outside panel replacement

[VeggieBullet]

good morning
We need to replace 1 panel on our 72 31' .
Before ordering we will like to double check the thickness of the sheet and if we are looking @ the right product.(specially since we are planning a mirror polishing project)
We are currently looking at the 2024T3 and wondering about the 0.025 or 0.032
Skin to be replaced is the front lower panel on the street side.
https://www.airpartsinc.com/shopexd.asp?id=208
If you guys know about other sources to get aluminum it will be great!
thanks!

[VeggieBullet]

found this
2024T3 ALCLAD ALUMINUM from Aircraft Spruce

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by VeggieBullet

good morning
We need to replace 1 panel on our 72 31' .
Before ordering we will like to double check the thickness of the sheet and if we are looking @ the right product.(specially since we are planning a mirror polishing project)
We are currently looking at the 2024T3 and wondering about the 0.025 or 0.032
Skin to be replaced is the front lower panel on the street side.
https://www.airpartsinc.com/shopexd.asp?id=208
If you guys know about other sources to get aluminum it will be great!
thanks!

Use .032 or better yet .040.

Airstream never used .025 on the sides or roof, only on the underbelly.

2024T3 is the correct metal for your Airstream.

Andy

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I hope you did not order yet! You said front lower panel street side. If you are talking about front corner you are not going to be able to fabricate it from a flat sheet. The front corner is formed and you will need to get a new segment for it. There are new panels available but unfortunately they are not pressed from 2024. You will need a salvaged panel to replace it and achieve the look. I recommend Ryan at RVRevive. He will probably have what you need. If it is not the corner, disregard everything I just said.

[VeggieBullet]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Use .032 or better yet .040.

Airstream never used .025 on the sides or roof, only on the underbelly.

2024T3 is the correct metal for your Airstream.

Andy

thanks for the info on the thickness!

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I hope you did not order yet! You said front lower panel street side. If you are talking about front corner you are not going to be able to fabricate it from a flat sheet. The front corner is formed and you will need to get a new segment for it. There are new panels available but unfortunately they are not pressed from 2024. You will need a salvaged panel to replace it and achieve the look. I recommend Ryan at RVRevive. He will probably have what you need. If it is not the corner, disregard everything I just said.

Thanks for the fast response.
Yes we are talking about the front lower panel on the street side.
I have the panel already out and the only tricky part it was on the front curve window, and I'm seriously considering removing it to install the new segment.
I did noticed that once the panel was removed it has a curved shape and is still remain like that.
I know the aluminum comes in rolls and I had hope that using the ribs and Cleco I will be able to bend it to the form of the trailer
your inputs please?
I know I saw this job done in the forums before but I can't find the pics to post it.
Will try to post some pics of the panel removed
thanks

[Frank's Trailer Works]

That is formed segment. It curves in multiple directions and unfortunately a flat sheet will not form it. That segment is pressed after 1966. Before that it is just a flat sheet panel. I suggest you search for a salvaged panel to replace it with.

[VeggieBullet]

Is this a formed segment? It looks pretty flat to me, may be some repair was done long time ago.
Have the 2 big indentations in the panel, otherwise I think it may lay flat but won't be surprise to be wrong

[VeggieBullet]

found this:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f416...e-26902-8.html
it doesn't look that bad of a job (the replacement of the panel not the full monte)
but as always it looks so easy when we see the pro's doing it!! ...and we all know that Aerowood is one of a kind when it refers to craftsmanship

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by VeggieBullet

Is this a formed segment? It looks pretty flat to me, may be some repair was done long time ago.
Have the 2 big indentations in the panel, otherwise I think it may lay flat but won't be surprise to be wrong

The correct quarter panel, is a compound curved piece of aluminum.

A flat sheet, as you proposed, simply won't work.

The only flat piece of metal on the front or rear end, is below the window. All others are compound curves.

Andy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by VeggieBullet

Is this a formed segment? It looks pretty flat to me, may be some repair was done long time ago.
Have the 2 big indentations in the panel, otherwise I think it may lay flat but won't be surprise to be wrong

Yes, that is a stamped segment, with compound curves. Even though it doesn't look like it, if you try putting a non-formed piece in there, it will look like, well, something you wouldn't want...

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I am not going to say it a third time.
What I will say again is if you buy a "new" panel(segment) it will not be made of the same aluminum as the original skin. It will be made of a totally different alloy. You will need to find a salvaged panel(segment) to make the metal match. I will also say you you should contact Ryan @ RV Revive. He will probably have it for you since it is salvaged, it match really closely.

[VeggieBullet]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I am not going to say it a third time.

thanks for the patience!!
BTW we called Ryan and left a VM, never called back. I guess he doesn't have it or he like me, never check his VMs

[Frank's Trailer Works]

try email too. He has been a huge resource for me!

[perryg114]

Has anyone ever thought about taking the new replacement panel and having it electroplated with pure Aluminum? This would make it polish like the original 2024-T3 Alclad aluminum.

Perry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by perryg114

Has anyone ever thought about taking the new replacement panel and having it electroplated with pure Aluminum? This would make it polish like the original 2024-T3 Alclad aluminum.

Perry

Perry.

New segments will polish almost exactly the same as 2024T3.

Only the very critical eye can tell the difference.

Andy

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I think I will just continue to source salvaged panels. Let me know how that goes...
I think it would be a lot easier if Airstream re negotiated their metal contract and pressed them out of Alclad like in the good old days.

[perryg114]

You mean like Frank?

If they would just switch to Alclad whatever the alloy underneath. This would solve alot of the corrosion problems on the newer Airstreams as well.

Perry

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Perry.

New segments will polish almost exactly the same as 2024T3.

Only the very critical eye can tell the difference.

Andy

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Everything is pressed out of the current alloy. The current alloy is used because it is considerably cheaper than Alclad. Though offering brand new panels for older units it great, it is a huge disservice to be supplied the wrong metal. I learned this all the hard way. It was a very expensive lesson to have to learn. When I asked Airstream why they are made from the wrong alloy they replied that their contract with the metal supplier causes them to not use alclad. I suspect the tonnage needed to press the panels would be significantly more also. The current alloy is the same metal used to press license plates.


Let us know how that electroplating goes. I suspect it will be cost prohibitive beyond anything you would imagine.

[perryg114]

What is the current alloy? I expect the corrosion properties are going to be much worse on the uncoated alloy which means the polish won't last long.

Perry

[binkers]

I too need a couple replacement panels for a '93 Excella 1000. When did Airstream stop pressing the Alclad panels...is the license plate alloy going to be an issue for me?