72 SOVEREIGN let the fun begin

[MinesotaMike]

Hello people. We bought a 72 sovereign in little falls Mn. for $1800 believe it or not and it has been parked by the garage for 2 years and now its time to tackle the restore.

[Minno]

Hey Mike - we're close enough we could compare progress in person! Be sure to post pictures of your progress. Ours is in this thread if you haven't seen it yet: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f185...urb-50967.html

Things have been slow lately, with other outdoor projects and camping trips taking up our time. But we'll get back to her soon.

Have fun with your project!

Chris

[mello mike]

Welcome to the '72 Sovereign club. There are quite a few of us on here.

[MinesotaMike]

Thank you ,
Has any one ever dealt with bullet holes? LOL dont worry were not outlaws and we didnt run anyone off the road and we dont camp in minneapolis LOL. We bought her up in Little Falls and the guy had it on his hunting land. There are three holes and they appear to be 22 caliber. I am a professional sign guy and will probably try flattening the holes from the insige and blaceing small silver vinyl dots on them to see how noticeable it is. I am curious as to whether or not anyone else has dealt with this. I realize a person could replace that particular panel but they could be hard to find and expensive.

[memgrove2000]

There is a guy on here that makes some really cool custom patches!. Frank Yensen is his name I saw them on his blog page thing, if you search I think you would be able to find him.

[mello mike]

Mike,
That is a great question and a unique one. Most of the problems with the exterior skin are dent related not bullet related, LOL! The cost of the individual panels, depends on their location. They typically cost between $300-500. Doing the work yourself is cheaper but if you had an Airstream service center do it, it would probably run you about $1,500 per panel.

As far as a temporary patch, I would ask this question in the Exterior Restoration/Repair Forum under Skins. You will get all kinds of responses there.

[igor]

Mike,
Welcome to the forums (well assuming someone with a Tradewind and not a Sovereign can post here - LOL). Was just thinking about patching the holes, being at a rally and being asked what the patches where about. Hail damage, backed into, tree limb and the response would be "no, bullet holes". Would definately be a Kodak moment.

[Aerowood]

Originally Posted by MinesotaMike

Thank you ,
Has any one ever dealt with bullet holes? LOL dont worry were not outlaws and we didnt run anyone off the road and we dont camp in minneapolis LOL. We bought her up in Little Falls and the guy had it on his hunting land. There are three holes and they appear to be 22 caliber. I am a professional sign guy and will probably try flattening the holes from the insige and blaceing small silver vinyl dots on them to see how noticeable it is. I am curious as to whether or not anyone else has dealt with this. I realize a person could replace that particular panel but they could be hard to find and expensive.

If you have access to the inside then you could install what is refered to as a "dollar dime" patch. Cut the "bullet hole out to the size of a dime. Rivet a silver dollar size doubler with flush rivets on the inside, and then a dime sized filler with one flush rivet in the center. Shoot it all together wet with sealent. When done it should hardly be noticeable at all

[MinesotaMike]

Thanks, I cant prove I am related to Erik the Red, King Olaf, or Leif Erikkson but I to am of swedish , norwegian decent. I guess I'm just a crazy swede.