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balrgn · 02-26-2005, 02:14 PM

Is there a good way to polish the roof short of building staging?

Foiled Again · 02-26-2005, 02:21 PM

Check the search function - saw a great thread recently where an airstream was pulled between two Box vans (about 10ft high) and a couple of ramps were laid between the vans. Two men did the entire roof in a few hours. Impressive!

Tin Lizzie

Ken J · 02-26-2005, 02:52 PM

I did mine from a ladder - not very much fun, but doable - the two box vans trick is from Insideout.

Ken

balrgn · 02-26-2005, 03:46 PM

I know a couple of contractors. Maybe I can "borrow" some staging frames. Won't that make the neighbors happy!

InsideOut · 02-26-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Check the search function - saw a great thread recently where an airstream was pulled between two Box vans (about 10ft high) and a couple of ramps were laid between the vans. Two men did the entire roof in a few hours. Impressive!

That was us! Planning on another get together for a touch up in a couple of weeks. Check out my photo gallery...

Shari

balrgn · 02-26-2005, 06:49 PM

That looks like a good way to get at it! Nice job by the way. Love the pics. Looks like ya gt a bit dirty!

silver 67 · 02-26-2005, 07:44 PM

When we first got our Sovereign last summer, one of the first things hubby wanted to do was get the airconditioner running. However, he did not want to put his weight and the weight of the airconditioner in the same spot (and besides that we already had a broken bow). He devised a scaffolding of sorts made of 2 x 4s that looked like two ladders and a brace and "seat" attached at the top. The bottoms of the ladders flared out a bit to give a little more stability. We were able to move it from one end of the trailer to the other without much problem. He made it so it's easily unbolted and stored in three pieces in the shop.

We removed, serviced and replaced the airconditioner, replaced two vent covers, and cleaned the top while never having to lean a ladder against the trailer.

Sorry I didn't have a digital camera at the time, and our scanner has bit the dust so am unable to send pictures. But if you have any specific questions please PM me.

balrgn · 02-27-2005, 04:51 AM

Thanks for the tip! Getting ideas for the summer. (bit cold here to play outside) Plenty of work ahead of me.

ALANSD · 02-27-2005, 06:24 AM

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ghlight=LADDER

Take a look at this thread also. I use a stabilized ladder which gives access quite a bit of my roof, and if it was the next taller model, (and so was I

.... I could do even more.

Inland RV Center, In · 02-27-2005, 01:44 PM

The roof "MYTH" continues.

If you need to get on the roof, then do it.

Stay off the segments.

Every, repeat, every Airstream dealer as well as the Airstream factory workers, gets up on the roof.

Use caution, don't jump around, wear rubber sole shoes, walk softly, (it's not necessary to walk on the ribs or stringers), and you will be fine.

Special ladders and or platforms are a waste of time as they are not necessary.

Many, mant years ago, Airstream put 30 mechanics on top of a 30 foot trailer, then leak tested it again. They proved it with photo's.

Results, no leaks, no dents, no problems.

Present type construction has not changed that.

Andy

scf31 · 02-27-2005, 02:59 PM

I would like to see those old pictures,and old factory pics ,are they online anywhere? Scott

Inland RV Center, In · 02-27-2005, 03:15 PM

Those photo's are gone.

Nothing left but great memories.

Not to worry, "IT WAS DONE".

Consider, that if one person on top of the roof could cause damage, then how much damage is caused by the Airconditioner every time you hit a bump?

The answer. None.

The Airstream shell is a lot stronger than people give it credit.

Andy

InsideOut · 02-27-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote:

If you need to get on the roof, then do it. <snip> Special ladders and or platforms are a waste of time as they are not necessary.

We have been on the roof before, while caulking & repairing vents/skylights...before polishing, no problem. Although getting on the roof while polishing or after will scratch it...thus the solution we had above with the trucks & scaffolding. Had everything, didn't cost anything...was very effective.

Shari

balrgn · 02-27-2005, 07:15 PM

Your way seems the smartest. I can't bring myself to get on a 30 year old roof that does not have a problem. Seems like you would be challenging the sealing areas.....

dhe9 · 02-28-2005, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The roof "MYTH" continues
"Stay off the segments"
Andy

andy, what do you mean by "the segments?" what are the segents?

david in socal

Inland RV Center, In · 02-28-2005, 08:46 AM

dhe9

Segments are the compound curved sections of metal that are forward of the first main bow and rearward of the last main bow.

If you wish, you could call them as being a part of the front or rear shell.

Andy

balrgn · 03-15-2005, 10:22 AM

Got an opportunity to run with your suggestion. Climbed up to remove snow this weekend. Although it is solid enough I wasn't liking the way it felt under the feets... But I'd imagine there would be no problem to work up there. Sort of a mater of logistics positioning yourself safely with a piece of rotating equipment.
Thanks for the info!

Paul Mayeux · 03-15-2005, 10:35 AM

I've been up on mine numerous times. I weigh about 190# and the sheets definately deform under my weight, but they spring back into place when I get off. When I polished my roof, I polished each end working toward the middle, then polished the middle as I got back on the ladder. After polishing, I got back up wearing sweats and no shoes to apply a new bead of Parbond to the roof seams. The scuffing was minimal and certainly nothing you could see from the ground.

balrgn · 03-15-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62 Overlander

I've been up on mine numerous times. I weigh about 190# and the sheets definately deform under my weight, but they spring back into place when I get off. When I polished my roof, I polished each end working toward the middle, then polished the middle as I got back on the ladder. After polishing, I got back up wearing sweats and no shoes to apply a new bead of Parbond to the roof seams. The scuffing was minimal and certainly nothing you could see from the ground.

Oooooooo you resealed with Parbond? Hmmm Din't think of that. Like that idea though! Did you use the clear? or Aluminum? Can't wait for warmer weather! Interior is pretty much ready to go

sovereignrwe · 03-15-2005, 04:18 PM

I hate to admit that at 255lbs, this thread just doesn't comfort me that I can be up there without doing damage to my Baby. I think there is an emotional attachment, as well as a fear of expense at play for me.