Coastie,
Per most Structural Repair Manuals, T3 and T42 are interchangeable. The T0 (T zero) is formed as required and heat treated per MIL-H-6088 to T42. T3 is the temper as received from the mill.
Depending upon the bends and contours, you might or might not be able to form the T3 .040 as required, without cracking in the radius. That is why the repair is normally formed in T0, then heat treated to T42.
As an Avionics type in the Navy, I never really learned this well enough. And when I took over as Maintenance Chief, I didn't have a clue.
If you will give me your e-mail address, I will send you the Introduction section of the Aluminum Standards Manual which shows the Temper Information. Also the MIL-H-6088, is at the web site given by Sparweb, but I can send you this also.
Rerig