Skin replacement problem

[FreshAir]

I am awaiting my turn to take our Trade Wind in to have the lower skin panel on the streetside replaced....14' x 4' in size. The estimate was turned in, our insurance said OK and has given me a check. I had researched the material and found a source that could supply that size in the 2040T Alclad for that vintage. However, the Airstream service center that is doing this for us received only a 12' length. That seems to be the max length available. The service guy even called Inland RV and that is the maximum they can find also. So two solutions have been suggested. Replace the 14' with the aluminum for the new Airstreams (5052?) and strip it to match the polish of our coach....OR replace with 2 sections of the Alclad. Would 2 sections of Alclad look strange? The service center guy and me think so. Would the stripped newer grade aluminum match the adjacent 2040 Alclad? Has any of you seen a similar match of old and new. Should I replace the panel in 2 sections of Alclad?
Neil

[InsideOut]

We purchased our aluminum online at Airparts, Inc. We ordered a 30+ foot long piece because we were replacing several panels on three different trailers. They sell it buy the foot...



Shari

[FreshAir]

Thanks, Shari; NOW I remember reading a post you submitted on another thread a while ago. I also discovered just now that based upon your post then I had submitted Airparts Inc as a rescource to the repair facility that told me they could do the repair. Today by phone I was told that the most he could acquire was 12'. I guess I am on the phone tomorrow. Thank you again.

Neil.