1968 Vinyl Wall Predicament

[mashburn.nick]

So, we're at a bit of a crossroads with our interior panels...

The previous owner made an absolute mess of them. There's a few spots with black paint streaks, and they used a VERY strong adhesive to glue some decorative plastic backsplash "panels". Anyways, as we were pulling off those panels (even with adhesive remover) there are multiple spots where the adhesive pulled the vinyl right off of the panel. Also, there are a few spots with deep scratches down to the aluminum, as well as some jagged cuts and poorly-cut holes and openings.

Here are a few pictures:

Not too many photos, but I think you can kind of tell how they look based on this photo along with the description provided.

Any recommendations for repairing the panels? We're open to just about anything, as long as they look nice and we don't have to creatively build some awkwardly-shaped cabinets to cover the bad spots.

Thanks!

[mashburn.nick]

Any opinions, anyone?

[Shacksman]

Last year we did a 68 30'. Took out all the interior, replaced the wiring and insulation then put the interior aluminum back in then covered it totally with new .025 3004 aluminum. Looks like a new CCD model

[KrisE MN]

very nice. How much does the aluminum cost to do this project?

[jonnyo]

one option would be to go to a local Truck repair facility. A place that repair those big 18 wheelers trailer. They sell aluminum in 2 different thickness. comes in 8.5 feet wide in a coil, you buy it by the linear foot and it s probably the cheapest option you can find anywhere.

a few hundreds for your project depending what zie trailer you have. I have build many trailer using this material and it work very well.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by KrisE MN

very nice. How much does the aluminum cost to do this project?

If cost matters, you're working on the wrong trailer.

[mashburn.nick]

A brilliant point, Shacksman!

Regarding the question of cost to replace the aluminum: a lot.

Really, it depends on the type of aluminum you use. I'm not sure exactly what we've got out there or the thickness, but I don't see it ever costing any less than MAYBE $800-900, could be significantly more. Also you have to factor in the pain it will be to cut out all of the shapes necessary for the interior: fridge vent, range hood vent, windows, more windows, and door.

We're really hoping to be able to repair them, though, as this would add a significant cost to an already very expensive project.

[newas4mark]

Its hard to tell from your pictures, but could you creatively cover just the offending areas with new aluminum or other product? Our vinyl cleaned up amazingly well with lots of cleaners, elbow grease, and power washing, so you could maintain the original for most areas and have just smaller sections covered/changed....