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THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 02:27 PM

I took my Airstream in for warranty work for a front Pana Window leak and other small items.They didn't fix the leak because they needed time...e.t.c...Thats a LOONG story in itself. When I got home I noticed the dents. They said email them pics and they will address it. I sent pics. Here below is a picture I sent to them. They said they would fix it.I dropped off the Airstream on May 26th.

It sat for over a month because they were fighting airstream on the window leak. The leak was from the glass seal on the bottom. Not from the seating of the window. Airstream said this was highly unlikley. So they neede time to convince Airstream. So 3 weeks later I make a suprise visit and the Service Manger says he's gonna have a dent repair place try and get it out, that was last weekend....

So I made a suprise visit today. I looked at the botched dent repair. Then I noticed the scratches...these scratches are through the clear coat. Would you have them replace the panel? Should I cut my losses? The Manager told me before he came to work there he has never worked on a Airstream...

I'm worried they will mess things up worse. I still don't know for a fact if my window leak is even fixed.

Opinions please.

Shane

Bluto · 08-11-2011, 02:51 PM

I'd be afraid too. Looks like they wouldn't have the skill set to do the panel replacement. I think the longer it sits there the more damage your trailer will receive.
How did you keep your cool?

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 02:56 PM

I know, Right...I'm at a loss.
It's ExploreUSA in South Ft Worth near Burleson.. Noone else will pay to fix it right. They did the damage....They are going to have to fix it or cut me a check.

What would this cost to get it fixed the right way? With a replacement panel. Anyone have any ideas?

Shane

Inland RV Center, In · 08-11-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEPILL

I know, Right...I'm at a loss.
It's ExploreUSA in South Ft Worth near Burleson.. Noone else will pay to fix it right. They did the damage....They are going to have to fix it or cut me a check.

What would this cost to get it fixed the right way? With a replacement panel. Anyone have any ideas?

Shane

That segment with rivets, sealer etc, runs right at $1200.00 to replace, which includes a reasonable charge for labor. Plus shipping, if need be.

CAUTION. If someone has never done sheet metal work on an Airstream, don't let them practice on yours, as they will have no clue as to "how to" properly.

Andy

Ben4762 · 08-11-2011, 03:04 PM

My Airstream has the same dents, which is caused by opening the rock guards too far. It's bound to happen sooner or later. A poor design if you ask me.

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben4762

My Airstream has the same dents, which is caused by opening the rock guards too far. It's bound to happen sooner or later. A poor design if you ask me.

Yeah, I get that. I didn't cause it though, because I was aware to be careful. But them trying to fix it caused More damage.

Shane

Aviator · 08-11-2011, 05:02 PM

I would get them to pay for an experienced Airstream shop to replace the panel.

wheel interested · 08-11-2011, 05:19 PM

Have it replaced at the factory in Ohio.

**DKB_SATX** · 08-11-2011, 05:39 PM

Is this at the dealer on I35W south of I20? Or another local dealer?

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Have it replaced at the factory in Ohio.

I live in Texas.

Shane

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Is this at the dealer on I35W south of I20? Or another local dealer?

Yes.

Shane

wasagachris · 08-11-2011, 05:55 PM

Shane I think that now is the time to bring this to the attention of Jackson Center. It's blatently obvious that this shop has no idea how to repair an Airstream. I wouldn't let them do anything else.Do you have another Airstream certified shop to take it to?

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 06:09 PM

Honestly..Airstream doesn't care. They were figting them on the window leak. Which is the WINDOW seal,..not the gap it was placed in.

Shane

DanielB · 08-11-2011, 06:46 PM

From the looks of it the window is not an issue any more. When/if the panel is replaced, the window will be fixed, correct?

I'd say the thing to do first is establish their liability to a dollar amount. I guess this can be done by using estimates (it works on Judge Judy, anyway). So you need to get a couple or three good estimates on replacing the aluminum panel. Once that is done you get a check.

Once you get the check then arrange an appointment to have the repair done. If you pay for the parts in advance and make an appointment there will be less shop time. Take a few days off and make a road trip for repairs.

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielB

From the looks of it the window is not an issue any more. When/if the panel is replaced, the window will be fixed, correct?

I'd say the thing to do first is establish their liability to a dollar amount. I guess this can be done by using estimates (it works on Judge Judy, anyway). So you need to get a couple or three good estimates on replacing the aluminum panel. Once that is done you get a check.

Once you get the check then arrange an appointment to have the repair done. If you pay for the parts in advance and make an appointment there will be less shop time. Take a few days off and make a road trip for repairs.

No guarantees the window will be fixed. The glass window itself was leaking. The seam on the window. Manufacturers defect. The Window...not the hole the window slides into. The Airstream needs a whole new window,,,Which airstream refused to replace...or so I'm told.

Shane

njloco · 08-11-2011, 07:03 PM

I know you are easy going in Texas, but come on, you did pay good $ for the 2010 A/S, make them get it fixed. I wouldn't let them give me the right time of day, but I would get it fixed the right way and they would pay for it. You should be on the phone to A/S getting the CEO's name and #, a letter should be on the way to him/her and phone calls lots and lots of phone calls.

Sorry, I just hate to see good people get ripped off.

THEPILL · 08-11-2011, 07:18 PM

I'm not adressing the window leak at the moment because ..well as you can see from the second photo the window is not there. The dealer has said the window was not leaking..they fixed it. But had to address the dent.These scratches/dent are the dealers responsibility. Once I get this fixed,the dent/scratch, and the window<old one apparently> I will check for leaks.

This problem is not with Airstream, at the moment.

Shane

Gringo · 08-11-2011, 07:35 PM

there's a knowledgeable guy there in the DFW area. Does a lot of reno's etc. I bet he could help you out with fixing it right. I can find the name again if you don't know who I'm talking about.

dznf0g · 08-11-2011, 08:52 PM

Shane, It may be too early to tell if it's fixed, but I had a leak last month in both of my curved panos. The water was getting between the glass and the window frame. I used a razor knife to cut out as much of the old sealer on the outside as I could, taped everything off and forced Parbond into the joint. No leaks after several HARD rains and one washing where I drowned the windows with a lot of water.
The old sealer had started decaying and pulling away from the glass. The leak showed up as weeping up on the inside glass to frame sealer.

wheel interested · 08-11-2011, 09:09 PM

Your Airstream waranty covers any damage done by an authorized Airstream service dealer. If you have never been to the mothership it may be a great time to make a trip to the homeland and have your baby restored to new condition by experienced and expert service technicians. Get the shop that damaged the skin to reimburse your trip to JC. You are not obligated to let them take another crack at it. You may enjoy the pilgrimage. It's almost a rite of passage for owners.