Interior Aluminum Flange for Fixed window

[kentuvman]

While working on removing the window screens and two flanges that go around the two fixed windows on m '76 G/T, I had laid a piece on the driveway and my wife accidentally rolled over the piece in this picture.

Tried banging it back to original form but no go.

Is a piece this still available? I'm thinking it is not. In that case, where could I go to have someone make one for me? I know it's aluminum and I think the process is called brake metal? Does that sound right?

The window flange, made of aluminum is @ 20.5" wide x 10" high.

Thanks,

Ken in MN

[kentuvman]

Well okay than!

Since part may not be available, does anyone have a suggestion on where to go and find a shop that does aluminum fabrication - I think it would be a brake metal machine?

Suggestions appreciated!

[DanielB]

Your best bet is probably any sheet metal shop.
Cutting it to the correct size and getting the 90 degree angles should be no problem.
Getting it bent to the oval shape is going to be the booger, but the sheet metal guys can probably do it. Don't let them BS you.

[truckasaurus]

I can't help much but if I had to make that I'd use a brake for the crease then a shrinker-stretcher. A brake is used to bend metal in straight lines. You might try a local aircraft school. Sorry I can't help more.

[Colin H]

You could make it out of some aluminum angle & use a "stretcher" to create the the radii. Stretchers are available at Harbor Freight & other metal fabricator suppliers online. They aren't very expensive but this may be the only job you might have for it.
Another option would be to contact Ryan at www.rvrevive.com . He buys wrecked Airstream's & parts them out. He's a fair guy & knows his stuff.
Good luck with it,
Colin

[kentuvman]

Thanks so much! I knew there had to be a solution!

[Schu]

You can contact Camper Repair in Montevallo,Alabama and speak with Sony Hare. He may have the size you need. Also Airstream still uses the window trim rings on new models but they only have bare aluminum.

[n8andm]

Since you live in MN I would go to Discount Steel & Aluminum, they do fabrications. Also my metal worker friends suggest Garelick's.

[kentuvman]

Well, I couldn't find anyone who had another piece for sale and the quotes I got were north of $500.

So, I showed it to a friend a retired mechanical engineer, and he helped me bang out the dents with a small hammer. I used bondo to make it close to brand new.

Sometimes you just need to be creative!

Thanks for your suggestions - appreciate it!

[CBWELL]

If you are looking for older Airstream parts, try Hart Trailer Sales in Long Prairie MN. they were dealers for Airstream years ago and still have lots of old parts and aluminum extrusions. Talk to Wayne Rahn, Parts and Shop Manager. Great Guy to talk with and knows his stuff. Ph #320-732-6106