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dmaiden · 12-11-2006, 12:40 PM

As the options race through my head on covering the interior skins, I thought of fabric and vinyl. Has anyone placed vinyl on aluminum, and if so what did you use, some kind of spray mount glue or??

I'm also a little concerned about condensation seeping through, so any thoughts on that would be greatly appreciated.

muddy_hollow · 12-11-2006, 01:56 PM

I saw a caravanner on vintagetrailering.com which the owner had opt'd to wra the front in blue leather. Looked way cool.

I think the guy ownes Pallazeo design. It's on the site.

Doug

rickandsandi · 12-11-2006, 02:35 PM

Dave-

Do a search on the forum site. I know this has been discussed many times before. I have seen almost everything you can imagine on the insides of AS. Bamboo, grass, leather, wood, cork, vinyl, you name it. You need to use a strong contact type cement which you would apply to both surfaces. Check it out with the search function.

dmaiden · 12-11-2006, 02:39 PM

Thanks Rick. I did a search for vinyl and didn't come up with much, but I'll try some of your other suggestions.

rickandsandi · 12-11-2006, 02:55 PM

Good luck Dave- and let us know how you make out. I have my eyes on a 1957 Overlander that I am thinking of redoing the interior all wood. I would have to make my own wainscoting ultra thin and was thinking of gluing it up. Need to test it first for shrinkage.

overlander64 · 12-12-2006, 10:34 PM

While not a covering on the entire wall, or ceiling for that matter, Airstream offered vinyl pads as optional equipment in the bedroom areas. My '64 Overlander had its original ceiling and wall comfort pads when I purchased it in 1995 -- and it still has its original ceiling pad to this day.

The ceiling pad is attached with rivets, while the wall comfort pads were attached with a combination of rivets and screws.

The photo below is of the ceiling pad:

I don't have photos of the original wall panels, but the pattern was the same and they held up well to more than 30 years of use in the humid Midwestern climate.

Kevin

BIGED52 · 12-12-2006, 11:13 PM

Kevin, Great look for your ceiling. Is it hard to keep clean? I really like the look of it. Ed

dmaiden · 12-13-2006, 08:18 AM

Interesting, you're giving me more ideas, which is dangerous. Thanks Kevin.

overlander64 · 12-16-2006, 07:39 PM

Greetings Ed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGED52

Kevin, Great look for your ceiling. Is it hard to keep clean? I really like the look of it. Ed

The ceiling is quite easy to keep clean. My annual routine is to wash it with saddle soap followed by a thorough drying with terry cloth toweling. Then it is just periodic dusting with a light application of Armor-All.

Kevin

Janets Husband · 12-16-2006, 07:55 PM

Kevin

Great look, very functional. Some new horizons have opened. Could be a good look custom colors and patterns in the upholstery. How is it for sound insulation? Can you tell a difference.
Mmm... I wonder if they still do Tuck and Roll work in Tijuana.
Thanks for the new ideas.

overlander64 · 12-16-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet's Husband

Kevin

Great look, very functional. Some new horizons have opened. Could be a good look custom colors and patterns in the upholstery. How is it for sound insulation? Can you tell a difference.
Mmm... I wonder if they still do Tuck and Roll work in Tijuana.
Thanks for the new ideas.

The sound insulation value is minimal as there is only about 1/4" of padding behind the vinyl. There is some reduction in the sound of rain on the roof, but it is very small. For some reason, however, it does seem to make the bedroom feel more snug in cold weather -- the surface doesn't radiate cold like the bare aluminum does elsewhere in the coach.

Kevin

IndyAnne · 12-18-2006, 08:24 AM

Hey, wood interior sounds great. You should see the vintage trailer in the Airstream factory (Jax Ctr., OH) museum parking lot! All birdseye maple interior skin throughout, and beautiful cabinetry.

Anne

Dear Hubby · 01-16-2007, 10:44 PM

Well all I can say is do not use Rubber Cement, as it will become soft when it heats up. It is also a fire hazard, and the fumes can be a real mess.

"Spray Mount" is a adhesive spray that can be used, and you only need to apply to one side (The smell is still a beast), but once it bonds, it will bond almost forever.

I'll know more when I get to that point.... still working on the floor.... :: Mutter::

DH