Main Bow repair/replacement

[Air Stream 1]

Just removed the inner skin of a 55 Safari to discover quite a bit of damage to the main bows on one side. It appears a tree fell on the trailer due to the large patch on the exterior. I think there has been some shifting of the shell, but not catastrophic. Has anyone done a similar repair? Where or how did you replace the main bows? We plan to sell it, will the cost outweigh the gain?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Air Stream 1

Just removed the inner skin of a 55 Safari to discover quite a bit of damage to the main bows on one side. It appears a tree fell on the trailer due to the large patch on the exterior. I think there has been some shifting of the shell, but not catastrophic. Has anyone done a similar repair? Where or how did you replace the main bows? We plan to sell it, will the cost outweigh the gain?

We had the last of the old time main bows, and they are all gone.

Sorry.

You will have to resort to being clever and have some made.

Andy

[Air Stream 1]

Any idea of who your supplier was or if they would still have the specs? I am in an extremely heavy aviation area so with a good blueprint I could get a sheet metal guy to whip me up some. I just don't know what right is supposed to look like. Even a schematic of how the bows were arranged would be a big help.

Additionally, I've heard there needs to be additional bracing on the 1950's models to support a rooftop AC unit. Is this true? And if so are there even internal models for a comparable price?

[HiHoAgRV]

I seem to remember that a restoration shop was building replacement bows...we're they in Colorado? Perhaps someone else will chime in.

[HiHoAgRV]

If you just need a short piece, here is how I made some...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...ml#post1084035

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Air Stream 1

Any idea of who your supplier was or if they would still have the specs? I am in an extremely heavy aviation area so with a good blueprint I could get a sheet metal guy to whip me up some. I just don't know what right is supposed to look like. Even a schematic of how the bows were arranged would be a big help.

Additionally, I've heard there needs to be additional bracing on the 1950's models to support a rooftop AC unit. Is this true? And if so are there even internal models for a comparable price?

Airstream was the supplier.

Horizontal stringers should be added to the roof area.

Andy

[Air Stream 1]

Again, thank you for the help