Yet another dent?!

[mel1501]

OK so YOU guys totally nailed my first dent question and prevented me making a huge mistake - so here we go again!! I found a great little airstream but again dents!! This one is not near as bad - no falling trees this time but there is still a dent (the guy selling it calls it a crease - but I'm going dent) - it's over the right rear area, about an inch or so deep. So how bad does it look?! the guy selling it seems to think a plunger would take it right out - but I'd like to hear from you guys - my trusted panel of experts!!!!

[Aage]

You don't say what year or model this one is, but it's the same story as before, right? $1,400 a panel; is it worth that plus whatever he wants for it?

[Melody Ranch]

And.......the Guy that thinks that dent, across a seam, will pull out....does not know squat.

[DanB]

Don't think a plunger is going to tackle that one. One of the specialized vacuum dent pullers, maybe.

You dent spans a seam. That's going to make it more difficult.

Take a look a my repair http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...air-49308.html you can probably get better than mine.

[ventport]

If he says that dent would come out with a plunger, have him take it out before you buy it. Then watch him make excuses and squirm when HE has to try to remove it.

[Becky B.]

I'd keep looking......It's not an easy DIY fix like resealing leaks, fixing plumbing, and a host of other things that will come with most vintage AS's.

[overlander64]

Greetings mel1501!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreams!

Originally Posted by mel1501

OK so YOU guys totally nailed my first dent question and prevented me making a huge mistake - so here we go again!! I found a great little airstream but again dents!! This one is not near as bad - no falling trees this time but there is still a dent (the guy selling it calls it a crease - but I'm going dent) - it's over the right rear area, about an inch or so deep. So how bad does it look?! the guy selling it seems to think a plunger would take it right out - but I'd like to hear from you guys - my trusted panel of experts!!!!

While the dent on this Airstream doesn't appear a severe as the earlier prospect, I don't think that it is likely to be remedied with any kind of metal-working tool. The appearance of the dent may be lessened with a dent puller, but it is unlikely to be totally eliminated as the curved "dome" panels are stress formed and the reaction of the metal to repairs is unpredictable. It appears that it may have created two likely leak points . . . the panel appears to be bowed all of the way to the side window . . . this bowing of the metal likely placed stresses on the rivets holding the window making a leak(s) more likely. Also, while towing, the likely movement in the horizontal seam seems to open the possibility of wind driven moisture being forced into the seam when towing in inclement weather.

From the photo, it appears that the Airstream is likely a post 1969 (based on front wing window) Ambassador or Sovereign (based on side windows). The Airstream would need to have a price reflecting its size and needed repairs to make it worthwhile. There are generally more Ambassadors and Sovereigns on the market than the smaller Airstreams resulting in lower prices.

Good luck with your investigation and deliberations!

Kevin

[mel1501]

Seriously, I love you guys!! So many great answers! Thanx!!!

[mel1501]

Whoops forgot to add that it is a 1976 27 ft landyacht overlander - hope that helps. I really like that size. I don't particularly want anything over 30'. All the inside is original - which would have to go - the couch -O-M-G! If that 70's show had been filmed in a trailer - it would have been this one!

[Lumatic]

Looks like a crease and a dent to me. The dent part you can get out but you will still see some of the crease. the seam will make it harder. I have had good luck using a "Ding King" Worse comes to work you can remove the inside end cap and push/ roll most of it out.

What's the price? What is the rest of the story.

Look on the bright side. When yu put your own dent in, which you indubitably will sooner or later. You will be much less likely to have a panic attack.

[HiHoAgRV]

Hand him a plunger and SHOW him the money...

[gsmithii]

My! But you guys are great!

This thread leaves the impression of the seller as the sly dawg with his hand in the buyer's pocket.

Seller, "It's just a little thing . . . no great account."

Buyer, "I agree. Why don't you plunger it out and I'll be glad to meet your asking price."

What a hoot! Fabulous!