Help on repair costs - '54 Airstream Wanderer

[rek]

Does anybody have any idea how much it would cost to replace the belly skin of a 1954 Airstream Wanderer (15 foot body length)?

Along the same line does anybody know what it would cost to polish the same trailer. I don't think it has clearcoating.

Thanks!

[InsideOut]

First of all, welcome to the Forums! You will find a bunch of helpful folks here who will be able to answer your questions.

Belly skin aluminum is thinner than the side panels so it's less expensive. The best place IMO to get it is through an Aircraft Supply house like Aircraft Spruce. There are lots of competitors, just do a search using "belly skin" or "aluminum" as keywords. You'll also find folks who have done this and can tell you the thickness and specs.

I do know, a '54 does not have clearcoat unless it was added at a later date. 1964 was the firsyt year it was offered as an option. As far as polishing goes, there are LOTS of options & opinions, again search on "polishing" to get some idea of whats involved to do it yourself or have it done. To have it done professionally, it'll run about $125-$150 per foot, so a Wanderer which is considered an 18' trailer would run about $2500 +

Again, welcome aboard...happy posting!

Shari

[overlander64]

Greetings rek!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by rek

Does anybody have any idea how much it would cost to replace the belly skin of a 1954 Airstream Wanderer (15 foot body length)?

Along the same line does anybody know what it would cost to polish the same trailer. I don't think it has clearcoating.

Thanks!

I can't provide much help with the cost of the belly skin replacements, but I have had my coach professionally polished and Plasticoated. There are several vendors who offer polishing service, but very few who also offer the Plasticoat service as well. The Ruths of P & S Trailer Service (http://www.pandstrailerservice.com/) polished and Plasticoated my '64 Overlander almost five years ago, and the results continue to amaze me -- it looks just like it did when the original owners' first brought it to my family's farm in 1964. Due to some rather extensive scratching caused by the second owner's failed attempt at polishing, the cost of the refinish was higher than normal on my coach at nearly $175 per linear foot (measured coupler to rear bumper of coach). Today, it seems that most professional polishers charge something between $100 and $150 per linear foot with up-charges for specific finish problems.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin