1969 Airstream Dents

[hacknvp]

is there any help for these dents on this thing or im i looking at alot of money

[tphan]

Geez, what happened? You would have to take out the corresponding interior skins, and endcaps, to be able to "massage" out the dents from the inside. This is quite a bit of work, but cheap. It would not turn out perfect though. To get perfection, you are talking replacement panels, likely done at the factory at Jackson Center, Ohio- BIG bucks. You could also creatively make "patches" to cover the affected areas, I suppose, trying for symmetry. Best of luck, and welcome to the forums!-tim

[hacknvp]

thanks for the response i have a chance to buy it real cheap but dont want to if its not worth saving or at least calm the dents down some.....im not sure what happened to it

[A-Merry-Can]

man, i hate to say it, but i'd look for another trailer, if you want a perfect skin. i've done the skin replacement thing on my 59, and it is incredibly time consuming. the compound curved end pieces on that though are really big bux. you could probably part that out and get your money back out of it, though or use it as a donor for your next un. you never know.

best of luck!

jp

[A-Merry-Can]

Originally Posted by hacknvp

thanks for the response i have a chance to buy it real cheap but dont want to if its not worth saving or at least calm the dents down some.....im not sure what happened to it

i'm convinced the cheaper the airstream, the more you end up spending on it overall. i got the merit badge on that un!

jp

[hacknvp]

i think the scrape yard would bring about 1500 by itself and thats still more then what im going to pay for it...ill just have to think about it i guess

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by hacknvp

i think the scrape yard would bring about 1500 by itself and thats still more then what im going to pay for it...ill just have to think about it i guess

Material cost alone is about $2000.00 for the 4 panels.

Plus the bumper, which is no longer available.

Add to that rivets, vulkem sealer, shipping and painting with plasticoat.

Andy

[A-Merry-Can]

and bandages for the cuts, not to mention the rivet gun, shears, new clothes (cause vulkem doesn't come out!), and countless hours on the weekends.

is it worth parting out?

jp

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by A-Merry-Can

and bandages for the cuts, not to mention the rivet gun, shears, new clothes (cause vulkem doesn't come out!), and countless hours on the weekends.

is it worth parting out?

jp

Vulkem does come out, but you must do it quickly with lacquer thinner.

Replacing sheet metal does take time, expertise and patience.

So does drinking beer.

The formula is something like 1 case of beer per segment.

Just think, in 4 weekends the job would be done, and look at all the aluminum cans you would have left. That scrap aluminum brings a pretty penny, these days.

Plus you have the scrap aluminum that you removed from the trailer.

And when your all done, with the metal work, it "WILL" make a better driver out of you, because now you what you can look forward to, should you dent another segment.

Andy

[hacknvp]

A-Merry-Can]is it worth parting out?

im sure it is i can buy for less then 600 dollars

[A-Merry-Can]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Vulkem does come out, but you must do it quickly with lacquer thinner.

and what about AFTER it dries? i've got a few spots on my trailer from skin replacements that seeped out and i didn't catch.

jp

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by A-Merry-Can

and what about AFTER it dries? i've got a few spots on my trailer from skin replacements that seeped out and i didn't catch.

jp

Cured out Vulkem can be removed.

First, and very carefully, cut away all that you can and as close as you can to the metal.

Second, apply a good paint remover to the vulkem. You will have to do it several times. Eventually, it will all come off.

Andy

[SafeHarbor]

Hi, hacknvp,

Let's not get so focused on these major dents that we fail to consider the rest of the trailer. I agree that the dents are unsightly and probaby why you can buy it so cheap.

But if you want to go CAMPING, think about appliances and the FLOOR.

You can make some of those dents look 90% better at home. It's not difficult to remove interior panels or replace them. Basically, you need a drill motor with a bunch of #40 drill bits and some doohickies called clecos and pop-rivets to put it back together.

This is just my opinion, but if you get past the dents and find the floor is rotten, the water system has freeze damage, and the propane system needs work - or any major appliance needs replacing - start adding $ with a bunch of zeros. Is it worth that to you?

There are two theories, at least, about buying old Airstreams. One is to get the unit as cheaply as possible and fix it up doing all the work yourself. When you get done, you may have ten grand in it, but you'll know what you have, and it'll last longer than any stick-built RV you can buy new today for several times more.

The other theory is to hunt and hunt and buy the most sound Airstream in your price range you can. That's what I did. I paid sort of top dollar for mine, but it was what I wanted and exactly as represented. Everything worked (!) when I got it. Since then, I have replaced the oven, the water heater, the electric jack, the heating element in the fridge, and the brake backing plates. I bought a heavier duty tow vehicle. I had to remove and repair the shower pan, and I have a new Fantastic fan waiting for me to climb on the roof and replace it. I'm saving up for five new tires, and I haven't even had it a YEAR yet.

I'm not dissappointed in this trailer. I knew what I was getting into to. I knew it was 27-years-old and would need some TLC and repairs.

Unless your personal since of pride is not going to allow you to fix just 90% of the dent's appearance, I would suggest that you give the REST of the trailer a close, critical inspection so you know what ELSE you may be getting into.

May good fortune follow you no matter your choice.

Lamar

[GlenCoombe]

Looks like it's been hit more times than Joe Louis!