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ALANSD · 07-17-2006, 07:07 PM

On my 78 Sovereign above and below the stripe area are two inserts one shows faded red one blue. Were these rubber moldings in those colors?
I expect to polish some then redo the stripe and find this insert to redo.

empresley · 07-18-2006, 09:02 AM

I haven't spent a lot of time searching but http://www.outofdoorsmart.com/
shows blue inserts in different widths. Click links to "Parts" and then "Airstream Maintenance". Sit down; it is $1 per ft.

Martin.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-18-2006, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

On my 78 Sovereign above and below the stripe area are two inserts one shows faded red one blue. Were these rubber moldings in those colors?
I expect to polish some then redo the stripe and find this insert to redo.

The inserts are all vinyl materials.

The red for your Airstream has not been available for years.

You can use blue, or black.

Some owners change the blue to black, because it does make the trailer look quietly richer.

Andy

ALANSD · 07-18-2006, 04:05 PM

Thanks Andy I will think about doing the black, it will be kinda like my 280 ....

ALANSD · 08-01-2006, 06:08 AM

Does anyone know how wide the vinyl insert in the stripe area is ( was red and blue)....is it considered ...3/4"??

CanoeStream · 08-01-2006, 08:03 AM

Phone orders and prices from Oasis RV, an Airstream dealer in Tucson, are about as good as you would want! There is good reason they are recommended -- even at my distance service is great. 1-800-658-5863 Ask for Parts. They will understand what you want but pre-measure width just in case. And length of course...

I've also heard good things about parts from an Arkansas AS dealer. Having trouble pulling up Airstream.com from work here...

dwightdi · 08-01-2006, 08:09 AM

The insert material is actually low density polyethylene. Actual material cost about $.85 per pound but you have to pay for the extrusion and alot of markups along the way.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-01-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

Does anyone know how wide the vinyl insert in the stripe area is ( was red and blue)....is it considered ...3/4"??

The exposed dimension is a little over 5/15 inch and the part that is recessed into the molding is 15/32 inch.

Andy

peegreen · 08-01-2006, 09:57 AM

On my '74 I replaced the blue insert and shortly after it shrank at least 6" to which I added a short piece - I was hoping for the seemless look. I purchased a couple of rolls from Inland but haven't gotten around to installing it yet on the '89. I was thinking of waiting until it got much cooler outside to lessen the temperature effect if this is what's causing the contraction. Anyone have thoughts/experience?

Frank S · 08-01-2006, 09:59 AM

Hi ALANSD--We removed the blue vinyl insert, and painted the recess the same color blue. Unless you look close, it is hard to tell the diffference.--Frank S

Inland RV Center, In · 08-01-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The exposed dimension is a little over 5/15 inch and the part that is recessed into the molding is 15/32 inch.

Andy

Make that 5/16 inch.

Andy

Inland RV Center, In · 08-01-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peegreen

On my '74 I replaced the blue insert and shortly after it shrank at least 6" to which I added a short piece - I was hoping for the seemless look. I purchased a couple of rolls from Inland but haven't gotten around to installing it yet on the '89. I was thinking of waiting until it got much cooler outside to lessen the temperature effect if this is what's causing the contraction. Anyone have thoughts/experience?

Whoa, hold the phone.

You must install end caps with a pop rivet, at each end of the insert, that also goes through the insert. If not, the insert will shrink.

Also it is wise to install the insert on a warm day, and let the sun heat up the insert, prior to installation.

Do not stretch the insert.

Andy

ALANSD · 08-01-2006, 10:55 AM

so you rivet through the end of the vinyl? Thanks for that tip, Andy,

By the way since my awnings are blue stripe I guess blue is the choice for this too...but black does sound good. Any thoughts out there on black with blue awnings?

Inland RV Center, In · 08-01-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

so you rivet through the end of the vinyl? Thanks for that tip, Andy,

By the way since my awnings are blue stripe I guess blue is the choice for this too...but black does sound good. Any thoughts out there on black with blue awnings?

The Excella's back then, used the black.

It makes the coach richer looking.

Years ago, as a full scale model, I had one side of a 31 foot trailer set up with blue insert, and the other side with black.

When customers were told that the black was nicer, they almost always said "no way".

Then I would show them first the blue side of the modeled trailer, and then the black side.

Almost always, the "no way" became the "black" is the only way.

Interesting, once you see it installed.

But back to basics, it's the owners choice.

However, simply because you might install the black insert, does not make the trailer a "fake Excella".

Andy