Body work -- backed into a post :(

Kistler · 08-20-2003, 05:29 PM

Any suggestions on body work-- I backed into a post and put a dent in the passenger side rear at the belt line--about the size of my hand -- a mild indentation.

j54mark · 08-20-2003, 05:49 PM

If it is not creased, and it does not involve a rib, it is a good candidate for pulling out with a suction cup.

There is also the possibility of working it out from behind, using some of the methods outlined elsewhere in these forums. This involves removing the interior panel and whatever else is in the way.

Finally, there i$ total replacement of the panel, and any bent rib$, if nece$$ary.

Good luck,

Mark

Kistler · 08-20-2003, 05:58 PM

Thanks for replying Mark. I wondered about the suction cup method......Actually I bent in the belt line piece of chrome right at the spot also. Is there a rib under that?

It is on "my side" in the twin bed area. Do you think Dent Wizard or those paintless people work on Airstreams?

Kistler

j54mark · 08-20-2003, 08:00 PM

It is important to recognize that aluminum and steel work entirely differently. Aluminum stretches far more easily, and tool marks are easy to make and hard (impossible?) to remove. The paintless dent people are used to working on steel. I would not trust one unless they knew aluminum. Even then, they can only use suction cups or work from behind the panel.

The ribs run vertically. The horizontal trim piece you mention is associated with a seam, and I believe there are aluminum stringers behind it.

I've not tried to purchase any of that trim, but it should be available.

As one who has had the good(?) fortune to experiment with scrap AS aluminum panels, you can easily make it look much, much worse than it does at present. Just leaving it alone might not be the worst decision you can make.

Mark

uwe · 08-20-2003, 08:12 PM

I had 2 dented areas, one at the left side rear curved roof segment, another on the right rear corner, which probably looks just like yours.
I was able to make a basketball size indentation disappear completely, but I was not able to pull out the dent that invovled the trim ( beltline).
The suction cups just did not work on that dent.
I believe the trim needs otbe removed and bent back into the correct shape, and then the dent might comeout.
I left mine alone for now. Some day.....

Kistler · 08-21-2003, 08:28 AM

Uwe, how did you get the basketball sized indentation to "disappear"?

Mine is mostly above the trim, but the trim is pushed in a little. I have an appointment with Dillons in Phoenix on Tuesday. On the phone the service guy told me that they don't usually fix dents but just replace panels.....yikes this sounds expensive.

The step also came apart--is this a bad luck trailer

. A bolt I cannot get to fell out and so the right side won't stay in out position solidly.

Kistler

uwe · 08-21-2003, 11:41 AM

Kistler,

I used a professional suction cup and a nylon mallett. I tapped and dragged gently until the dent all but disappeared.
Then I cleaned the area where the dent was and ran my hand across it with my eyes closed. I felt the imperfections and kept messing with it until it was good enough for me. I think the key is patience and gentle, slow manipulation of the dented area by suction cup and by tapping with a soft instrument.
I applied slight outward force to the suction cup handle, and then tapped the area around the dent. I was afraid to just jank on it, for fear of creasing the aluminum.
The other dent did not budge, which is why I left it alone. That one might be one for when I have more experience, or perhaps for a professional.

59toaster · 08-21-2003, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by uwe
I had 2 dented areas, one at the left side rear curved roof segment, another on the right rear corner, which probably looks just like yours.
I was able to make a basketball size indentation disappear completely, but I was not able to pull out the dent that invovled the trim ( beltline).
The suction cups just did not work on that dent.
I believe the trim needs otbe removed and bent back into the correct shape, and then the dent might comeout.
I left mine alone for now. Some day.....

If it's been at the belt line then the u-channel is also bent. Mine has dents on both sides from the tow vehicle bumper. From the iside on the worst one you can see the floor is distorted. I'll be replacing the floor there and will straighten the U-channel and the the rub strip and hopefully the dent in the skin will pop out and not be noticable.

Kistler · 08-21-2003, 02:18 PM

I guess I will take my dents into Dent Busters on Monday and get an opinion. I really don't want to replace (see $$ here like Mark said) panels BUT is there a possiblity Dent Busters will make things worse?????

I'm not certain that you guys understand what I mean by the belt line--like the waist........ There is about an inch wide "belt" chromed running all the way around the trailer.

It is quite a surprise to me that Airstreams are so difficult to fix.....I was accustomed to fiberglas......just filled the holes

Kistler

uwe · 08-21-2003, 03:37 PM

I am also referring to the belt line, not the bottom rub rail. The belt line, to me, runs horizontally around the center appr. of the trailer.

Jim W · 08-21-2003, 04:04 PM

I would take it by the dealer & see what he says. I've had a couple of dents repaired by the dealer in Los Banos Ca & it didn't really cost very much. I've read where the dealer in your area is pretty good. I'd at least check him out. That a pretty new TT, I'd want it fixed right.

Kistler · 08-21-2003, 04:37 PM

Jim W, when you write you heard about the dealer in my area, do you mean Dillons in Apache Junction?

I actually live in Tucson and Oasis is the dealer here. I bought my Airstream from Dillons because they would take my class C in trade; Oasis wanted to sell the class C on consignment.

Kistler