1965 end cap body panels. Who has them?

[greenrig]

Does anyone stock these anywhere? What years are these all the same? Late 57-68 are an interchangeable compound curve? I'm looking for specifically the top 3 rear panels. Thank you!

[Belegedhel]

I am unaware of anyone who stocks them new. So, your choices are to either find a salvage trailer and get used parts (there are some online vendors who sell used AS parts), or to carefully remove your segments and try to have them repaired on an English Wheel, if the damage is not too extreme.

good luck!

[greenrig]

Thanks! Do you know which years are the same in the case I can find a donor trailer or someone claiming they have panels that fit?

[Bubba L]

I know AS switched from 7 panel to 5 panel end caps in 1964. You may want to stick with the 60s end caps segments. Also, I’ve heard that Colin Hyde of ‘Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations’ in Peru, New York has English wheels now and has worked on segments. Do you have a bent up original? That would help.

[rideair]

I heard at one time, Colin offered a 13 panels replacement allowing a person to convert a 60's era trailer to 13 panels.

Not sure if it's 100% true, but that's what I heard.

Enjoy,

[Janet H]

I once ordered a NOS segment and then found it did not actually fit. If you still have the dented segments finding someone skilled with an english wheel may be your best bet.

[Cochese]

Colin can repair segments, but you might be without the parts for quite a while! He is very difficult to get a hold of... good luck!

[greenrig]

2 panels may roll out ok. They are pretty wrinkley. I have an english wheel and had some success rolling out smaller dents. These panels will be a real challenge and would prefer to just get replacements. 1 panel has been cut so that one will need to be replaced for sure. I may attempt to make a new panel from scratch but have low confidence in this as of now.

[batman]

Originally Posted by greenrig

2 panels may roll out ok. They are pretty wrinkley. I have an english wheel and had some success rolling out smaller dents. These panels will be a real challenge and would prefer to just get replacements. 1 panel has been cut so that one will need to be replaced for sure. I may attempt to make a new panel from scratch but have low confidence in this as of now.

You have the tools and the skills.

You can get your same 0.032 alclad aluminum sheets from Aircraft Spruce here in CA.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...sheet_2024.php

Pattern out the original and make a new panel.

-Dennis

[SilverPal2]

Inland Airstream has panels if he is still in business , do some online research

[batman]

Jim, That's Inland RV in Corona, CA. They are a great source for all things Airstream and hard to find stuff like the "Astro Dome" for my 64 Safari.
I am not sure (Andy The owner) is still with us, He used to post here on the forums but I have not seen or heard from him in years.
The place is still open and they do have body panels available for certain years.
https://inlandrv.com/product-categor...ream-exterior/

-Dennis

[twolanehwy]

Originally Posted by greenrig

2 panels may roll out ok. They are pretty wrinkley. I have an english wheel and had some success rolling out smaller dents. These panels will be a real challenge and would prefer to just get replacements. 1 panel has been cut so that one will need to be replaced for sure. I may attempt to make a new panel from scratch but have low confidence in this as of now.

I have the same issue with a 59'.
Look for a retired aircraft or motorcycle custom parts builder.
Give them your segment for a shape and they can reproduce oversize and trim down from there.
Most aircraft or custom parts people in sheet metal / aluminum are very busy and expensive.
Maybe there is a college that has a metal shop class locally and they could use it as a project in class.

[twolanehwy]

Originally Posted by batman

Jim, That's Inland RV in Corona, CA. They are a great source for all things Airstream and hard to find stuff like the "Astro Dome" for my 64 Safari.
I am not sure (Andy The owner) is still with us, He used to post here on the forums but I have not seen or heard from him in years.
The place is still open and they do have body panels available for certain years.
https://inlandrv.com/product-categor...ream-exterior/

-Dennis

Andy sold it I heard. So not sure but they had some old end cap segments a few years back.

[twolanehwy]

Originally Posted by batman

You have the tools and the skills.

You can get your same 0.032 alclad aluminum sheets from Aircraft Spruce here in CA.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...sheet_2024.php

Pattern out the original and make a new panel.

-Dennis

compound panels not so easy unless having a wheel.

[greenrig]

Inland RV was the first I thought of. After not seeing the panels on their website, my partner gave a call. Apparently in June or July of 2019 they scrapped all the stock of these panels! For the price per pound of aluminum! I'm sure there is a good back story to this but I'm missing it.

[SilverPal2]

C & G in Bell flower, CA also had a large inventory of Vintage Body parts, the business was closed and I dont know what happened to the inventory

[twolanehwy]

Originally Posted by greenrig

Inland RV was the first I thought of. After not seeing the panels on their website, my partner gave a call. Apparently in June or July of 2019 they scrapped all the stock of these panels! For the price per pound of aluminum! I'm sure there is a good back story to this but I'm missing it.

I didn't follow up but they sent me panel order form with renderings of different models / years.
I moved and been really busy and was gonna call again.
Guess that ain't happening...I remember about $500 per panel for compounds.

[Canlib]

Your best solution would be to find a parts trailer and scrap it out. The over 28' models are getting cheaper all the time and the end caps are the same. With your wheel you can adjust the fit. I'll add my recommendation for Aircraft Spruce. They were great to deal with when I was working on my Globetrotter.

[jealtstatt]

Have a look at https://www.tinmantech.com . If anyone can work aluminum it is Kent, and he will teach you how to do it as well. Need an English Wheel? He'll show you how to make one. Compound curves? Just look at the aircraft wing root parts he has fabricated.



Some years ago, he did a restoration of a friend's Aluminum bodied 1948 Porsche, a very rare car indeed. The aluminum work was perfect.


I have no affiliation with Kent or tinmantech other than having met him once years ago. -JA

[Hockeyisfun]

Have you looked on ebay? Someone is selling front and rear 13 panel for 1900 obo