Large front damage cost

[simonla]

Hey guys, I need your help since I am trying to budget out this renovation project.

See attached. How much should I expect an airstream shop to charge me to remove the dents?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Walk away.

[InsideOut]

That's more than a "dent". It also represents structural damage to the rib structure, floor & probably the frame. My guess is way more than the cost of the trailer - by a long shot! Is it a salvaged trailer? If so, you will never be able to get it tiled / insured as it should be.

Shari

[Frank's Trailer Works]

It looks like it came off the ball.

[simonla]

Yeah I know, it's not salvage, but i figure I will have to overhaul the chassis and floor anyway since it's from the 50's, thus was curious more about if the shell is repairable.

How much should I pay for this trailer?

[vinstream]

If this came to my shop I would replace the entire front end! You are looking at new ribs, end segments and frame repair! Being the only shop that has the skill and equipment to recreate end panels and ribs I charge a premium for this type of work. Without a full inspection you are looking at $10,000 to $15,000 to bring it to the way it was. Keep in mind that does not include work to other parts of the trailer. You would be better off, and yes we all want to fix these old gals, to part this trailer out with the parts that can help trailers with less damage get back on the road. In which case I would entertain taking it off your hands. As it sits this trailer is worth $1,000 in current market.

[RM66caravel]

Okay I was going to back out and not reply but I must! I would not pay more than 1500. For it but I must say before I forget that this is my NON professional opinion! The aluminum depending on what you use will cost anywhere between 250. And 1200. Depending on your source (all seem to want their profit and shipping can run $$$$). Rib replacement if needed can be procured from a salvage as and I do admire your motivation! Keep us posted on your progress and yes more pictures.

Yes I would try it myself ! You can do it and if it were a money issue you wouldn't be buying an airstream!
Cliff

[simonla]

Thanks Cliff, I think I am going to pass on this one, seems too much of a headache and better use it for parts on one that doesn't need repairs to ribs, frame and shell. It's not that special, maybe if it was from the 40s.

[Chlyman]

I would think most of that could be popped out, couldn't it? The intrusion does not go far enough in to damage the frame of the trailer or the structural ribs.

[Jenniflow]

Is this unit still available? Because I might be able to use the other end of it.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Chlyman

I would think most of that could be popped out, couldn't it? The intrusion does not go far enough in to damage the frame of the trailer or the structural ribs.

The vertical rib is damage to the left of the front window.

The damaged metal is all flat material, except the segments.

About 20 years ago Airstream sold all of the remaining segments from the 1968 models and older, to us.

Most of them are still available.

Andy