1961 Safari roof dents and endcap.

[martymcclain]

Well, I am have only days to pay off my '61 Safari Landyacht. The roof has dents and the Front Endcap has a couple. I know from research that I will be able to polish this year to a mirror finish. What have others done in similar instances, have they removed the segments or pulled them with a dent puller. Thanks in advance.

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by martymcclain

well, i am have only days to pay off my '61 safari landyacht. The roof has dents and the front endcap has a couple. I know from research that i will be able to polish this year to a mirror finish. What have others done in similar instances, have they removed the segments or pulled them with a dent puller. Thanks in advance.

[perryg114]

I am not 100% certain but I think the segments are just pie shaped flat pieces that are not die formed. In other words, regular sheet aluminum. It looks like something like a tree fell on it and did some damage to the ribs that support the roof. I would say that needs to be addressed from a structural standpoint as the same time as the segments. I think you are going to have to replace those segments and maybe some of the roof.

Two sheet metal experts on here are Zep and Aerowood. I am sure there are others as well.

You got your work cutout for you.

Perry

[truckasaurus]

Those two are stretch formed compound curves, your best bet is another trailer that's been damaged on the other side. Dent pulling and or wheeling isn't going to yield a great result.

[66Overlander]

As I posted in your other thread, I believe you will find you are buying a 24' Trade Wind, not a 22' Safari. The "flat" roof panel can be "easily" replaced with new aluminum if you have the proper tools and skills. The curved end cap panels could be removed, smoothed, and reinstalled, if you have advanced tools and skills.

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

As I posted in your other thread, I believe you will find you are buying a 24' Trade Wind, not a 22' Safari. The "flat" roof panel can be "easily" replaced with new aluminum if you have the proper tools and skills. The curved end cap panels could be removed, smoothed, and reinstalled, if you have advanced tools and skills.

Thank you for your help. I will have to look at the metal tags with the Airstream factory numbers to be certain of the model. The interior is all original except for mattresses and cushions. The interior is in great condition, compared to others I looked at.

[Tbeck11931]

I bought my endcap segments from Airstream Ohio. You have to order from them in person as I recall. There are other sources as well. Drilling rivets, cleaning old sealant and fitting new panels then finally riveting it all together. Mine which is a completely different Airstream was compound curves. This one is not, which is good news
It's in such bad shape you
Need to ask if you want to spend the next year or two rebuilding this. I'm betting your floor and frame is in terrible shape as well.
Thomas

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by Tbeck11931

I bought my endcap segments from Airstream Ohio. You have to order from them in person as I recall. There are other sources as well. Drilling rivets, cleaning old sealant and fitting new panels then finally riveting it all together. Mine which is a completely different Airstream was compound curves. This one is not, which is good news
It's in such bad shape you
Need to ask if you want to spend the next year or two rebuilding this. I'm betting your floor and frame is in terrible shape as well.
Thomas

I realize that I have my work cut out for me. The interior is all original and it hasn't been abused. I am willing to do the work, I will keep y'all posted....

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

As I posted in your other thread, I believe you will find you are buying a 24' Trade Wind, not a 22' Safari. The "flat" roof panel can be "easily" replaced with new aluminum if you have the proper tools and skills. The curved end cap panels could be removed, smoothed, and reinstalled, if you have advanced tools and skills.

Yes, after looking through the threads on Tradewinds, I am 99% sure you are right. I will not know for sure until I pick it up. I am thinking on purchasing an English wheel, to help smooth out those panels....

[Tbeck11931]

Good luck with it. I suggest looking the frame over and probably expect a shell off refurb. Keep us posted.

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by Tbeck11931

Good luck with it. I suggest looking the frame over and probably expect a shell off refurb. Keep us posted.

I just talked to the PO where The trailer is being stored until I pay it off, I asked him again about the damage and now he says the trailer was parked next to fire involving a awning. That's what made the dents, when the awning collapses on the Airstream......