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07-27-2015, 08:01 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member 
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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Classic Motorhomes specific polishing question
I have a clear understanding of the polishing process, but wondered what others who have polished their rigs did about the spare tire cover? Thanks!
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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07-27-2015, 10:44 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master  
1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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I painted mine. Grey. Polished what I could of the logo area.
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07-27-2015, 09:20 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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I like that!
Mine is the one piece molded type, (325) so I've got to figure out how to blend it in somehow since its fiberglass and painted....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-03-2015, 06:20 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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A fairly coarse bright metallic silver would look good, but then a darker shade would provide a contrast.... It's all down to personal choice.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
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08-06-2015, 04:31 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Bill, unless yours is different than mine you will find the spare tire cover is vacuum moulded ABS.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
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08-07-2015, 10:32 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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Must have been drinking when I typed fiberglass.....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-07-2015, 01:08 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gaiaenviro
Must have been drinking when I typed fiberglass.....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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LOL, and I thought it was just me that did that! 
Seriously though, I gather that they are NLA, and wondered if you had something special...
I have a plan to make an Aluminum one... been learning to form metal, and TIG weld, so worth a try!
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08-08-2015, 07:11 AM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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I used to do a lot of aluminum fabrication with TIG welding. Once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy. I also did a ton of polishing back then, hence the understanding. An aluminum tire cover would be awesome! I'd bet that if you do that you'll find yourself with aluminum bumper caps etc before long....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-08-2015, 12:35 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gaiaenviro
An aluminum tire cover would be awesome! I'd bet that if you do that you'll find yourself with aluminum bumper caps etc before long....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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Well, Bill, it funny you should make that connection... Clearly we think alike!
I have been working on exactly that plan for a while... and have posted questions on a few metalworking sites... hence these napkin sketches of the panels and buck I did... 
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08-08-2015, 10:30 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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Pretty complex bends, English wheel? I know aluminum is tricky to bend ( needs to be thicker for wrinkle free bends). I'm curious to see how it works out. The tire cover looks great by the way! Please keep me posted....
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-09-2015, 06:43 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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After reading up as much as I can, I am thinking it will be in 2 pieces welded after forming. I don't think the English wheel would be much use other than some smoothing and slight stretching along the length of the lower rocker. My plan is to start with a 90 flange on the wheel opening, and use a shrinker on the flange to get the metal moving and the rocker radius. Once I can get the panel clamped around the periphery will then "Flow Form" the radiuses in with a pneumatic rivet gun...
I hope to get started on the buck soon.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
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08-09-2015, 07:35 AM
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#12
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair
LOL, and I thought it was just me that did that!
Seriously though, I gather that they are NLA, and wondered if you had something special...
I have a plan to make an Aluminum one... been learning to form metal, and TIG weld, so worth a try! |
Steve, I have been amazed to see how many parts have been coming on the market recently, like a new molded ABS spare tire cover: ABS Cover, Spare Tire Airstream Motorhome
Even the banana wraps are available again
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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08-09-2015, 09:04 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Wow, great news indeed!
My personal deal is not about availability... I just think they are ugly and want something different!
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
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08-29-2015, 02:52 AM
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#15
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STstudios
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Wixom
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 68
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Dali - sunset
Dali - on our way to Sturgis about 3 weeks ago.
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08-29-2015, 10:00 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STstudios
Dali - on our way to Sturgis about 3 weeks ago.
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Sam, the polish job looks amazing! Hopefully this years trip went better than last years 
Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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08-29-2015, 03:59 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
dripping springs
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 220
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Looks fantastic!
-Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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09-06-2015, 09:35 AM
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#18
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STstudios
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Wixom
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 68
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Thanks Brad! Yes - much better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
Sam, the polish job looks amazing! Hopefully this years trip went better than last years
Brad |
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