Replacing interior skin

[svanpelt]

Hi,

I am helping a friend remodel his 1975 Safari. He removed all the interior skin to replace the electric wiring. My question is whether or not there is a less expensive option for replacing the interior skin rather than using aluminum??? Thanks, Scott

[Aage]

The inner skin forms an important part of the entire structure, a part that helps holds things up (a lot).

Be very care with what you use to replace it.

[crazeevw]

Some PO had replaced the interior door skin on my Classic Moho with Luan. Ripped all of that crap out. As well, pulled all the pink fiberglass and replacing with Reflectix. I'm still working on getting door aligned. Once door is as good as I can get, will replace door skin with Aluminum, as it was designed.
Good Luck, Derek

[svanpelt]

Originally Posted by Aage

The inner skin forms an important part of the entire structure, a part that helps holds things up (a lot).

Be very care with what you use to replace it.

Do you know what thickness the aluminum is on the interior walls of a 1970's Airstream? I Agree with you on strength of aluminum but need to find the least expensive sheets for the job. The interior skin will be covered up by wall paper.

[rumrunner]

What did you remove? If the original interior panels are in decent condition just clean and reinstall. There are wallpaper adhesives which should bond wallpaper to the vinyl. Or strip and paint as desired. No need to replace the entire interior if you are willing to employ a little elbow grease and some time.
tim

[marzboy]

I agree with rumrunner but I chose to replace rather than strip. I am changing the interior layout so I wanted to start clean. I went with 5052 .032. I have seen people use the thinner .025 but I thought it puckered too much and looked cheap.

[svanpelt]

Originally Posted by marzboy

I agree with rumrunner but I chose to replace rather than strip. I am changing the interior layout so I wanted to start clean. I went with 5052 .032. I have seen people use the thinner .025 but I thought it puckered too much and looked cheap.

Thanks a million for the reply. The inside was a mess. Holes drilled every which way but loose in the interior skin... The wife of my friend whom I am helping is VERY particular. She wants the inside to be as perfect as possible. Your advice on thickness of aluminum was prefect. I will go with thicker gauge to prevent puckering. Where did you buy your aluminum and how much should I expect to pay per square foot? Cheers, Scott

[Aage]

Aircraft Spruce is a popular name for metal supplies.

Metals & Plastics from Aircraft Spruce

They aren't alone though.

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by svanpelt

Thanks a million for the reply. The inside was a mess. Holes drilled every which way but loose in the interior skin... The wife of my friend whom I am helping is VERY particular. She wants the inside to be as perfect as possible. Your advice on thickness of aluminum was prefect. I will go with thicker gauge to prevent puckering. Where did you buy your aluminum and how much should I expect to pay per square foot? Cheers, Scott

I get my metal from aircraft spruce but you can also try airparts