Skin repair

[GHFdaja87]

I took a look at the top of my 1973 airstream sovereign today. I was hoping to install my new vents this weekend, but I found that I have holes in the skin on the roof. They are somewhat repaired. They don't leak, but the job looks like who did it and ran. It seems the damage is only on the upper center panel, which you cant even see from the ground. I'm toying with replacing the panel, my other half thinks I belong in the looney bin and we should continue patching it each year. Has anyone had any similar experiences?

[adonh]

Originally Posted by GHFdaja87

I took a look at the top of my 1973 airstream sovereign today. I was hoping to install my new vents this weekend, but I found that I have holes in the skin on the roof. They are somewhat repaired. They don't leak, but the job looks like who did it and ran. It seems the damage is only on the upper center panel, which you cant even see from the ground. I'm toying with replacing the panel, my other half thinks I belong in the looney bin and we should continue patching it each year. Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Without a picture I can't tell sure, But it sounds like the rivet holes that were used to hold down the old Armstrong AC cowling. I would bet a new AC was installed at some time and these holes were just filled with caulking of some kind. If you could post a few pics that would help.

[Belegedhel]

Put a big patch over it. I did one that was almost 2' x 3' to cover all the holes left from the factory AC.

[Melody Ranch]

Do what was advised above here. Use Olympic rivets with Vulcum for rivet sized holes. When your finished, and still apprehensive, coat the roof with a white "sealcoat" for a beneficial and good looking professional job. You can't really see the white from the ground.