【DIY Camper: #04】How to bend aluminum molding (Sharpie trick)

Aluminum molding with lip may be difficult to bend depending on the radius of the profile. Here is a quick tip to bend aluminum molding without kinking the lip.
First if to make a jig of the profile trying to bend to. Key is to make jig's radius slightly tighter since there will be some bounce back after aluminum is release from the jig. Also, jig should be at least same thickness as molding's width. It should probably be slightly thicker. Make sure many holes are drilled for the clamps.
Once you located the area of molding you want to bend, cover the area with Sharpie marker. All you do after that is to heat the marked area with torch. I'm using MAP/Pro gas, but I think propane torch is fine too. Heat the molding until Sharpie marks are gone. Disappearing of Sharpie marks indicate aluminum reached annealed temperature.
After annealed, place the molding on the jig and clamp it at one end. Start bend it to the jig and hold it with many clamps. Repeat the process to the other end. And you are done.
Advice:
1) Make sure to ware gloves when heating aluminum.
2) When clamping aluminum molding to jig, make sure to remove any plastic or rubber protective piece from the clamp. That could melt.
3) If you are bending Roof Molding, you need to use blockings placed in the groove to not damage when clamping.
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[@petewoodhead52]

I'm working with some complex wheel well molding on an Airstream trailer I've fussed and fought with it and wish I had found your video to begin with. I was just searching with the wrong parameters until today. Thank you for making this tutorial.

[@traveling_with_sunny]

I hope this will help you on your future projects!

[@kyststudio-epicartadventure]

The effects of an raking metal remain after it cools. The interior spaces between the crystals have been reorganized. Only time or moving (bending/compress) will change those spaces. You won’t need gloves if you let it cool. -jeweler.

[@billeldridge3771]

Nice. Good advice sir

[@johnnybomb08]

best trailer i've ever seen

[@traveling_with_sunny]

Wow, thank you.

[@sweetcamperlife8370]

Thank you for the tip!

[@dustyray5774]

Thanks! I'm looking to replace trim molding on a Class C. I'll try this!

[@traveling_with_sunny]

It's really not hard. Good luck.

[@ESLinsider]

cool just curous what is that round thing? Round hole with 6 screws in it?

[@traveling_with_sunny]

That's 4in PVC tube storage. Have 4in hatch cover both side

[@kwadlife4106]

You think aluminum angle can be bent this way?

[@traveling_with_sunny]

It may be doable but it depends on the dimension of leg you are trying to bend, thickness of angle, and the radius of the bend.
I bent aluminum angles for the corners where front hatch meets the roof.

[@terravarious]

If it's 6063 utility aloy yes.
Slightly more reliable temperature wise is soot. If you have access to an oxy-fuel torch light it without the oxy and coat the area with soot. Burn the soot off and then let it cool to a hand comfortable temperature and bend away.
IF you make a lot of adjustments or the surface starts to craze you'll need to reheat it.

[@shawndoyle6460]

Wish this would work for me but my molding and trim is painted white... the torch will burn off the paint

[@traveling_with_sunny]

I 've seem people paint these trim. Perhaps you could shape it then paint?

[@aestheticsmom]

Where did you buy the trim from? I’ve tried this with regular aluminum angle from Lowe’s and it’s just too thick

[@traveling_with_sunny]

I'm sorry, I missed your comment.
You can goggle for "aluminum RV roof edge molding" and should get many links.

[@jacobblack5414]

Can I do this technique with painted/coated aluminum?

[@traveling_with_sunny]

Unfortunately heat will destroy any paint/ coating on your trim.

[@stevosUSN]

Where do you but the aluminum base molding?, thanks

[@traveling_with_sunny]

Apologize for not replying sooner. I don't know this is where I got mine, but you can get similar from So-Cal Teardrops, www.socalteardrops.com/parts.php?cid=2&pid=18. "Standard Top Edge Molding"

[@avenge1671]

Don't think this will work for my almost 90.deg angle

[@traveling_with_sunny]

It depends on the dimension of lip you're trying to bend and radius of bend. If it's about 3/8", you may still be able to.

[@cathalmurray6695]

Have you tried this technique? ua-cam.com/video/IBtg0pX8lSM/v-deo.html

[@themaximusone]

Nice video but it is to thin just like the new RV models they come apart in a couple of years so I have takin that problem into my own hand. American RV makers should be ashed.