Access door in 1966 tradewind

[steverad]

hello,

What type of aluminum material was used to build the access doors for mid 60's. I understand that 2024 T3 is good for the skin, but not the doors.

Thank you

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by steverad

I understand that 2024 T3 is good for the skin, but not the doors.

First off I'm not making fun. Is there a reason that 2024 T3 is not good for the doors? Inquiring minds want to know...

[markdoane]

The doors are made in two parts. The outside skin can be 2024 T3, but first you need to form the pan that rivets to the back of the door skin. This requires some sharp 90 degree bends to form the pan, and 2024 T3 (actually more like T6 if its old) is too hard and brittle to form.

I make the pan out of whatever .025 stock is laying around, and keep the outer skin out of 2024.

[steverad]

Lee,

I was going to build the door different. My way, I had to fold the metal & 2024 can be bent but not fold.

Thank you Markdoane for the photos.
Steve

[silverleeper]

Thanks Steve, Now I understand.

[Aerowood]

I made a door for 66 Caravel for a friend of mine, exactly like the original, which required the edges to be hemmed with no external rivets. I used 3003 aluminum

[steverad]

Dear Aerowood,

would 3003 polish like 2024 t3?

Thanks
steve

[Aerowood]

I've never tried it but it should be pretty close to the same. No alclad so it will take more time

[AirstreamGypsy]

Mark, That looks great. Do you think a door in a door can be built as well?

And Kip, was the 66 Caravel a door in a door? And by hemmed do you mean that last 1/4 of an inch or so that is slightly rounded and curved in toward the body of the trailer.

Thanks

[dnrtheil]

SEM 39537 is a two part epoxy that could be used instead of rivets if you build the door like markdoane did. This is the same epoxy that holds many automotive panels together. Most any automotive paint supplier should have this or a similar product.

Derek