Do I really need to replace dinged up panels?

[Shane74]

I’ve read that if an AS gets dinged up a little or minor dents occur the that panel absolutely has to be replaced to prevent rivit damage? Personally, I could easily live with a ding here or there. Is this is true or is it just another way for the industry to make money?

[airdreamers]

Originally Posted by Shane74

I’ve read that if an AS gets dinged up a little or minor dents occur the that panel absolutely has to be replaced to prevent rivit damage? Personally, I could easily live with a ding here or there. Is this is true or is it just another way for the industry to make money?

Depending on the amount of damage, some dents are repairable in place. Google "dent repair". There are many various ways, if you are handy, to repair the damage yourself. I have used the suction cup approach and it worked well on small damage. Good luck!

[azflycaster]

I have never heard of a dent causing rivet damage. Panels are replaced because of panel damage.

[Tim A.]

The only way that I could imagine rivet damage due to a dent is if the dent crosses a riveted seam. It is worth noting that the distorted seam might leak even if the rivets are still sound.

Small dings and dents (such as from rocks that hit above the stone guards) should do absolutely nothing to the rivets unless they happen to be right on top of one.

Tim

[Belegedhel]

I'm curious where you read that. The biggest reason to fix/replace a panel is aesthetics, not leaks.

[Shane74]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

I'm curious where you read that. The biggest reason to fix/replace a panel is aesthetics, not leaks.

I’ll try to find where I read that and post it. I’ve been spending lots of time researching AS so I think I’ve gone through about a hundred websites and even talk forums. I’m not trying to be negative whatsoever, as my mind is made up about buying an AS. It’s a done deal minus the actual purchase. Basically I’m just trying to prepare myself for basic travel trailer woes that may come my way and for ways to possibly prevent them.

As far as the dings and dents and literature about having to replace panels right away, it was explained that dents will stretch the aluminum and diminish the structural integrity. To me this makes little sense.

I’ve also been reading that, for some reason, initial camping trips will reveal minor problems covered by warranty....usually electrical in nature.

For some crazy reason, non of these negative statements are leading me away from AS.

[Rokitman]

I'm a bit surprised that no one has mentioned the corrosion that will ensure if the clearcoat is compromised by a dent or ding. That (IMO) would be the only reason to replace a panel (before aesthetics).

[ROBERT CROSS]

If it doesn't leak, and you can live with looking at it, leave the dang dings alone.

Bob
🇺🇸

[MaineStreamer]

I have a long scratch and indentation on the passenger side caused by scraping along my mailbox a few years ago. I figure that someday I will need to have the airstream in the shop for other work, so that’s when I may get that repaired.
Marty

[banderabob]

Originally Posted by Tim A.

The only way that I could imagine rivet damage due to a dent is if the dent crosses a riveted seam. It is worth noting that the distorted seam might leak even if the rivets are still sound.

Small dings and dents (such as from rocks that hit above the stone guards) should do absolutely nothing to the rivets unless they happen to be right on top of one.

Tim

I concur with this view.

[airdreamers]

All this talk about dings etc. We still don't know the extent of the damage, where on the AS is the damage and what year and model (pictures). This info would be helpful to give the proper advice.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by airdreamers

All this talk about dings etc. We still don't know the extent of the damage, where on the AS is the damage and what year and model (pictures). This info would be helpful to give the proper advice.

Yes we do. There is no damage yet, since he hasn't bought an AS yet. He is just researching at this point.


Edit; Maybe he is thinking of a used AS and wants to know if he should avoid one with even slight damage.

[Bob Peahl]

We scratched our Airstream against a rural mailbox.

I asked the Mothership about panel replacements. Their advice was to live with it, but dab clear coat over the damaged areas to avoid corrosion.

Two years later, no sign of corrosion.

[Shane74]

Hey guys, just to let y’all know...I haven’t bought an AS yet, but it’s coming. Especially now that their popping up in my dreams every night...that can’t be a healthy thing lol. Anyway, this is what I do before making high value purchases. I’m the guy who skips over the positive reviews and who reads the negative reviews. I know, I’m weird that way.

After months of research here is one major common denominator that I’ve revealed: All travel trailers have problems but Airstream and Oliver are among the best built in the industry.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by airdreamers

All this talk about dings etc. We still don't know the extent of the damage, where on the AS is the damage and what year and model (pictures). This info would be helpful to give the proper advice.

Proper, yes.

Point one....their is NO Airstream.

No further points needed.

All the replies have been proper for the question asked.👍


Bob
🇺🇸

[Boxite]

The “corrosion” worry is also likely overrated.

Aluminum has a natural propensity to “heal” itself. Bare aluminum quickly forms aluminum-oxide in a thin layer which protects the base-metal. Removing the oxide layer sets it up for further oxidation and is therefore counter-productive.

If one were to polish the aluminum it will soon develop a “dull” appearance...and that is the aluminum oxide protective layer. If you don’t like that, you can either keep polishing-off the protective oxide layer (thereby continuing to expose the polished bare aluminum to atmosphere to make more oxide)... or you can clear-coat it to slow down the process.

I have an airplane made of the exact same alloy of 2024-T3 aluminum Airstreams are made of. It’s a bare-aluminum airplane that I do not polish. If fact, it has not been polished for over 20 years...only washed with plain water with a little WD40 mixed into it. It is NOT clear-coated...but bare aluminum. I’ll try to post a picture so you can see all that horrible “corrosion.”

Here my wife and I were photographed taxying out for takeoff from Lompoc CA on a vacation trip from Texas, thru Salt Lake, Tehachapi, SanFrancisco, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, etc, and back home.

[Shane74]

���� Great info here and very cool plane! I’ve been told that it’s better to not wax or polish a new Airstream. Oh btw, I was at VAFB back in the 90s so I know Lompoc well!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Shane74

���� Great info here and very cool plane! I’ve been told that it’s better to not wax or polish a new Airstream. Oh btw, I was at VAFB back in the 90s so I know Lompoc well!

I don't know where you heard that, but it's not true. either.
You don't polish a new one, but waxing with a non-abrasive sealant/glaze, such as Walbernize, is certainly recommended. Don't do the "wax-on, wax-off" like a car, but apply and remove the wax with the grain of the metal.

[Shane74]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I don't know where you heard that, but it's not true. either.
You don't polish a new one, but waxing with a non-abrasive sealant/glaze, such as Walbernize, is certainly recommended. Don't do the "wax-on, wax-off" like a car, but apply and remove the wax with the grain of the metal.

And this is why I signed up to this forum. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Lots of myths floating around about AS.

[ROBERT CROSS]

More information on the type of corrosion that CAN occur on an Airstream if the Alcoa finished panels are compromised, nick's, seams or rivets.

Filiform....even this can be treated.👍
Bob
🇺🇸