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navyeod · 04-14-2009, 05:21 PM

I would appreciate some advice on fixing this dent in a 91 29 excella that I just purchased.

Airslide · 04-14-2009, 05:30 PM

I have a similar dent on the other side same location. Its smaller so i think i can live with it but knowing me i will tackle it some day. If you could get behind the inner wall you might be able to press it out somewhat. Maybe make it look a bit better.

Vinnie

Inland RV Center, In · 04-14-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navyeod

I would appreciate some advice on fixing this dent in a 91 29 excella that I just purchased.

Trying to push it out would more than likely make it look worse.

Replacing the quarter panel, is the only real fix.

Andy

Lumatic · 04-14-2009, 06:08 PM

Is that some kind of patch over it? Is the patch covering a tear? You may be able to pull it out somewhat with a "Ding King" and may be able to roll it out from the inside witn a bed frame rollerif you take off the interior skin. But, for a perfect fix you will need to replace the panel

navyeod · 04-14-2009, 06:46 PM

I talked to the PO and there was no tear. He just put some aluminum tape over it. Dont really understand the reasoning. My guess I will have to heat it up when I get a chance and see if I can get it off.

Airslide · 04-14-2009, 07:18 PM

I actually worked with some dent pro tools on a panel in the right front. The results were pretty good. Most people dont notice it unless the light hits it just right or i point it out. Worst case i guess you could have the panel replaced but why not try if your going to do that anyways..

Vin

Benjo · 04-14-2009, 07:25 PM

david-benjo here...nice to meet you too. hey, i know where you can get that panel replacement. pm and i can pass you some info on it. actually he's not too far from you. also, check my blog for trailwind pics. met an older guy today that owns a 48 or 49 liner. just sinking in his backyard. he also has a 78 airstream back there as well. take care, -b

**azflycaster** · 04-14-2009, 07:26 PM

My immediate concern is that dent looks like a path for water to get onto the rear floor of the trailer.

navyeod · 04-14-2009, 07:37 PM

Richard. My concern too!!!! May be doing some tearout this weekend to see.

navyeod · 04-14-2009, 07:38 PM

Great, GREAT trailer. That is going to be so cool. Loved the pics on your blog. I will pm you. david

somefun · 04-14-2009, 07:43 PM

I wonder if you could take off the trim, remove the banana wrap and slide something up behind the panel from the outside and push it out. I have a similar larger dent on the other side, and have thought about maybe trying that approach...

navyeod · 04-16-2009, 09:03 PM

Now I see the purpose of the tape.

Utahgoldrup · 04-16-2009, 09:13 PM

Wow... that is painful to see. I would think replacing the whole panel/skin would be the best fix, I am sorry to see you have to deal with this. I certainly wish you luck in taking care of this. I wonder what caused this damage?

Airslide · 04-16-2009, 09:51 PM

Rut Row.... sorry to see that under the tape. It seemed too good to be true when the PO told you that he just put the tape over it.. over what? well now we know. Looks like she is going to get a new section. What about that fix for the rear end sag. It kinda looks like elephant ears on each rear side. Maybe its cheaper and would suffice. Maybe it just wouldnt look right either. I dont know where the picture is. Maybe someone can find it.

Vinnie

Airslide · 04-16-2009, 10:03 PM

Just found this pic to describe the look. All depends how far you would want to go with the repair.

**azflycaster** · 04-17-2009, 05:50 AM

I had a bad feeling when I saw the tape over that dent. The bottom line is that you have two options at this point. You could push or pull out the dent as best you can and then put a real patch over the hole. The second option would be to replace the panel.

I would go with the second option.

navyeod · 04-17-2009, 06:26 AM

This trailer has a lot of dings. So replacing that panel is still going to leave some scars. I was surprised how rigid that aluminum dent was, as I was able to stick my hand in there aways and was not able to budge that dent. I am going out to the FCU restoration rally next weekend in New Mexico. Will decide afterwards if I have enough skills to replace the panel. My A&P buddy brought me a chest of tools yesterday and my used tool buddy brought me a bosch 400 buck nipper and a lead on a roll of 30 thousandths aluminum 108 inches wide by 30 feet. milled finish, for a overlander belly pan. Both are lending me the tools until I am finished with these projects. I have a lot of work to do on the interior of the excella for my wife. And like any older trailer, will be doing a lot more than I know now, as I get into it. Already see a leak around the door forward. The Previous owner was an older man and from Europe, not really sure he understood my question about the dent and he had discounted the trailer 1k for the "dent". I think the price was fair even with the hole so I am not going to try to make him feel bad about the miscommunication. He is in poor health and has enough on his plate right now. Another thing I have found is I really dont get an attachment to things that I dont fix. Several years ago I had a mint, absolutely mint, 1995 BMW Motorcycle gspd. Went to Key West to get it. Rode it and just never did like it and finally sold it. A few months back found the very same model bike, exactly. It was a insurance total and bought it for a very good price. It had been retitled and was rideable. Lots of warts, but I took care of the mechanicals and some of the warts and absolutely love the bike. (Go Figure). I love the elephant ear idea, never thought of symetrical patches, but not afraid of the work involved in the panel either if I can climb the learning curve quick enough to make it look good. I sure appreciate all your excellent advice. There is a fellow about 40 miles from me and recently I looked at a trailer he had for sale. His hobby is fixing AS and reselling them. He has done the same repair on his 85 28 foot trailer on a front curved panel. He also told me I could do it with a couple of days work and 350 bucks. I have a couple of dents in both front curved panels also but minor. Sure hope this aluminitus doesnt break out too bad and find me replacing 4 curved panels on my LED ZEPPELLIN user. I hope this summer I finally get to go camping some before this aluminitus confines me to the work camp.

DEITZ645 · 04-17-2009, 07:55 AM

Dave,
Put the aluminum tape back on and go camping. You can always fix it later.

Dan@LED4RV · 04-17-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navyeod

I would appreciate some advice on fixing this dent in a 91 29 excella that I just purchased.

Aside from the way it looks, water getting into the inside and rotting the wood is a real concern. When that wood gives way you will have rear-end sag. I don't think that any repair other than replacing the panel is going to allow you to seal it so water will not get in.
And if you do decide to replace the panel you ought to put some type of reinforcement in there to prevent rear end sag.

Also, we do rent the rivet shaver if you decide to do the work yourself. That will save a bunch on the repair.

Dan

navyeod · 04-17-2009, 08:24 AM

One of the biggest surprises is when I discovered the hole and put my hand inside it was dry as a bone. We have had a ton of rain here lately and was sure I would find rotten wood. Of course the fat lady hasn't stopped singing yet, I haven't seen the wood.