Paint And Panels

[AZAL55]

I have a 67 AS I am trying to recondition a bit. I would like to purchase some aluminum panels for some old patch work, also replace an entire panel just behind the propane tanks. I also want some of the AS blue paint.

[InsideOut]

Welcome to the forums from the eastern slope!

Replacement aluminum (2024-T3) can be purchased from most aircraft metal suppliers, like http://www.airpartsinc.com

Most have found that Rustoleum 'Royal Blue' matches the AIrstream blue you are looking for.

Shari

[InsideOut]

BTW, the thickness is .032 for the exterior skins.

Shari

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by AZAL55

I have a 67 AS I am trying to recondition a bit. I would like to purchase some aluminum panels for some old patch work, also replace an entire panel just behind the propane tanks. I also want some of the AS blue paint.

The panel behind the LPG tanks should be .040.

Airstream increased the thickness sometime ago, to stop that front panel from cracking.

Also, double up the number of rivets that hold that front panel on to the steel plate.

Andy

[wlj1943]

Good thread. My 2 cents: Be sure to specify and buy Alclad 2024. All aircraft 2000 series is supposed to be alclad, but you may still find non-clad 2024 sheet goods from surplus suppliers and local industrial suppliers. I made this mistake once. I replaced my front panel in the Caravel years ago with 0.040 T-6 alclad because I had it left over from my airplane restoration days; it's a lot less likely to dent, but DO NOT try to form it.
Andy may have better feedback than mine because he gives warranties!.
WLJ
WLJ1943
WLJ1943