Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum article comprising the steps of: (a) providing stock including an aluminum alloy comprising about 1.0 to 1.3 wt.% silicon, about 0.40 to 0.80 wt.% magnesium, about 0.02 to 0.20 wt.% of an element selected from the group consisting of manganese and chromium, not more than about 0.70 wt.% copper, the remainder substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities; (b) hot rolling the stock at a temperature ranging from about 980.degree. to 1025.degree. F. to obtain a gauge thickness ranging from about 0.20 to 0.10 inches; (c) solution heat treating at a temperature ranging from about 1000.degree. to 1030.degree. F. for a time period of about 3 to 10 minutes; (d) rapid quenching at a rate of about 500.degree. F./second to a threshold temperature of about 200.degree. F. for a time period ranging from about 2 to 10 minutes; (e) cooling to room temperature at a rate above 1.8.degree. F.