Does anyone know what this is?

SilverCabin · 02-19-2007, 02:17 PM

We gave our trailer a good washing and Walbernize’ing this past weekend. We found this on the lower side of two of the rear end cap panels (one on each side, the seam is right at eye level). All the other panels on the trailer, and the other edges of these panels don't have any of this.

What is it? Should I do anything about it? The trailer is still under warranty; is this a warranty item?

Thanks,

Randy

TomW · 02-19-2007, 02:31 PM

You have filliform (do a search on that word) corrosion.

Yes, it is a warranty issue, but I don't think it can fixed like it never happened.

Sorry,
Tom

InsideOut · 02-19-2007, 02:33 PM

Hate to break it to you...but, it appears the clearcoat is compormised in that spot & filiform corrosion/oxidation (which is inevitable) has begun. I don't think much can be done except a panel replacement...the new clearcoat material can't really be patched. Not sure what the warranty covers...

Bummer ~

Shari

Fyrzowt · 02-19-2007, 02:38 PM

I thought that you could re-clear a complete panel at a time?? That of course doesn't address the corrosion...

Warranty!!

InsideOut · 02-19-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

I thought that you could re-clear a complete panel at a time?? That of course doesn't address the corrosion...

Warranty!!

Not with the new stuff Airstream is using. It comes from the supplier already coated and can not be touched up with the same stuff...I believe some other clearcoat product can retard the problem, but it is not as durable as the original coating.

Shari

Fyrzowt · 02-19-2007, 02:49 PM

Bummer.

Warranty!!

**CanoeStream** · 02-19-2007, 03:08 PM

This is one of the more practical posts I've seen on treating this inevitable problem: http://www.airforums.com/forum...tml#post263493

SilverCabin · 02-19-2007, 03:40 PM

Say it isn't so....

The thread that Canoe Stream provided a link to advises to touch it up with some automotive clearcoat touch-up to keep it from spreading then get it to the dealer for a warranty discussion.

I'll do that for now, and probably get it back to the dealer in a month or two. We store it indoors, so hopefully that will keep it from spreading.

Thanks,

Randy

InsideOut · 02-19-2007, 03:52 PM

I would be careful about putting anything on it that may void any warranty you may have!

Call the Airstream factory and have them tell you what to do ~

Shari

Smokin Camel · 02-19-2007, 05:27 PM

I am not sure if the same principle applies. a few years ago a friend of mine had a minor body problem with a vehicle that could not be "made new". The defect deprived him of the "newness of the vehicle and after some of the "my lawyer can beat up your lawyer" talk he got a new replacement. It took a bit of agrivation but he did persevere.

Good luck.

markdoane · 02-19-2007, 06:51 PM

I don't like the look of the right hand rivet.

Looks like the bucking bar slipped and the rivet set left a nasty smile in the NE quadrant. That rivet isn't laying flat.

I don't think that led to the corrosion, but it looks bad.

**wahoonc** · 02-19-2007, 06:55 PM

The current Airstreams use a coating that is applied at the coil factory. I don't know what the make up is, however if you are getting filiform corrosion at the edges I would suspect that there was some minor "damage" to the panel somewhere along the way either in the factory during manufacture or possibly during the installation. Regardless I would call Airstream and go to your Dealer ASAP and get it resolved. I deal in painted, anodized and coated metals on a daily basis in the Architectural Metals field. We occasionally get a bad piece, nothing to do but swap it out

Aaron

2airishuman · 02-19-2007, 08:21 PM

hi rodney

where is that? how about a photo with more trailer included?

yes that appears to be a breach in the clear coat and the corrosive result.

IF you expect any warranty support on this DON'T alter it. no touch up paint and NO abrasive anything.

one could put a couple of coat of wax over it, but really u better not fiddle with it.

i agree with mark that rivet isn't perfect and on some panels (depending on the rivetter) there can be many that look this way...up close.

some folks with safaris are having issues exactly like this...

and having the 'classic trim' added to cover it.

trim plus acryl-r to seal the trim and the exposed edge is protected...

just to add to the speculation is that really a BUCK rivet?

i think i see a faint central metal/color change on both rivets, as seen with olympic rivets after shaving....

anyone else see that?

if this were in the middle of a panel the proper resolution IS panel replacement

but i might opt for the classic trim at this site, given a choice.

cheers
2air'

scottanlily · 02-19-2007, 08:26 PM

Inside Out is correct ,don't try to fix it ,they most likely will not get involved
with it if you have tried a repair .Best to leave it as is so they can clearly see the trouble.fixing it up may lessen it to the point airstream doesn't feel it needs adressing .they them selves could use some kind of clear coating to
fix it ,all in all Id suggest to not touch it ,by all means get it repaired when you can .

Scott of scottanlily