Cost to scrape and reseal

[BambiBirder]

I have my 2005 16ft Bambi in for some miscellaneous repairs and the repair place says I also need to have the outside resealed. I haven't had any leaks but I also don't know if this is something that needs to be done after some number of years as general maintenance. They quote me a price of $770.00.

So, two questions. 1) is this something that needs to be done on a regular basis, and 2) how much should I pay for this?

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by BambiBirder

I have my 2005 16ft Bambi in for some miscellaneous repairs and the repair place says I also need to have the outside resealed. I haven't had any leaks but I also don't know if this is something that needs to be done after some number of years as general maintenance. They quote me a price of $770.00.

So, two questions. 1) is this something that needs to be done on a regular basis, and 2) how much should I pay for this?

HIJACK - don't trust your Airstream to an unknown shop. The people who will do it wrong (from ignorance) or really effit up (malice & desire to rip you off) outnumber the honest who will totally nitpick the job. And this is one job you want to be done by a nitpicker! Assume they're billing you $65 per hour for the mechanic's time plus materials... that seems to be about 11 hours. Which for me wouldn't be enough time to do even a Bambi, but I'm not a pro so I work much slower than a professional can. Price is pricy but "reasonable". Or you can find a shade tree, get a couple of ladders and totally blow weekend - and spend $100 or less in materials and pocket the rest PLUS you know how well the work was done. (of course if your nickname is "shakey" and you can't make a bead of caulk to save your life - or even lay out blue painters tape as a guideline - then paying someone to do a neat job is worthwhile.)

Paula

[BambiBirder]

Thanks Paula, good to know. The quote came from a certified Airstream dealer/repair shop so I assume they know what they're doing. Doing it myself is not a good option, lack of time and let's just say I have a tendency to color outside the lines.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by BambiBirder

I have my 2005 16ft Bambi in for some miscellaneous repairs and the repair place says I also need to have the outside resealed. I haven't had any leaks but I also don't know if this is something that needs to be done after some number of years as general maintenance. They quote me a price of $770.00.

So, two questions. 1) is this something that needs to be done on a regular basis, and 2) how much should I pay for this?

I would have them do a pressure leak test so you can see the leaks, instead of just taking their word for it.

Give Soldiermedic a PM, he can explain it much better than I.



Bob

[Foiled Again]

Oh Robert - I SO agree with a pressure test - concentrate on finding and fixing REAL problems, not just caulking everything good, bad or ugly. Leaks happen in the oddest places (TV antenna) and travel 4 feet before revealing the ugly evidence.

Paula

[xrvr]

Yes, resealing is a normal maintenance item. If we all did this at least every other year most leaks would be found before major damage is done. Just waiting for a leak to show itself can result in major repair costs. Jim

[BambiBirder]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the response. Sounds like a preventive measure even if leaks are not currently present.

[ROBERT CROSS]

....Get up on the roof and inspect all the vents. It will become very evident what may be needed.


Your avatar?

Bob