Trim Peeling

[cmmorsey]

Hey everybody,

Thanks for reading.

The trim all around the lower part of my airstream looks like this... It looks pretty bad compared to the rest of the trailer.

I'm not sure if it's a pealing clear coat? It looks like a protective film that maybe was supposed to come off after purchase and didn't so it baked on? Trailer is used bit new to me so not sure on history.

My question:
What is this?
How do I fix it?

Thanks!


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4

[murreywalker]

That appears to be the lower rub rail insert.

You can get 1 inch replacement material (by the foot) at Out Of Doors Mart.

Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!

[idroba]

It is the common failure mode for the plastic chrome trim on the newer Airstreams. I have seen a thread somewhere here on how to replace it. I think it is an adhesive back system and it also slips into tract. I am sure someone here may be able to locate the thread on it, I can't seem to find it now.

[murreywalker]

Originally Posted by idroba

It is the common failure mode for the plastic chrome trim on the newer Airstreams. I have seen a thread somewhere here on how to replace it. I think it is an adhesive back system and it also slips into tract. I am sure someone here may be able to locate the thread on it, I can't seem to find it now.

It IS pressure sensitive, but it does not fit into a track, you just cut it and place it into the channel.

Perhaps you're thinking of the back plate and caps which screw in to hold the back plate in place.

[idroba]

Ah, I have not had to deal with it yet on my 2014. The older AS had a channel and track system for the insert. I though I had read about the new one being adhesive backed, but did not know there was no mechanical method of holding the insert, only adhesive.

So, you peel the old one out and press a new one back in place?

[cmmorsey]

Thanks @murreywalker !

I could not find this trim on there website.

[cmmorsey]

Found it

THANKS!

http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=574


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[dznf0g]

I got really tired of replacing this chrome stuff every couple years, so I got some MOLDED IN COLOR automotive moldings from here #37 Sheer Silver, used by Toyota and Chevrolet in recent years. Has 3m adhesive...good stuff..no more peeling clear or chrome for me.

Vehicle Graphics - 1 in. Body Side Molding by Precision Trim

[dznf0g]

BTW, the pricing changes with quantity. I got two 100' rolls for about $350 as I recall. That's the 1" stuff for the lower and 1/2" for the belt.

[cmmorsey]

@dznf0g that seems like a great solution.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[murreywalker]

Originally Posted by idroba

Ah, I have not had to deal with it yet on my 2014. The older AS had a channel and track system for the insert. I though I had read about the new one being adhesive backed, but did not know there was no mechanical method of holding the insert, only adhesive.

So, you peel the old one out and press a new one back in place?

Yes, but take care to remove the old adhesive before you apply the new.

[dznf0g]

OK, I went and found my receipts...and a couple more close up shots. The brightest silver they have is the #37 Sheer Silver. The lower molding is part#11100-37 for $165/100foot roll. The belt is part#37130-37 for $121/130foot roll. Depending on your AS length, bulk may or may not be cheaper than the site's listed per 5 foot increment price.

Murrey is right...like most jobs, prep is the most time consuming, but important step. ALL the prior adhesive must come off. Brake Cleaner helps soften it pretty well, but still a lot of work...that's why I wanted do it only once more. While in there, I hit all the extrusion's rivets and screws with both Capt. Tolleys and Tempro.

[dannydimitt]

Originally Posted by cmmorsey

Attachment 215539

Hey everybody,

Thanks for reading.

The trim all around the lower part of my airstream looks like this... It looks pretty bad compared to the rest of the trailer.

I'm not sure if it's a pealing clear coat? It looks like a protective film that maybe was supposed to come off after purchase and didn't so it baked on? Trailer is used bit new to me so not sure on history.

My question:
What is this?
How do I fix it?

Thanks!


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4

The lower trim on ours is not doing that , but the entire center strip on the left side started peeling off while traveling thru Wyoming the other day . We saw it before it fell all the way off and was gone with the wind . Bought some glue at a Home Depot , cleaned all the dirt and dust that had accumulated from the back of the trim and glued it back on . Back in Central Texas now and so far so good Have ya tried peeling the outer layer off ?

[dznf0g]

The problem with the AS stuff is it is black substrate with a metallic silver (very thin) layer overlaid with a clear protective layer. First the clear turns milky (which can be cleaned off with auto wax) then it cracks and starts to peel. Once the clear is gone, the silver degrades very quickly and black shows through. The OP's pic shows the other issue. Water gets between the layers at the cut ends. The portion I replaced on my corner protectors showed the same condition a year later. It was obvious to me that another solution was needed.

[cmmorsey]

@dznf0g that's beautiful... Thanks for the info. I'm gonna place my order


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[cmmorsey]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

OK, I went and found my receipts...and a couple more close up shots. The brightest silver they have is the #37 Sheer Silver. The lower molding is part#11100-37 for $165/100foot roll. The belt is part#37130-37 for $121/130foot roll. Depending on your AS length, bulk may or may not be cheaper than the site's listed per 5 foot increment price.

Murrey is right...like most jobs, prep is the most time consuming, but important step. ALL the prior adhesive must come off. Brake Cleaner helps soften it pretty well, but still a lot of work...that's why I wanted do it only once more. While in there, I hit all the extrusion's rivets and screws with both Capt. Tolleys and Tempro.

Attachment 215557

Attachment 215558

So I bought exactly what you said and putting it on soon... Any extra tips? I ordered 3m adhesive that was recommended by someone else

Thanks!!!


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4

[dznf0g]

Just what I said above....clean, clean again....and then clean it some more. Absolutely bare metal in the extrusion. And spend time "belt and suspender" sealing everything under there....rivets and screws. I found quite a few rusted steel screws. Those were replaced with stainless before sealing them as well.

It's grunt work..be patient and just do it once for many many years.

Oh, yeah, You'll notice that the rivets and screws are in a recessed "trough" in the extrusion. The water gets in there from the ends. I put a dab of Trempro in the forward ends of the trim trough to prevent a lot of water entering while driving. However I left the rear ends open to allow any water that does get in, an avenue out.

[cmmorsey]

Right on... Thanks dznf0g
I'll post pics


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4

[cmmorsey]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Just what I said above....clean, clean again....and then clean it some more. Absolutely bare metal in the extrusion. And spend time "belt and suspender" sealing everything under there....rivets and screws. I found quite a few rusted steel screws. Those were replaced with stainless before sealing them as well.

It's grunt work..be patient and just do it once for many many years.

Oh, yeah, You'll notice that the rivets and screws are in a recessed "trough" in the extrusion. The water gets in there from the ends. I put a dab of Trempro in the forward ends of the trim trough to prevent a lot of water entering while driving. However I left the rear ends open to allow any water that does get in, an avenue out.

It's like new!!!

Thanks for the help!!!


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4

[cmmorsey]

Took a lot of cleaning like you said didn't end up using 3m glue... 3m adhesive on a clean surface seemed sufficient


Airstream 2008 Int Sig 23d
2012 Ford F150 FX4