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kamo · 11-16-2006, 02:27 PM

Hello,

Does anyone know what gauge aluminum sheet was used for the exterior skin on early 60s Airstreams?

Thanks,
Kamo

markdoane · 11-16-2006, 02:52 PM

0.032"

kamo · 11-16-2006, 03:08 PM

So 18 gauge (0.040") would be pretty close?

Aerowood · 11-16-2006, 03:44 PM

.040 is a standard size for 2024-T3 aluminum followed by: .050, .063, .071, .080, .090, .100, .125 etc

kamo · 11-16-2006, 03:54 PM

Looks like my local metal supply has both 0.032" and 0.040".

Should I go for the thicker one? I'm fixing the belly pan...

markdoane · 11-16-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamo

Looks like my local metal supply has both 0.032" and 0.040".

Should I go for the thicker one? I'm fixing the belly pan...

No, I would go thinner. The original belly skin is .025". If you use .032" it is hard to make it curl to a 4" radius.

kamo · 11-17-2006, 08:49 AM

Thanks. I bought the 0.032", and the softer version.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-17-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamo

Thanks. I bought the 0.032", and the softer version.

Airstream has used .040 on the lower sheets only in recent year production.

It does add to the shell strength.

Using .040 instead of the .032 for side sheets on older trailers would add to the strength of those shells as well.

Andy

urbanfood · 11-17-2006, 09:53 AM

kamo, i see you live in burbank. where did you buy the aluminum? i've already made a trip out to aircraft spruce in corona to get a rivet tool and was planning on going there for my aluminum panels when i get to that stage, unless there is a supplier in the valley somewhere, i haven't had a chance to look yet.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-17-2006, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanfood

kamo, i see you live in burbank. where did you buy the aluminum? i've already made a trip out to aircraft spruce in corona to get a rivet tool and was planning on going there for my aluminum panels when i get to that stage, unless there is a supplier in the valley somewhere, i haven't had a chance to look yet.

Aircraft Spruce in Corona almost always has Airstream type sheet metal in stock, but we would suggest you call them first, just to make sure you don't waste a trip.

However, the 2024T3 that they sell usually has some scratches on it.

They are 1 block away from us.

Andy

uwe · 11-17-2006, 11:47 AM

I used .040 to replace a very long side sheet on my 63 Overlander, and found it to be an excellent choice for straight sections. It looks straight and less wavy then the original one was. Installation seemed easier as well, since the material has slightly more integrity and lays flatter than .032

Dan Clayton · 11-22-2006, 06:34 PM

.032 T2024T3 is used on the body. T2024T3 .025 is used for the belly pan, I can tell you from replacing a couple of belly pans, that the .025 is far eaiser too use and bend. It's not easy getting the pan to bend the way it needs too. In my area a sheet of T2024T3 .032 goes for $175.00 thats a 4'x12' sheet, a sheet of .025 goes for about $80.00.