Are these segments flat sheet or do I need an Airstream part?

[66replica]

Hi all,

I'm currently replacing the front flat segment on my '78 Sovereign. While I'm there, I'm considering replacing the two bottom side segments. (segments 13 & 14 on this photo: http://www.inlandrv.com/catalog/images/1969Frt.jpg). Is this a part I need to purchase from Airstream or since it's a curve in only one dimension, can I simply use flat sheet and clecos to form it to the curve?

[Shacksman]

Those two segments are compound curves. Hold a straight edge up to them and you will see the bulge. I have replaced them with flat sheet and it gives a more slim look to the front, but you have to do both pieces to make it look right.

[66replica]

Thanks for the info! I'll leave them as is for now.

[Belegedhel]

You can still buy these formed segments, and they will be an exact fit, but unless you can find some NOS, they will be made of the modern alloy, and will have a bullet proof clear coat on them. The combination of the cost of the segment plus the cost of shipping puts them at around $500 apiece.

If you have dents in your existing segments, you might try to gently roll them out from the inside, or if you really can't live with them, you might remove the entire segment and have the dents worked out by someone with an English Wheel.

good luck!

[perryg114]

You could hide the dents with guards if they are the lower panels we are talking about.

Perry

[66replica]

The dents aren't so bad. It's mainly the pits due to rocks that made me want to replace.

[perryg114]

You are going to have to cover the new panels as well or they will get dents like the ones you have. You can get some dents out from the inside with a roller. Probably less work than a panel replacement.

Perry

[66replica]

Has anyone documented building rock guards similar to modern Airstreams? Sounds interesting.

[perryg114]

There are some post about the window guards but I can't recall ones on the lower rock guards. I have thought of making some myself. New guards are not cheap but cheaper than panel replacement.

Perry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 66replica

Has anyone documented building rock guards similar to modern Airstreams? Sounds interesting.

The cover for the windows are called "rock guards".

The covers for the lower quarter panels are called "segment protectors", which are made with "stainless steel", and cost much more than the rock guards.

Andy