Wheel well replacement

[till]

I am thinking of replacing the rotting steel wheel wells that are in my 1968 Overlander with new Airstream factory ones. I am pretty sure that the axle spacing has not changed and the tire size is the same.

Other than cost, and thoughts?? I would think that this would save the problem of future rusting.

[overlander63]

Tedd, if they are steel, why not just make new ones out of sheet steel? I know the wheel wells in ours are plastic, so current replacements from Airstream would likely be plastic as well.

[till]

I am sorry Terry, I should have mentioned that the current ones are plastic. I had called Airstream a couple of years ago when I was tying to rebuild my '67 Ambassador and found out that the wheel wells are plastic and that Airstream believe that they should fit.

I was hopping to update to the current standard and avoid future repair issues.
Or maybe I should see what the local sheet metal shop would want to fab a pair for me. I would like to go to something a little stronger than the thin stuff I have. That was part of the thinking behind the switch to the current plastic ones.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by till

I am sorry Terry, I should have mentioned that the current ones are plastic. I had called Airstream a couple of years ago when I was tying to rebuild my '67 Ambassador and found out that the wheel wells are plastic and that Airstream believe that they should fit.

I was hopping to update to the current standard and avoid future repair issues.
Or maybe I should see what the local sheet metal shop would want to fab a pair for me. I would like to go to something a little stronger than the thin stuff I have. That was part of the thinking behind the switch to the current plastic ones.

The plastic wheel well covers work fine.

They have been used for over 30 years.

Of course, misuse can damage anything, even a sledge hammer.

Andy

[till]

Andy,
Thanks. I just heard back from Airstream and will be talking to the local metal shop about making new wheel wheels. I will order not covers when I get to that point.

[TwinkytheKid]

Originally Posted by till

I will order not covers when I get to that point.

Till, what are "not covers"? I thought it might be "new covers", but that doesn't sound right.

[davidz71]

I was wondering if he meant "new" also or if he meant he will "not order covers" at all. Anyway, I though that I might mention that the outer fender well the factory put in my trailer in Dec. 07 was wider at the top than the one it replaced. It seems the corners are not as rounded as the one on curbside of my '86 Sovereign. I got a close comparison because of the street side damage caused during my Oct. '07 trip to VA. and while inspecting the fender well on the curb side while replacing brake backing plates. I noticed a crack in the curb side fender well, repaired it with butyl caulking and a sheet of aluminum per service manual instructions.

[till]

Happy fingers.......

I will order the wheel well covers when I get to that point.

Man I need to slow down and proof read my posts.

Sorry about that. I always gets this way with a new project. It seems even more so with my wife buying into this one. I will make my best effort to slow down and check my posts.....

[TomW]

Tedd,

I glassed-in fiberglas cloth on the underside of my plastic wheel well covers. Messy, but effective.

Surprisingly, I don't have pictures of the effort.

Tom

[till]

Tom,

You didn't have your camera with you when you were working on Airstream stuff?!?!!?
I think I will do the same. I plan on "glassing-in" the fridge vent and AC shroud also, so I may do the covers too.

I am glad I have one wheel well that is about 90% intact for a pattern for the metal shop.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by till

...I plan on "glassing-in" the ... AC shroud also, ...

Oh, so you want your own frankenshroud, eh?

Tom

[till]

Yep, yours seems to be standing the test of time. Why not use what works. I am even willing to put a "TomW patented Frankenshroud" mark on the sides. Just send me the art work and I will have the decal made.