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Frankiefiveo · 02-20-2012, 06:00 AM

Can anyone offer me advice on where I would purchase sheets of aluminum to do some work on the under carriage? I have a section that needs to be replaced but I have not been able to find sheets bigger than 12" x 24" and I will probably need 10' x 12'.

wasagachris · 02-20-2012, 06:07 AM

Any Airstream dealer can get you the belly pan material in the correct width which if IIRC is 65 inches. You can order any length you like.
I ordered mine from Inland RV in California. They are experts in vintage Airstreams and have many items not available from other dealers.
Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations

**wahoonc** · 02-20-2012, 06:12 AM

Being on the East Coast (sort of) I would check around. There are several AS dealers on this coast that ship too. Out of Doors Mart in NC is one I buy from pretty regularly. I would also check out aircraft suppliers as well as any metal supply houses you can find. There is one in Mobile, AL but the name escapes me at the moment.

Aaron

SummitAir · 02-20-2012, 06:14 AM

Your local or nearby sheet metal company that does roofing and duct work. That is where i get mine.

Melody Ranch · 02-20-2012, 07:32 AM

SummitAir has it right. Go to that local sheet metal (heating/air conditioning) shop. That way you get the metal without shipping costs if it comes, as it should, in with their next delivery. If you use mill finish for the belly its a lot cheaper too.

barts · 02-20-2012, 09:21 AM

I've found a "local" metal dealer that recycles, carries new steel and "scrap" aluminum, stainless, brass/bronze, etc. I've often found large sheets there (4'x8', 4'x10') but it is potluck. The nice part is the price - $2.00/lb.
They often have aluminum moldings, angle, etc. which have come in very handy for making custom brackets, wall fasteners, etc. in the Tin Pickle.

- Bart

truckasaurus · 02-20-2012, 10:44 AM

Truck and trailer guys will also have utility grade on a roll and it's, I think, 100+ inches wide and any length.

Frankiefiveo · 02-21-2012, 07:19 AM

Thank you all for the great responses. I will check with local sheet metal guys first.

Eagle & Bear · 03-14-2012, 02:01 AM

What thickness do we need for the belly pan?

Is there a specific "grade" or type of aluminum that is used for the belly pan?

I will be removing the rear quarter panels and want to cut a 12 inch hole through the inner skin of my 1976. What thickness and grade of aluminum sheet do I need to repair the inner skin that I cut through?