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t walgamuth · 01-24-2008, 07:26 AM

There is a local "dealer" but they don't seem interested in repairing my dent. Can anybody recommend a repair facility for Airstream bodies close enough for me to be practical to use?

Tom Walgamuth

CanoeStream · 01-24-2008, 07:35 AM

Tom, you're just too close to the factory for many area dealers to develop panel replacement skills. I don't know about Bill Thomas at St. Louis but you're closer to Jackson Center anyway. I wish I was a 4 hour drive from there sometimes!

soldiermedic · 01-24-2008, 07:43 AM

Bill Thomas is about 10 minutes from my house and they are well versed in panel replacements, but I agree with Bob. It is closer to the factory. I can't wait to get a tour of the factory and see everything they do there.

Steve

DPeakMD · 01-24-2008, 07:51 AM

Tom--Hello from a fellow Hoosier!!!

1+ on going to the factory. FYI, their labor rates are reduced during the winter months. Good time to get it in there since labor could be a big part of that repair.

CanoeStream · 01-24-2008, 08:52 AM

Lafayette > Jackson Center = 218.38 miles on Mapquest. 3 hours 28 minutes.

You would need to let them know exactly what is going on and make a reservation. They'll roll it out to the Terraport for you to stay in your Airstream overnight. Things to do nearby during the day: Air Force Museum at Fairborn, Neil Armstrong Museum at Wapakoneta.

thecatsandi · 01-24-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

There is a local "dealer" but they don't seem interested in repairing my dent. Can anybody recommend a repair facility for Airstream bodies close enough for me to be practical to use?

Tom Walgamuth

Give the factory a call and talk to Chris Burch send him pictures and make the pilgrimage to the mothership.

Hint do not put any personal info in your posts. The searchs engine will pick it up and the spammers will get it from there.

pilgrim · 01-24-2008, 09:20 AM

Their reduced winter repair rates keep the staff employed with no lay-offs. It is a WIN WIN situation for all. It is well worth the trip to take the tour of the facility. Another little side bar - visit the small town of New Bremen that is located about 16 miles due west of the AS factory on Rte. 274. See what a single company that employes an entire village and is rebuilding the entire village can do. There is a rebuilt lock from the old Canal System in the heart of downtown and next to it is the old Schwinn Bicycle Museum collection. The business owner sat through the auction of the above museum when it went belly up in Chicago and purchased every single thing they had to sell. I would have guessed my wife and I would pass up a bicycle museum but another "forced" us to go with them. What an incredible collection. Did you ever want to sit on and pedal an old fashion Big Wheel bicycle from the turn of the century? You can do it here. You can walk around and ring the old "ringers" on the handle bars of some of the old bikes. They even have some of the old wooden bikes that you walked or ran with (no pedals) and could try to keep from hurting yourself severly. Plenty to do with Dayton right down the road and interesting "small town" activities. It really is a neat trip.
____________________________________
2007 Airstream International SS OB
2004 Nissan Armada
Equalizer Hitch
Prodigy brake control
"It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool
Than to open it and remove all doubt."

Silvertwinkie · 01-24-2008, 09:21 AM

I totally and fully agree....if you need panels removed, you are way close to Jackson Center. Trust me, it's WELL worth the trip if you are having this type of work done. The catsandi is right on, contact Chris Burch either by phone or email. His email is:

cburch@airstream.com

Send him pics and describe the damage and what needs to be repaired.

I may have beefs with Airstream on some issues, but on this one, it's a no brainer. If I were about 3 hours away from JC, it'd be the only place I'd go...then again, I'm 5 hours away and still went there and will go again. I have been VERY satisfied with the work done there.

I forget who on the forum had most of their curbside panels replaced due to an encounter with a guard rail on a road, but when it was done, you'd be very hard pressed to find any area at all where the accident happened.

I think it was JodynJeep, but don't quote me on that...my memory isn't what it use to be.

t walgamuth · 01-24-2008, 09:53 AM

wow!

thanks for the input.

I will get in touch with mr burch.

Tom Walgamuth

2airishuman · 01-24-2008, 10:31 AM

just be prepared for the cost issue...

panel replacement (they don't pound out dents) is expensive...

over 1000$ per end cap section (roof or lowers) and 3-5 times that per side sheet.

but they do a good job.

cheers
2air'

and hey post the pictures HERE TOO!

we love looking at dents...

Airhog1 · 01-24-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

just be prepared for the cost issue...

panel replacement (they don't pound out dents) is expensive...

over 1000$ per end cap section (roof or lowers) and 3-5 times that per side sheet.

but they do a good job.

cheers
2air'

and hey post the pictures HERE TOO!

we love looking at dents...

so what you are saying is a suction cup and some hot glue won't get this ding out???

G

]

CanoeStream · 01-24-2008, 11:56 AM

Gene, all that is missing is an impression of Wile E. Coyote.

Airhog1 · 01-24-2008, 01:55 PM

Good one Bob!
G

2airishuman · 01-24-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airhog1

so what you are saying is a suction cup and some hot glue won't get this ding out???...:

yeah! now that's what i had in mind!

i'm pretty sure a couple of coats of walbernize...

and she'd look good as new.

cheers
2air'

hey g, maybe we need a "my dent is bigger than your dent" thread...

Airhog1 · 01-24-2008, 01:57 PM

Hey 2air',

You think that would Bondo...

G

2airishuman · 01-24-2008, 02:09 PM

in the hands of true bondo artists anything is possible...

how 'bout inflate to 300 psi with the seal tech machine.

and i gotta get me some wileecoyotedecals ...

or should i just wait for the a/s acme edition release,

isn't ccd working on this as the next designer series?

of course the tnt and rockets...

will be part of a limited package upgrade.

cheers
2air'

Airhog1 · 01-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Hey t walgamuth,

Sorry for all the side tracking here...it just happens somtimes and I take FULL responsibilty for this one!

As an Airstream Dealer that does this kind of repair quite often, if you are that close to the mothership, by all means take it home for the repairs...not only will you get top quality work...you will get to enjoy looking around at the place where the " Best Travel Trailer in the World" is made!

G

Airhog1 · 01-24-2008, 03:17 PM

2air'...you do kinda remind me of that Roadrunner guy! Beep Beep!

YouTube - Road Runner Fast And Furry-ous

G

2airishuman · 01-24-2008, 03:24 PM

otoh tom...

IF your idea of a pleasant winter trip isn't northern ohio...

the folks at g's shop DO DO great panel replacements, i've seen their work...

bill, who does these skin repairs is very good/particular about the results.

and arkansas is usually warmer than ohio in feb...

still the work is labor intensive and that drives the price issue...

cheers
2air'

love that rr tune, but i'm more furry than fast, watch out 4 the coy o tees!

t walgamuth · 01-25-2008, 04:49 AM

I can get a price from both places. I wouldn't mind a road trip to arkansas for a few days this time of year. I have relatives down there and I may need to go that way anyhow soon.

Tom W