Floor and Frame fixed, now I need some belly and wrap help

[heavye]

I've been lurking around here for a while and couldn't have gotten as far as I have without all the info i've found!

I'm on the home stretch of my rehab work and need some help.

I have a 1978 Excella 500 with rear twins.

We have sucessfully replaced the subfloor in the back bedroom and POR-15 the chasis and outriggers there, I even had a piece of galvinzed channel fabbed and welded acorss the back end. (my old one had rusted away)

Now I need to replace the belly pan material I removed.

From what i've read it should be 5052 or 6061 .025, right?
if so I think I can get it locally, (Phoenix Metals)

What is a question is the dimensions. If I try to use a single piece to go from the galvanized pan around the holding tanks to the rear bumper, I think I'll need a 7'x5' piece.

Then for the pieces that curve up from the C-channel around the outriggers and connect to the rubrail, I'm guessing 2' width in whatever length I'm going to replace. If I go all the way to the wheel well I'm thinking at least 8' so I might just get a 4'x8' or 4'x10' sheet for that and cut it down the middle.

I'm not real sure how I'm gonna deal with the bumber and corners. I'm pretty sure work by a PO in that area is how I got the water damage that let to all my work anyways so I don't have a good idea of how to form/attach & finish those areas off.

I'm looking for some help on how to proceed, Most importantly I'm looking for some confirmation on my estimations of material sizes. I'm fine going and picking up more if I need it. I just don't want to buy something too small. Have people gotten 5' widths with little trouble? is 5' wide enough?

thanks in advanvce
Eric in Atlanta

[markdoane]

Eric in Atlanta,

I don't think you will find 5 ft widths unless you get lucky or know someone at an airframe manufacturer, like Locheed in Marietta.

I ended up piecing together 4 ft sheets.

[Aerowood]

Five foot lengths are available, and yes I used them in the aviation industry, but they can get quit spendy. As stated above just splice the pieces together. working with the smaller pieces will be easier in my opinion then trying to wrassle the one big sheet.

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Eric in Atlanta,

I don't think you will find 5 ft widths unless you get lucky or know someone at an airframe manufacturer, like Locheed in Marietta.

I ended up piecing together 4 ft sheets.

Hi Eric: Yes, they are made in 5'x10' and I had no trouble getting them localy. The nice part is, the less seams you got the better, especially if you stack them in shingle effect from the rear so that the air does not force water into them while towing. Good luck, "Boatdoc"