345 Rear Aluminum

[airextremist]

I have a 1986 345 I recently purchased that has damage on just about every panel in the rear. The panels need to be replaced as they are creased badly. The parts from airstream will run around $2500 or I've seen a few panel replacements done out of flat stock in a few of the chat threads here out of .040 alum. My question is from Airstream they are stretch formed. Can you get satisfactory results cutting the panels from flat stock? Flat stock will run about $800. I like the idea of the thicker guage back there as well. I could fabricate three flat stock pieces for the price of one from Airstream. This is something I want to do on my own and have spent the money to buy the right tools to do the job. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Robfike]

Get the factory stuff, you will be money ahead when the job is done.
I have done sheetmetal repairs in aviation for years, and the factory stuff is allways much easier than making the parts yourself. The job will be big enough without having to form your own curved parts.
Just my 2c worth, Rob

[airextremist]

Thanks Rob,

I am definetly going to take your advice. The parts I need are going to run $3300 now. Found more dents. Not as bad as I thought but not as good as I'd liked.

Sean