Skin gauge/thickness on what years?

[Studioman]

I have a 61'. Is there a document available that confirms panel/skin thicknesses on what years?
From what I am reading, at some point they went from .100 to .120? Is this true? What year was that?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Studioman

I have a 61'. Is there a document available that confirms panel/skin thicknesses on what years?
From what I am reading, at some point they went from .100 to .120? Is this true? What year was that?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Wrong.

In 61 to about 2000, all the shell metal was .032.

Then the lower sheet only was increased to .040.

The underbelly is even less.

Andy

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Studioman

I have a 61'. Is there a document available that confirms panel/skin thicknesses on what years?
From what I am reading, at some point they went from .100 to .120? Is this true? What year was that?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

The skin thickness on your 61 is .032". No Airstream has .100" or .120".
Colin

[putback]

And if you're replacing panels make darn sure you get the right alloy. I didn't the 1st time out, very expensive mistake!

[dbj216]

I found this post #2060 by r carl very interesting. I found it in the "corrosion on new Airstreams" thread.

"In the 1960's the aluminum was Alcoa‐Aluminum Alclad sheet 2024‐T3 .032

In 1969‐Beatrice Foods questioned cost of material. They started experimenting with 6061-T6,
it was still heat treatable and less expensive than 2024.

1972 switched to 6061‐T6 .032 1977/78 Alcoa 3004‐H291 Brite Panels .032

1983 Alcoa 3003‐H18 .032 Controlled mill finish

1986 Alcoa 3005‐H18 .032 Controlled mill finish

1993 Switched to Alumax 3005‐H18 Controlled mill finish W/ Precoat side and window sheet .040

1994 Trailer shape changed –material remained same thickness increased to .040 to help carry the weight of shell change.

1998 ‐200….Alcoa Bright Versatrim leveled sheet 3004‐H18 side and window sheet .040 3003 O Temper .040 thicknesses with special coating from Alcoa for the segments used to make the front and rear end caps. This material is stretch formed at Airstream."

It is a good history of the aluminums Airstream has used through the years.

David

[HiHoeSilver]

So if I understand correctly my 2005 would have a .040 thick material for the end cap (below the red clearance lights). Correct?

[dbj216]

That would be my understanding from the material I have. I know end caps are "softer" and we never step on them. They seem to dent easier in a hail storm. If it is important the thickness is known, I guess I would remove a marker light and measure it. Your local dealer service department may have more accurate information.

David

[Krek]

Our 1962 Mobile Industrial is .040 (as printed on the inside of the exterior skin).

[Krek]

Originally Posted by Wicks123

Wicks Aircraft Supply sells all the thickness of 6061-t6 and 2024-t3 sheets. Also can custom shear.

What is a "materials cert" and why the $10 upcharge for not having one?

[Aerowood]

A Materials Certificate is required on all materials used in the aviation world, both for new aircraft and repair of existing aircraft. You don't need one one your Airstream.

[Aerowood]

It's generally an upcharge to get one.

[DaveP]

I need to replace some of the aluminum on the front of my 2004 Classic below the main window. I live in Monument, CO south of Denver.

1) Where can I source the material I need?

2) I should look for Alcoa Bright Versatrim leveled sheet 3004‐H18 side and window sheet .040 3003 O Temper .040 thicknesses with special coating from Alcoa?

Thanks, Dave