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Rroberts · 03-27-2016, 11:00 AM

Hi all,
I am debating what to do with some dents on my 1970 sovereign that I purchased a few months back.
This trailer was rescued from a deer lease by PO and she wasn't treated very kindly. Looks like they hit a tree or two. The worst section is curbside adjacent to door. It's creased so I don't think it'd be able to be pulled. My inclination is to put a really large patch on it, maybe in the shape of a star. It's either that, or live with it or replace entire panel.
So I'm curious what it would cost to replace entire panel and also if anyone thinks putting a unique patch over it would be a really bad idea.
Thoughts?

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1970 Sovereign 31'
This trailer is so metal \m/

rugjenkins · 03-27-2016, 12:02 PM

The skins would run from front to back. Its a major project but in my opinion it's easier that a shell off floor replacement. Personally patch it with a patch that means something to you. I patched my corner wraps both had creases and rips. One with the state of alabama and the other Texas. I was going to use louisanna but it wasn't big enough hence tx. I lived in all those states so it's personal to me! It's cheaper and adds character. Go for it. U can always replace it later.

**Stefrobrts** · 03-27-2016, 12:09 PM

You might enjoy this thread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...hes-68104.html

idroba · 03-27-2016, 12:13 PM

It would be a big patch. Honestly, I would just leave it alone and live with it. It is not all that terrible. To replace the entire panel would be a very large job too.

Rroberts · 03-27-2016, 05:26 PM

Thanks all. I'm glad no one said "noooooo!" to doing a patch because even if it's a big one, my creative tendencies point me in that direction. I don't think I'll be happy trying to ignore it. Also, thanks for the patch thread, good stuff. I'll be sure to post pics!

1970 Sovereign 31'
This trailer is so metal \m/

AWCHIEF · 03-27-2016, 06:34 PM

Either patch it up or come up with a really good story how it happened.

J. Morgan · 03-27-2016, 06:55 PM

I would think about cutting out the affected area, sectioning in a new piece of aluminum, and then throw a cool patch over the repair to add character.

It is going to be super hard if not impossible to get a patch to lay even close to smooth over the dent.

Superat stultitia.

Foiled Again · 03-27-2016, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

I would think about cutting out the affected area, sectioning in a new piece of aluminum, and then throw a cool patch over the repair to add character.

It is going to be super hard if not impossible to get a patch to lay even close to smooth over the dent.

Superat stultitia.

I agree Morgan. Highly unlikely a patch will lie smoothly over that. On the other hand, you could minimize some of the wrinkles by pulling it with suction, but the creases are there forever. So why not at least consider doing some vinyl ART - maybe a picture of the Alamo, or the Texas State flag starting at the door and going back "waving in the breeze" to cover part of the window behind the door. When they do bus window overlays there are a bunch of small holes put into the vinyl that covers the window so you can still see out.

Of course I've seen a few Airstreams with WWII "nose art" borrowed from fighter planes - including the Flying Tigers, etc. One member here had his wife do a WWII pinup girl pose and put it on his rock guard. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Paula

Rroberts · 03-27-2016, 08:29 PM

Love the creative ideas! Morgan, I was worrying about the same thing. Was thinking if there were gaps that I couldn't get closed with sealant, that I'd make sure water was able to escape from the bottom. Cutting it out, repairing then patching sounds like a viable idea.

1970 Sovereign 31'
This trailer is so metal \m/

tjansen · 03-28-2016, 11:05 AM

My 2c's worth. Leave what is there. pull it out as flat as possible for under support. Knock down high spots. make large patch that will reach the underskin supports / Ribs. Grind off existing rivet tops only. So you can put patch over Ribs . All outer edges will be riveted to under ribs. Where rivets exist place marks so you can rivet in-between existing rivets... Without cutting you get no areas for water to leak in. Guys at the last AS lunch told me about this trick. If I ever get some storage inside,Around Castle Rock, CO., to work on my 1995 23' Sovereign I will follow their advice also.

tjansen · 03-28-2016, 11:23 AM

Here is puller I used on my AS.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-One-Set-...230359&vxp=mtr
Enables me to make smaller patch's
Looking at your wrinkles You could make a Large T with a thick trunk. Are you a Texas Tech Fan? T t the space between door and window up to the Awning rib.
Best of luck send pictures.

ALANSD · 03-28-2016, 11:31 AM

I think smaller patches look ok, but anything that big...maybe not. You could cut out a section from just above the rivet lines, and put a new skin over the hole. Two rivet lines near each other would not look too bad.

**Stefrobrts** · 03-28-2016, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjansen

Without cutting you get no areas for water to leak in.

I think that is a key point. If the metal that's there is solid, leave it there and patch over it. The way the skins are installed encourages water to run off, but a patch will create a lip where water could eventually go under, and if you remove the damaged skin under it, the water will get in.

PecanMan5 · 03-28-2016, 05:30 PM

The Ford truck body guys should be getting up to speed on this stuff by now.

Rroberts · 03-28-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjansen

My 2c's worth. Leave what is there. pull it out as flat as possible for under support. Knock down high spots. make large patch that will reach the underskin supports / Ribs. Grind off existing rivet tops only. So you can put patch over Ribs . All outer edges will be riveted to under ribs. Where rivets exist place marks so you can rivet in-between existing rivets... Without cutting you get no areas for water to leak in. Guys at the last AS lunch told me about this trick. If I ever get some storage inside,Around Castle Rock, CO., to work on my 1995 23' Sovereign I will follow their advice also.

Thanks for sharing this, really great information!

Rroberts · 03-28-2016, 08:36 PM

I agree that it seems safer to not make any cuts and hence more places for water to get it. I am still leaning towards a big star as a patch. In my head it'll look really cool.......

**Stefrobrts** · 03-28-2016, 11:57 PM

You could always mock it up on the computer first. Either way, if YOU think it's cool, that's the important part. I love the way AS become unique to their owners. Every one of them is different! Enjoy making it your own.