What type of metal are typical fenders made of?

[panmines]

So I want to try to make custom fender skirts for my bike and need to know that type of metal fenders are made of so I can get the right sheet metal and filler rods. I assume they are some type of steel as opposed to aluminum because they do not bend as easily and are not as soft as aluminum. I know there probably not a standard for all fenders, but maybe one type of metal is more common than others. Is there a way of determining by inspecting or testing them?

These are the fenders I plan on using:

Store link: https://www.classic-cycle.de/en/all/1591/extralong-fender-set-26-inch.-with-ducktails-black?c=407

 

[Frankenstein]

Most will be tin or steel, aluminum is more difficult to warp into that shape and aluminum in general is more expensive. .

If you use copper you'll have a metal that is easy to form, paint, and just does not rust, an added bonus for something that is meant to catch water and road crap.

 

[curtisfox]

Thin sheet steel will work , probably 22 gauge, steel supply has a gauge and can check your fenders. You going to weld them? Would tig weld if so .......Curt

 

[Arty]

I used fairly heavy gauge stainless steel for mine and shaped it on an English Wheel.

 

[butre]

I use 18 gauge sheet steel when I make them. most commercial ones are probably tin

 

[panmines]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Think my fenders are most likely mild steel. I know they are ferrous because it is magnetic. I also have done a spark test and the sparks are long and do not burst that much at the ends.

I plan on using my oxy-acetylene torch to do the welding as I am new to welding and heard it was the easiest method to pick up. I also bought the thing because I have a need to cut metal far away from an electric source. Is RG45 the best filler rod to use in this case? I measured the thickness of my fenders and they are 1/32" (22 gauge)

 

[Frankenstein]

Oxy torch on 22g steel...not really sure how that will go, especially with a new welder behind the grip..

 

[panmines]

Oxy torch on 22g steel...not really sure how that will go, especially with a new welder behind the grip..

Why not? The weld doesn't need to be to strong, just enough to hold its own weight.

 

[Arty]

The vibration from the engine is the problem in this application. - - It fatigues the weld.

 

[curtisfox]

The main thing here is practice, a lot of heat distortion & warping will happen. Best to get some old fenders and play first. Myself would think brazing would be better. Even soldering , as not some much heat...........Curt