Pre-coated Alcoa aluminum panels

[idahosafari]

I heard that recently Airstream began using pre-coated Alcoa aluminum panels rather than applying a clearcoat as they had previously done.

Can anyone tell me what year Airstream began using pre-coated Alcoa aluminum panels, and how well have they held up compared to the clearcoat?

Thanks!

- Charlie

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by idahosafari

I heard that recently Airstream began using pre-coated Alcoa aluminum panels rather than applying a clearcoat as they had previously done.

Can anyone tell me what year Airstream began using pre-coated Alcoa aluminum panels, and how well have they held up compared to the clearcoat?

Thanks!

- Charlie

I believe it was in 1999. I think it's too soon to tell. It was my understanding that some clearcoats started to fail between 5-10 years. The pre-coated stuff has barely been out in the field for 5 years.

[Ken J]

Oasis RV in Tuscon Az has a shell sitting in their back yard that Airstream sent them several years ago to see how the clearcoat holds up in the hot desert sun - so far so good.

[rluhr]

If you want a little more info straight from Alcoa, see http://www.alcoa.com/car_truck/en/success_airstream.asp

[Tinsel Loaf]

Ours started to craz and bubble on a coupel panels after 12 months. Airstream replaced the street side panel under warranty.