stryped wrote:
SO is steel hard to work with an English wheel? Is aluminum harder to work?


They each have quirks.

Steel is much more forgiving for a beginner, costs less and doesn't
require any special treatment when you weld it or go to paint it.
Steel also allows for easier repairs in the future.
BUT steel is usually heavier, rusts easily and you can overwork the
steel if you don't pay attention.


Aluminum forms easier at a given thickness than steel, larger parts can
be lighter, depending on the alloy it can resist corrosion better than
steel.
BUT it work hardens, dents easily, requires specific welding methods and
needs special treatment when you paint it. It is also a PIA to repair
properly.

Fiberglass is easy to work with, can be built up and altered easily. No
panel beating or wheel needed.
BUT 'glass is heavier than both, doesn't like temperature extremes, you
either need a mold or some type of form to work from as 'glass isn't
self supporting, it is MESSY and the materials can cost much more than
either metal.

For all three you will need to make a supporting framework of some type
to provide a solid structural base. Then mount your body sections to
that as you make them.

Starting from scratch and needing to buy/make the tools, learning how to
use them and building a complete running vehicle is NOT for the faint of
heart.

However as a stepping stone you could get a kit car and build that. Then
as you learn and acquire tools you could make parts using the kit as a
"pattern".

--
Steve W.