Dented Airstream

[a.moore]

Today I accidentally scraped the side of my 2004 25 foot Safari. The back right rear side is quite dented. I am traveling East from Calif to Kentucky and may take it up to the factory in Ohio for repairs. Anyone have any advice re costs, time it would take for repairs, where to go, etc? It looks like two panels need to be replaced, and a right side running light.

[Lumatic]

Dents can often be worked out. Creases and wrinkles are permanent. Photos would help. Most Airstream dealerships could do the repair.If you are replacing a panel, I'm not sure, but I would expect to pay a couple of thou per panel.

[chromechaser]

Sorry to hear that. I've had quotes from two airstream dealers. They both said to expect to pay 3k per panel label and materials. The panel prices from dealerships are around $1,000.00 but I've seen them as low as $350.00 at inland r.rv. In Cali.

[dznf0g]

I had 2 panels replaced last fall at JC, and it was about $3500.

[FreshAir]

I had to have the entire lower panel replaced on my street side a few years ago. That's a flat panel 14' long x 4' high. The only curvature was along the bottom where it was gently pulled in to meet the belly pan. Cost was in the 3500 range. I can't remember because my insurance paid for the entire job. My only expense was my gas to take it to and back home....about a 4 hour one way drive. Do you have insurance? Hope so.

Neil

[Silver Otter]

The P.O. put a dent in the back right top curved end cap panel. It doesn't leak, so I was OK leaving it as a sign of honest wear. Linda wants it replaced so we are going to take it down to Out of Doors Mart, Colfax. NC, [http://www.odmrv.com/] in a few weeks to have it done. They quoted $1400-1500 labor and materials. I've seen them working on other panels. They've replaced our A/C and generally been extra helpful for all things Airstream.

[Lumatic]

Silver Otter,
That kind of dent can be considerably reduced from the outside. It could be reduced even further from the inside.

I have never replaced a panel but from what I have heard the replacement panel finish will not exactly match the other panels.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by Silver Otter

The P.O. put a dent in the back right top curved end cap panel. It doesn't leak, so I was OK leaving it as a sign of honest wear. Linda wants it replaced so we are going to take it down to Out of Doors Mart, Colfax. NC, [http://www.odmrv.com/] in a few weeks to have it done. They quoted $1400-1500 labor and materials. I've seen them working on other panels. They've replaced our A/C and generally been extra helpful for all things Airstream.

We have a similar dent, occasioned on our first trip and down to my inexperience. I did pull it out a little but we decided to leave it there as a reminder and, as Greg says, a sign of honest wear. It also makes us unique when in a field of Airstreams!

[perryg114]

I would not have that panel replaced unless they are going to buck rivet it back in. That does not look like a bad dent. I expect an experienced dent doctor could pull that out so it is barely noticeable. Structurally it is better than an Olympic riveted replacement.

Perry

[ZoomZoom]

I'd have to argue that point, the shear strength of the Olympic is much greater than the softer buck rivet, and by rolling the Olympic in sealer before installation you can get sealer at the back.

Greg

[purman]

I don't think people give credit to Olympic rivets... So here is a personal experience.

While putting my shell back on I had "4" Olympic rivets in the front of the Airstream. It slipped off it front jack stand and those 4 rivets held the frame to the shell while I got the jack stand back under it. The shell was hanging from my Gantry's.. Now I'm guessing the front of the frame weighs well over 400 lbs, and was supported by 4 Olympic rivets..

So when people talk about Olympic rivets not being strong, I believe it is an assumption not a fact. Now are they as strong as a buck rivet? I don't know I would have to put two to the test.