Skin repair....ugh

[day tripper]

So our streak of self induced damage to the AS continues. It would almost be comical if not so sad. Tonight...while putting it away for the winter...we got it too close to something hanging on the wall of the garage...and scratched it. I think I heard it cry....or maybe it was me...either way...can panels be replaced ? Of course it's one of the nice curved ones on the back corner...probably be real cheap and easy right ??? As always....coming directly to our source of all information...and hoping someone can help us....ugh!!

[dznf0g]

Yes, it can be replaced. About $1650 at the Mother Ship. Price may vary out there. Look for a qualified shop. How bad is it? Picture?

Edit: Don't ask how I know...I do feel your pain!

[day tripper]

Thank you...how do I post a picture on here ???

[dznf0g]

Hit "go advanced" in the reply box and use the paper clip, browse for the pic on your PC, hit upload, then go back to you reply box, hit the paper clip again, then you will see you pic file named. Click on it and it will appear (text code) in the body of your reply.

[day tripper]

okay....here it is....look away if you must, it's pretty ugly...;o(

[Airslide]

So sorry about the damage Day Tripper,

Its a tough one to swallow especially when its nearly brand new. It could also be viewed as adding a bit of character. You could make up a great story on how it happened! Panels can be replaced. Im sure your insurance would be happy to get involved..

Welcome to the airforums..

Cheers.. Vinnie

[day tripper]

Thanks Vinnie...appreciate the sympathy...and the support...;o)

[StagrLee]

I backed mine into my kids basketball hoop when it was 4 hours off the lot new. I've got family in Dayton so we're scheduling a run to Ohio in 2013.

[day tripper]

Oh my goodness Stagr Lee....I'm so sorry....;o(. But it must be true about what they say my misery....sure enjoyed your company...;o). Thanks for sharing!!!

[dznf0g]

So sorry to both of you. This was my "character builder" from last year:



Stupid garage slipped forward right into the trailer!

The two replaced panels were just under $3500.

[Wabbiteer]

Do I see a leaping (insert favorite fish/fowl/fang/flag/feme/feat/frat) decal in your future?

A little bit of body putty and decal makes you fit to travel until time & money are available, or you dent it again

[day tripper]

You guys are the BEST!!! I can't tell you how much better we feel after hearing your stories, reading your suggestions...and drinking...;o). Not necessarily in that order...but daylight does bring a new perspective. Thanks again!!

[Jim J]

Well that is not a real bad scratch. If you declare a loss, I would not get it fixed but just take the money and buy a solar panel or something useful.

[lcurrie]

I feel your pain, but that scratch may be just what you need!

I know it sounds crazy, but bear with me on this.

A couple of years ago, I bought a brand new BMW X5. It probably is worth saying, I'm not a new car person. I just can't bring myself to pay the new car premium.

I drove said new car home and pulled into our driveway, which is inside our fully gated yard. About 10 minutes later, heading out for dinner in my brand new car, I backed down the driveway and hit the gate post.

I thought I was going to vomit. In my brand new, scratched car.

The next day, while explaining my horrible mishap to my sister-in-law, she asked me (while laughing loudly), "how big is the scratch?" and I explained to her that it's not a normal scratch, but a big, round scratch, about the size of a cupcake.

And there we had it, what we would call our car, Cupcake.

Your Airstream is going to bring you many years filled with the makings of great stories. Trust me when I tell you, this is one of them.

Lynn

[day tripper]

Hi Lynn...I LOVE your story...thank you for sharing!! Instead of feeling ashamed of her new tattoo....guess we should start embracing it...;o)!!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by day tripper

okay....here it is....look away if you must, it's pretty ugly...;o(

There is a very clever way to hide that scratch for maybe $25 to $30 bucks.

Fill the scratch with Bondo.

Then cover it with a nice decal of something you like.

Andy

[day tripper]

Thank you Andy...got the husband thinking last night of exactly what we'd put on!!! Appreciate the tip!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by day tripper

okay....here it is....look away if you must, it's pretty ugly...;o(

Art is in the eye of the beholder...what a beautiful "scratch", it most certainly is just one of the elements in Salvatore Dali's signature.
Congratulations!!

[Lumatic]

Scratches can be buffed out. The scratch will still be there but not as noticable.

[day tripper]

So...everyone was so kind to us regarding this little character builder....it really helped me move past the "OH )(*&(*U" and into "now what" mode. I thought I'd post an after photo of what we did. It's kind of an ironic story....My father in law who passed in 2012 worked on the B-17 during the war. After he retired, he would spend winters down in AZ working on restoring them...and we have many many pictures of him with the Sentimental Journey. We decided to order nose art from the B-17 and place it over the scratch as a memorial to him....and as a pretty cool way to keep him with us as we travel. It is one of my favorite things on the AS...and as important to me as full propane tanks...;o). NONE of this would have happened if we had not scratched it up so bad....so lesson learned. Here's a photo of our "lemonade".