Minor dent in center roof panel

[ghatfield]

I don't know how this happened... it was there when we bought the trailer (2006 19' Bambi Safari). It looks like someone leaned on the roof panel a bit too much while doing something to the roof. It is hard to photograph the dent, but I have attached the best shot I've got. There doesn't appear to be any creases in the panel.... it is just pushed in.

So what would be the best way to remove the dent? I plan to have it done, but want some idea of the best method before talking to the dealer. I have heard that a suction cup might work...anyone with experience with this technique? I could have the center panel replaced for $2k, but that seems like overkill.

Thanks in advance for any input.

George
Tucson

P.S. I see my attached photo is not attached. Please email me if you would like to see the dent pic. gmhatfield100atgmail.com

[ghatfield]

Here is the image I tried to post with my original message.

George

[HowieE]

See if you can find someone with a vacuum slide hammer.

[Shaggy1970]

George,
The end cap is expensive to replace. Try the suction cup deal cause thats a big enough dent that you can actually pull out. If that doesn't work try this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVWPzO_swY

Post your outcome.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by ghatfield

Here is the image I tried to post with my original message.

George

That metal is soft, but still expands with heat.

I would wait until fall of 2015 before you try to remove it.

In the mean time, exposure enough times to a hot sun, may make that dent simply "pop out". And if it doesn't, you haven't spent a dime.

Your hot sun season is over for this year, so just be patient. Enjoy
Andy

[Wingeezer]

I think that will come out easily with a suction cup. I found so thing very similar on our
trailer - after I bought it used! It wasn't visible from the ground but I still wanted to try to fix it.

A large suction cup for auto work (Try Harbor Freight?) should deal with it easily. Mine wasn't the slide hammer type, it just had a handle for pulling and a valve to release the vacuum.

Brian.

[Sbb]

I have same one on top, new saw when I purchased, discovered when I got home and looked down on driveway and saw it. I also have slight tennis ball dent. The big issue is owner #1 tried to remove sap with brillo, my AS has character!

[gdanderson]

Here is an older thread you might find useful. I was able to accomplish just what you are needing.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...al-126694.html

Greg Anderson
Wisconsin

[Jim Foster]

Install a solar panel over it.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[jmland]

If you contact P & S Trailer in Helena, Ohio and talk to Kevin, ask him about the best way to remove that dent. I had a creased rear center panel on my 30' Airstream and he used a devise and neatly removed that long crease. It looked OK but he advised that I should change this panel as the clear coat might show up the effects. Just a try but well worth it

[jskalet]

Take it to the best automotive dent clinic you can find in your area, they're going to do a much better suction cup attempt than you will. johnskalet