Opinions on fixing this dent

[J. Morgan]

Not all folks feel a responsibility to bring a trailer back to stock form, nor is it always in a persons interest to "do it right".

I could have replaced all of my damaged panels, but in the interest of time, money, and practicality it wasn't worth it to me.

My trailer is safe, it is sound, and I was using it within four months of purchase.

"Doing it right" has different meaning for different use and different people.

There are plenty of stock trailers out there yet that can demonstrate just what these trailers looked like as they were mass produced, If these were truly rare an owner might owe it to posterity to maintain stock trailer but as it is I see no pressing need to preserve every Airstream in stock appearance and function.

[Aerowood]

I guess I'll throw my hat in the ring here also. The repair vs replace debate has been going on for years. The real truth to the matter is is that in almost all applications it is faster and easier to replace a panel then it is to repair one for damage of the size pictured. Todd and Frank are both right on with their advice. I did autobody repair in the early 70's before I went into the USAF and started my career in aircraft structural repair. The same techniks used in steel do not translate to the tempered aluminum used on aircraft and early Airstreams.

[thumbelinadj]

This thread just answered my internal dent debate. I am replacing the panels

[vinstream]

You will be glad! Lets us know if you need any help?!

[amysemmens]

Great info here! I too am replacing damaged panels, and feel like I'm in good hands (although I'm trying to outsource the job as it's covered by insurance). Airstream Australia have been not much help and I'm pretty sure they just don't want to do it, so I've contacted a local metal fabricator to take a look. Wish me luck! Also, and tips on straitening bent window frames?

[thumbelinadj]

And how do we polish them too Amy? Mine are a mess.

[polarlyse]

I can recommend a good repair shop in New York. You can make it a vacation adventure and bring your AS for repairs

[amysemmens]

Haha, after my first shipping experience...no thanks!!

[cdmagda]

I like the idea of keeping as much original metal as possible. The down side is it isn't perfect, so what... Trying to beat down this "perfectionist" thing I have.

[Studioman]

Ya, so you guys were mostly right. Straightening a dent with that much stretch is a lot of time and it doesn't come out great...

So I did a patch. My first shot at Buck Riveting (Using a $20 air chisel). By the end, I got it.

Frame is done, floor is in, ordering axles,,, I'm not doing the whole side. But maybe next year I'll redo the whole side. If I do, I seriously think I'd just do the entire lower pieces all the way around. I gotta have 20 dings and what I think is bad pitting/worming. It would be flawless with the lower piece all the way around new.
I thought Buck Riveting was some major thing. Being an Autobody man for years coming out of high school, I can use an air chisel fairly well. It did work, and it worked well.
Thanks for all the input guys!
I'm going to add some rivets at the seam. I was trying to use only the factory holes, but looking at it, I need to tighten them up like any seam.