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NCMEDIC · 01-02-2009, 10:44 AM

So, am I understanding you guys correctly? It seems that you are saying that the pre-1982 trailers (made with 2024) would have skins of superior quality compared to the newer trailers made with 5052?

That is certainly a good argument for an older trailer, along with the ability to mirror shine.

Inland RV Center, In · 01-02-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northmeck025

So, am I understanding you guys correctly? It seems that you are saying that the pre-1982 trailers (made with 2024) would have skins of superior quality compared to the newer trailers made with 5052?

That is certainly a good argument for an older trailer, along with the ability to mirror shine.

Airstream changed the metal in mid year.

They went from the 2024 T 3 , that they also called "shiney" to the 5052, that they called "dull."

Ball park that change took place at the end of 1981.

Andy

NCMEDIC · 01-02-2009, 11:19 AM

What was the reason for the change? Was it lighter, cheaper, or did they just think the satin finish would be more appealing? Not looking for the AS marketing department answer....

Aerowood · 01-02-2009, 12:01 PM

Currently 5052-H32 or H34 is considerably cheaper then the Alclad 2024-T3. And goransons, If it was me I would replace the .032 side panel with .040. FWIW

Kip

goransons · 01-02-2009, 07:36 PM

Thanks Kip, now all I need to do is figure out how to get you out here to show me how a pro installs it

Aerowood · 01-03-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goransons

Thanks Kip, now all I need to do is figure out how to get you out here to show me how a pro installs it

Its really easy actually, you just drill out all the old rivets, the skin falls off, drill new panel using the old as a template, shoot new panel on. How hard could it be

.

goransons · 01-03-2009, 09:35 AM

Hahaha well I have no doubt I can get the panel on, but have been amazed by the work you've done. I'll be reading threads and picking brains before I start that, in the meantime I have many other projects before I'm ready.

Frank's Trailer Works · 01-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Scott, if you plan to replace a panel it would be wise to do it sooner than later. To do it correctly (I bet I am corrected incorrectly about this) you need to buck those rivets to replace a panel. The best time would be before you put the interior skin back into place. Depending on which ones you are replacing you might also need to go through the channel too. So now might be closer to the right time than you might think. Some around here will tell you that it can be done at anytime using olympics. Some will tell you they do that all the time and it is okay. But me, I am saying use only buck rivets for that work. I will even loan you my rivet gun and bucking bar. Aerowood was kind enough to steer me toward a sweet kit that did a fantastic job on my trailer.

Also your diffuser in on route.

goransons · 01-03-2009, 03:05 PM

Not to hijack this thread any further but my hope is to replace all plywood, get the body bolted down, finish stripping all the interior panels, pulling some new wire, rebuilding some windows, and replacing an axle before we tackle the panel replacement. I might take you up on that rivet gun and bar when I get to that point. Lower interior skins won't be going back in any time soon, again probably not until next fall. Before I go back to teaching in the fall I hope to shoot the interior Zolatone so the winter I can work on cabinets etc with a finished space inside.