A new Airstream owner (and forum member).

[old_silver]

My wife and I are finally the proud new owners of a 1975 Sovereign 31' with the center bath. The interior is in mint condition and the exterior needs a little TLC due to gravel dings, and a few pole bumps here and there.

This is not only our first A/S, but our first RV, so I hope to learn a lot from the forum members!

[keylime]

Welcome to the group Old Silver. In my short time here, I have found the group to be a great source of collective information, I'm sure you will too. One term that I read somewhere has become part of my vocabulary now, and when you mentioned the gravel-dings, it made me think of it. Since I picked up my '65 A/S last week, it came complete with "character marks", I'm sure earned over the years. Besides, bondo would not blend too well.

Again, welcome, and best to you.

keylime

[old_silver]

I like the "character marks" on my A/S., or at least some of them. Some of the larger marks would look better smothed out. Has anyone in the forum done actual panel replacement? It's done all the time on airplanes, I assume it would be about the same type of work.

[mike4038]

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ighlight=panel
Mike

[ALANSD]

Some small dents will be improved by using a hair dryer to apply heat to the area, carefully....and then using some dry ice to pop the area back into shape. I have had sucess on a small pushed in type spot.
I also think that the paintless dent removal guys can get some out if they can get behind them with their tools. Have not yet tried this myself though.

[old_silver]

Thanks for the info. I've heard about the dry-ice trick, but some say it doesn't really work.

I'll try it out. Just for kicks if nothing else.