Appreciate Advice on Aluminum Supplier

[PCtheTC]

I'm about at the place where I need to start thinking seriously about doing the interior walls on my barn find 63. I'm kind of dreading this step because it will be a real test of my craftsmanship. Some false starts look like they will be pretty costly.

Even though the GT was completely gutted when I bought it, I found a few of the walls which I can use for templates. That will be my start.

Anyway, their seem to be two suppliers that "know" Airstreams. Airparts and Air Spruce for the 2024 I'll be needing. Prices are almost the same. So "experts", any advice. Or maybe there is someone else.

Help Appreciated. And probably the first of my many questions.

[Bubba L]

Both places you mentioned are popular “go to” places for 2024 sheet aluminum. No place is cheap. Also try Vintage Trailer Supply. Here in Central Texas we get aluminum locally from Westbrook Metals. Good luck

[Aerowood]

2024-T3 is a bit spendy for interior walls. I'm using .040 5052-H32 for my interior walls, expensive but not like 2024.

Sent from my Lenovo YT3-X90F using Airstream Forums mobile app

[MTDSilver71]

I just received my order from Air Spruce. Thought it would be weeks before I received the order, but it arrived in three to four days. The packaging was more than adequate to protect the metal and I cannot see any damage at all. Was very please with the ease of ordering from the website. I would definitely order from them again.
Ted

[Slats]

Originally Posted by PCtheTC

Anyway, their seem to be two suppliers that "know" Airstreams. Airparts and Air Spruce for the 2024 I'll be needing. Prices are almost the same. So "experts", any advice. Or maybe there is someone else.

Though I'm certainly no expert, my recommendation would be Airparts. But I am a bit biased, as they are only around five miles from where I live. Nevertheless, even when I put on my objective hat, I have to say they are honest, straightforward and friendly to a fault. The owners (Mark, Chris and their mother) are on site every day. When I go there for aluminum, I get to stand there and watch Mark cut it with their big old heavy electric guillotine that separates the sheet I need from the rest of the piece with pronounced authority.

[DavidsonOverlander]

I've been disappointed several times when I ordered aluminum from Aircraft Spruce to find that it was scratched under the plastic protective coating. The scratches weren't obvious because the plastic often has marks in it anyway. Since the scratches are hidden by the plastic, the sheet may well be installed before you become aware of the scratches. In one case they replaced a whole 4'x8' sheet (I kept the scratched one).
I contacted Aircraft Spruce and received an apology from Jim Irwin (President) who said that their aluminum is coated by the supplier before they receive it. I've bought lots of aluminum from them that has been fine, but it's something to keep in mind.

[PCtheTC]

This was my first post on the Forum. I was amazed by the quality of the responses. And answers from owners who had first-hand experience. And all were on point.

I've tried my luck on a couple other forums. Lots of times I wanted to scream "Come on. Just answer my question, will you?" This one is sure different.

So, thanks for letting me pick your brains.