In addition to the sheared studs, it looks like the hub got beat up pretty bad.... I'd be asking for a thorough inspection of the spindle as well as a new hub assembly, bearings and races.
__________________
Cheers, Dave
"Finish." AIR #4188 1994 34' Limited / 2002 Chevy 3500 CC 4x4 D/A Equal-i-zer Hitch / Jordan Ultima 2020
As you begin your project I would suggest that you start with the safety items demanding attention first; frame repair, tires, axels, hubs, bearings, brakes, tail lights.. Then find the leaks, and they ALL leak. You will find many post where other form members wished they focused on these foundation items before they had spent effort on non foundation projects.
I'm not so sure about how a "patch" of that size would look. I'm thinking that you'd have to replace that side panel completely. Drill out the rivets, cut a new side panel to size, and then rivet back on with Olympic rivets.
Simple in concept, but you need the repair space to do it (also the gumption to actually peel a huge panel off the AS). User "Uwe" did something simular to his friend "Cremepuff" aka Murry's 60 something AS after it uh... "contacted" a side wall during parking. There's photos online here of the process. I'll see if I can dig them up
Marc
a 20' long panel over the wheels on my unit is going to cost $5400 to replace
__________________
Keep the shiny side up. WBCCI # 3485 Region 3 1stVP
Past President Tidewater Unit 111
visit tidewater Virginia's web page @ www.tidewaterwbcci.com
Rick Bell in "Silverbell"
a 20' long panel over the wheels on my unit is going to cost $5400 to replace
I am guessing that it's about $ 2000.00 in Labor cost, at 20-25hrs. ( 2 people at 10-12hrs each)
I wonder how much the 20ftx4ft aluminum sheet would cost?
The aluminum would run about $300. I did a 12 ft section on mine; it's not as hard as it looks. If you replace the sheet, the new side will be shiny and the old stuff will be dull and oxidized. Unless you plan to polish the whole trailer, an 'aircraft repair' might be less noticeable.
Replacing the side panel does not seem terribly daunting to me. What about the rocker? Wait -- don't answer that unless you want to. I'll search the forums and see what they say.
I feel very encouraged about the repairs.
I also agree completely about making the hidden but paramount structural and mobility safety repairs first.
I am hoping to have a winter indoor storage at a friend's boat warehouse to get the leak repairs done in between the big metal work on the frame, axles, brakes, tongue, stabilizer, etc., etc. -- FIRST!
Replacing the side panel does not seem terribly daunting to me. What about the rocker? Wait -- don't answer that unless you want to. I'll search the forums and see what they say.
I feel very encouraged about the repairs.
Anne,
In your case, the side panel curves down and in to become the "rocker" as you call it. It meets the belly skin near or at the frame rails, depending on the model and who built it.
One quick reply to all of this before I go into more discussion with the owner. A lot has been said about caution, eBay scams, poor judgment, speed, and other serious and worthy concerns.
I want to be clear that the sellers in this case are very nice people with the best intentions. They are not serious collectors or dedicated Airstreamers, but they respect the product. They are honest and are trying to do the right thing. The sellers have been excellent communicators.
Whatever happens with this deal, I have found this experience to be very informative for all of the interaction from the Airstreamers and this site, and some nice people at the vendor in Grand Rapids who have volunteered to look at the damage.
I am hopeful that I can work out an agreement with the sellers. If we cannot, I know there will be no hard feelings all around.
I will continue to look for a suitable Airstream for the plans I have to travel and relocate my home.
Forget worrying about wheel hub damage untill you confirm the axles have not taken a set and require replacement. Wheel well liner/cover damage is assured as well as at least one frame outrigger begging for replacement.
If trailer really is the sweetness and grace you want it to be (sic) there is no disgrace riveting a .040 aluminum cover patch over the 'cosmetique' external damage once the structural is repaired - untill such time the whole panel is replaced and other repairs and upgrades are effected - you get to use the trailer as you had planned. Cover damage with piece just tall enough to cover where the verticle seam got split and join up to belly pan, and long enough to be symetrical either side of wheel well opening. The panels you are drilling into are to be replaced, yes?
Airstreams were designed to be repaired w/ bailing wire and such to get their mission accomplished, it's up to the owner to refurbish in the off-season... : )
Here is something I found on my 27' upon belly for rehab...
Quick Links
Hmm
Linear Mode
