Debadging a 2016 Classic

[Clozzzer]

Hello All.

I am new on here and am wondering if it is possible to debadge a 2016 classic? I know it sounds funny but I want be low key about my purchase and would like to either put different custom badges(maybe with my Last name or something else) or maybe no badge at all.

I live in a small town and don't want anyone googling the value with the make and model shown. Silly I know, but people can be haters.

I even thought of putting "sport" badges on it. Lol

Suggestions?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, badges or no badges, it will be identified as an Airstream and dollar signs will flash in the minds of those interested. In the SOB world all Airstreams are extremely expensive trailers.

[markdoane]

I understand. Let them think it's a cheap imitation made in Mexico, or a factory reject. Call it a StreemAire and say it's a East European knockoff.

[overlander63]

You could remove the Classic badges, and replace them with Flying Cloud badges.
Save the Classic badges in case you want to sell it, or you move to a less judgmental area.
I really don't think it would make much difference, to most people, they all look alike.

[sandlapper]

Yep, a pig in a tuxedo is still a pig.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Clozzzer

I live in a small town and don't want anyone googling the value with the make and model shown. Silly I know, but people can be haters.

Suggestions?

To the uninitiated, an Airstream is an Airstream is an Airstream. Airstreams as a brand are iconic, with no distinction made between different models, because of their distinctive shape and materials. There is no way to visually devalue yours without actually devaluing it by ruining it— such as (badly) painting it some lurid color or denting the bejeezus out of it. Merely debadging or rebadging it will not do the trick, because it will still look like an Airstream to the average person.

[Clozzzer]

Is there a company that makes engraved badges that can be customized? That would be pretty cool. Right? Sort of like subtle originality.

[AWCHIEF]

One of the things I like about Airstreams is their unobtrusive badging. They have no need for big swooping decals, pimp paint jobs and three foot high lettering.
OP welcome to Airforums. I feel there might just be more to your story if you care to share.

[ghaynes755]

Call the factory or a dealer and ask them what holds the large Classic Letters to the surface. Someone that has done repairs might tell you the best way. Likely a bit of heat gun, slowly pealing and then Goo Off or something to get off the residue.

Expensive option. Get a sign shop to do a full body graphics wrap so that it looks old with lots of scratches and dings and filiform. Would be easier to remove later than having the local Army reserve use it for painting practice in desert camouflage.

Sorry it's Friday and its been a long week and I needed the humor

[Airtandem]

Take it to one of those places that does "body wraps" to cars, trucks and buses etc and have it done in camo.

[Rich Jenkins]

Usual advice on car debadging I see is to warm the badge with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive tape first.

Then slide dental floss in, and gently work it between the surface and the badge. Buff off excess glue with a good automotive finish wax/polish. I'd defer to the experts on the Aluminum finish of an Airstream being similar to Automotive mild steel in this regard.

Tend to agree with the above, though. 99.99% of the public have no idea there are even different models of Airstream trailers.

Good luck.

[Clozzzer]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

One of the things I like about Airstreams is their unobtrusive badging. They have no need for big swooping decals, pimp paint jobs and three foot high lettering.
OP welcome to Airforums. I feel there might just be more to your story if you care to share.

There is more to my story lol. My wife doesn't like to be to flashy. She think my employees will google the value of the trailer and want a raise. Seriously, she thinks like this.

The badges are held on by two rivets that could be easily drilled out. Unfortunately to rivet holes would be left behind. That's why I thought about have a custom badge made, made with my business logo or last name. Use the same airstream style , but change it up a bit.

By the way, thank you everyone for your replies, this is a very large and welcoming group.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Clozzzer

The badges are held on by two rivets that could be easily drilled out. Unfortunately to rivet holes would be left behind. That's why I thought about have a custom badge made, made with my business logo or last name. Use the same airstream style , but change it up a bit.

Or just put new rivets into the holes, with no badge at all. There's no law saying that rivets can't just go through a single thickness of aluminum.

It's still not going to disguise the trailer or its obvious value, but as the saying goes, "Happy wife, happy life."

[cameront120]

If it upsets your employees, get different employees...

[Sbb]

My employees know about my bambi, now 10. I had no idea someone would think to look up price and question you. At end of day youbwork very hard, your wife supports you and it is really no business of your staff. I sign shop could make you replacement badges of your choice. Welcome to forum and enjoy your Airstream.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

To the uninitiated, an Airstream is an Airstream is an Airstream. Airstreams as a brand are iconic, with no distinction made between different models, because of their distinctive shape and materials. There is no way to visually devalue yours without actually devaluing it by ruining it— such as (badly) painting it some lurid color or denting the bejeezus out of it. Merely debadging or rebadging it will not do the trick, because it will still look like an Airstream to the average person.

Very true. Our 76 gets all kinds of attention and might as well be a 2016 to those unfamiliar with the brand. Badge removal will only confuse the initiated, it will make no difference to the average passerby.

Loud cruiser motorcycles are Harley-Davidson's to many non-motorcyclists, same goes for Airstreams for most folks. If it is a shiny travel trailer, it must be an Airstream and therefore expensive.

[m.hony]

The trailer will still be identifiable as a Classic by the arrangement of the windows, door, refrigerator vent, furnace cover, water heater cover, awning locations
There is no need to de-badge the trailer.

[Royce]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

...Expensive option. Get a sign shop to do a full body graphics wrap so that it looks old with lots of scratches and dings and filiform. Would be easier to remove later than having the local Army reserve use it for painting practice in desert camouflage....

I like that! Wonderful idea, with lots of options.

[jcanavera]

From my encounters with the general public neighbors and friends, the fact that my previous Airstream was labeled Safari and my current Classic made no difference on how they perceived the trailer.

The one common comment that I hear the most is "you bought the Cadillac of trailers". So bottom line as most everyone has told you, they aren't going to be on the web site searching prices, they will always know you spent a bundle.

You can probably use the analogy based on they kind of car you drive. If you show up to work in a Caddy or any type of luxury car, the folks don't rush down to figure out the model and whether it's the "cheap" one or expensive one. The brand of the vehicle makes the statement.

My advice is to quit worrying about how others perceive you. No matter what you do to your Classic, it will make no difference to the haters. If you pay your folks a fair wage for the work they do, then the majority of them understand in this day and age that the folks at the top make the most bucks. Always has been that way and always will.

Jack

[m.hony]

If you worry about what others think of you then your life is not your own.