant
I've welded 6061 in the construction of our cranberry harvesters which are used in the water. I was told to use 6061 as this would marine grade use...they run in 6"-12" of water for a week of the year. The machines do have a a fair amount of flex and need to take an impact .... especially if the driver isn't watching what they are doing.
Having said that, how much aluminum do you really need to extend the rack up an extra 2' and will it really cost significantly more?
Grant
Similar threads
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.
Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy