top-front skin replacement

[mlmarch]

I need to replace the front skin above the front windshield-section caved in at spotlight. It is not that bad but it would also allow me to get rid of some previous owner bad spot sealing of windshield gasket. Are there any outlets for skins or must all replacements come from AS thru local AS service/sales?

[wb13798]

if i was going to replace a piece of skin i would use a new piece. you could get replacement skin from a slavage yard. new skin is available from all airstream dealers. lol
al

[thenewkid64]

This will need to be ordered from an airstream dealer due to the compound curves of the stamping.

[mlmarch]

I received an estimate to replace the skin with the skin cost at approx 700 and the total with labor was about $4,000. I just would like to know if this is in the ballpark. Is there a way to get a list of the AS service providers so that I can check around?

[PeterH-350LE]

Call the airstream factory and get a quote.
$4k seems to be on the very high end of the spectrum, even with R&R of the windshields and the front inside headliner.

[Inland RV Center, In]

It is not necessary to remove the windshields when replacing the front cap. If the windshield gasket "lock" is removed from the top of the windshields, the gasket will fold down enough to allow removal of the rivets.

The labor time depends on the method you wish to use.

If you add another seam in front of the roof and above the driver and passenger window, the "overlay" time is in the order of about 8 hours.

If you wish to make the replacement look "exactly" as built, then the cap must be removed. You will then also have to remove the driver and passenger windows. The time now will be 20 to 25 hours. Getting the new cap under the roof and window sheets, is no easy task, and must be done very carefully.

Andy