Making your own panels?

[Phrunes]

Is there any reason I couldn't use sheet aluminum clad to replace a lower radius panel? Or, does the actual panel have some kind of pressed convex shape? Just wondering because I have to replace two lower curves and the rear flat panel and have located sheet material for about $200 total.

[barts]

As far as I can tell, only the upper end caps have compound curves.... a quick way to figure it out: take a sheet of paper - if the paper will lay smoothly against the entire panel, the panel is either flat or a conic section - bent in only a single direction. If the paper won't lay flat, it was formed on a wheel or press rather than just bent into position.

- Bart

[Phrunes]

Thanks Bart!

[Frank's Trailer Works]

sorry, but all those 70's and on are formed panels. Get ready to fork over the cash on those. 1978, you will need to go to Inland Rv for that...

[Aerowood]

I replaced mine with flat sheet, BUT there was some forming involved. See my thread below for details

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f416...nte-26902.html

[toddster]

I've got the upper panel shown in the pic plus the streetside-front/curbside-rear lower wrap around panel (both NOS Airstream). Let me know if either of these are what you need and maybe we can work out a deal.

Originally Posted by Phrunes

Is there any reason I couldn't use sheet aluminum clad to replace a lower radius panel? Or, does the actual panel have some kind of pressed convex shape? Just wondering because I have to replace two lower curves and the rear flat panel and have located sheet material for about $200 total.