Roof damage from tree

[JOHN L]

Greetings Everyone!

I just aquired an Argosy 28 foot with roof damage from a tree. It looks like the roof bows may have been bent slightly. Currently, according to the previous owner, the roof is not leaking.I am thinking about using a hydraulic jack on the rib from the inside to try to jack it up high enough so I can re-install my overhead storage compartment, which fell slightly during the accident. Naturally the floor will be braced from beneath the trailer as well as 4x4's spanning several cross members to help support the the hydraulic jack.
The exterior roof panel has a nasty dent in it but the damaged area can hardly be seen from the ground. the trailer has been painted with Dupont Imron but not in the damaged area. It stops along the top logitudinal rib line (probably to save on paint),the old paint is still on the roof, but this may work to my advantage.
I am calling all hands of the "multi rivet" brotherhood & sisterhood to let me know if I'm on the right track here. Any input in this repair would greatly be appreciated.

thanks John L

[74Argosy24MH]

Check out this thread, then I would get in contact with campcollector. He has the experience you need.

John

[JOHN L]

Still havent heard from campcollector. Can anybody help?

[campcollector]

Sorry not been checking the mail for awhile. More info on my expierince can be found in the BAmbi forums 1999-2004 under before and after pictures etc. Also photo albums

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...00/ppuser/2656

To replace the ribs the entire interior and inside roof panel need to be removed.

It may be possible to use a porta power ram to push it back up without removing the interior skin but that may be kinda risky not being able to see all the damage and it may pop out some rivets.
Post some picts for a better idea of whats going on. Inside and exterior roof.

[JOHN L]

Thanks for responding Campcollector!This sounds like a winter project! Good point about poping rivets. The rivets couldn't be replaced with the interior in place. Is there a tool that can be purchaded to install these rivets?(such as a pnumatic riviting gun) If so, where can I get such a tool to add to my inventory?
How difficult is it to remove the headliner? I do have experience in this field. My previous employer was a school bus manufacturer. We use to repair headliners an it was quite a chore. I swear there's a million screws to put in. Most repairs were done without the seats in place!

[thenewkid64]

John,

In your 77 the center dome is easy (sort of) to drop. Remove the inner AC cover, and if you have an Armstrong AC, the interior air box, 4 more screws.

Then remove TV antenna handle, interior vent screens and lights. Drill out the rivets as far back as you wish to go. You will need to cut the plastic edge trim near the front dome. Then with the rivets out grasp the front edge of the center sheet and bow it out. Once you get it bowed far enough it will slip right out of the silver tracks that run the length of the trailer.


The rivets can be replaced from the outside with an Olympic style rivet. It works like a pop rivet, and requires shaving but does not require access to the backside of the skin. The shaver runs approx $200.00.

[campcollector]

There is alot of info to be found on these forums about rivets and tools, Olympic rivets air riveters etc..... I would reccomend searching the threads on these topics and find out what process best suits your needs.

No need to repeat the already ecellent posts of folks who are far more knowledgable than I.

[FireFighter]

CampCollector who was your source for the bows and such to repair your A/S

[campcollector]

I got my parts from my local AS dealer. the ribs were about 38 dollars apiece and he had them drop shipped to my address.

[JOHN L]

I'd like to thank "Thenewkid64",Campcollector and Firefighter for all of this great information! It's funny on how Campcollectors misfortune can help others in need. It also sounds like thenewkid64 has walked this walk before as well. It looks like I'll tackle this project during the winter. The roof does not leak so I can enjoy 'Streamming the rest of the summer. Now I think I can approach this with confidence, with the great advice you've given me! I'll let you know on how I made out!