Inexpensive source found for skin fabrication

[knishiya]

Hello,

I have a 63 compact and needed to have the rear bottom skin replaced (it's torn and worn). I live just outside of Austin, Texas and found a local shop that is going to fabricate another matching skin for me. His shop primarily works with galvanized steel and he primarily makes hvac ductwork.

I showed him my piece and his price: $85-90 for everything. This price includes the labor for the bends and the piece of galvanized steel. I believe 26 gauge? Thicker than whats on there.

He said he can order aluminum but the price would be a little higher. He will get back to me with a price using .040 aluminum

Since it will be painted two tone white and yellow, he said I can use either muriatic acid or vinegar to etch the steel. I will also need to use a primer for galvanized steel.

This price seems fantastic and I told him to keep a copy of the dimensions as fellow Shasta owners may want to use him in the future.

If you need any work here is the contact info:
D.A. Warden Company
512-863-0222
You will need to speak with Doug

[vikx]

Thanks so much for this info! It will help a lot of us, I'm sure.

Keep in mind that galvi/steel and aluminum don't marry well; it would be better to go with aluminum.

[mmeyer]

If you were need to re-skin the whole compact would going with the galvanized steel be alright if prepared correctly for painting?

Michelle

[Hamlet]

You probably could, but steel over the entire trailer will weigh a whole lot more, and it may not have as smooth a surface as aluminum, which could change how the paint looks.

[vikx]

Galvanized does not mean "rust proof". It can and will rust thru, especially on the roof. I have one here...

Absolutely agree that steel is too heavy and just doesn't bend with the curves as aluminum does.

[mountainkimmie]

Is there also the matter of dissimilar metals accelerating corrosion? I think you are supposed to electrically isolate dissimilar metals to prevent badness. Somebody with some science skills should speak more knowledgeably about this than me. I'd go with the aluminum even if it cost more, but its always easy to throw around someone else's money.

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[mmeyer]

Thank you all - I'm seeking a quote for aluminum.
Michelle

[paigenmarc]

I just bought a lower back skin for my trailer at Arcs & Sparks just outside of Houston, TX. They matched my unusual bend pattern and were very friendly and helpful. They did it in two days. I picked up the skin this morning and it looks great. I can't wait to install it. I just wanted to give a recommendation for those of you near Houston.

[paigenmarc]

I forgot to mention it's aluminum and cost $170. He said the sheet cost him a hundred, so I thought that was pretty good. Hemet Valley couldn't match the pattern, so I started looking locally.

[paigenmarc]

One more thing - I agree with mountainkimmie. You may not want to put dissimliar metals next to each other because of a corrosion problem. I remember reading that when I was researching diamond plate. I'm not sure which metals can corrode when put together.

[cowcharge]

My aluminum belly pan corroded where the bolts to the frame went through it, made half-dollar-sized holes at every one.