Dent

[Chrishall]

I believe I can pull this out. Question is if I take off the tail light housing is ther any room to get behind that panel. I notice it is right on a rib.

[starlite29]

Looks like you have had a previous significant repair in that area - all the window rivets and those three on the panel are Olympics. The three rivets on that panel seem too close to the light - on my trailer the rib is a couple inches more lateral. The way it buckled makes me doubt the rib is in that location - could be wrong though.

If replaced, do you know if the quarter panel was an overlay over the original panel?

In any event that is going to be tough to remove from the outside. There is an access hole - about 1 1/4” - for the tail light wiring behind the light bezel. It is possible to pop out smaller dents through that hole using a thin long PDR tool (think awning rod) but it would be challenging to get enough leverage in your case - especially if that is an overlay. You may consider cutting a larger access hole behind the tail light, which would require a patch after the repair.

Or you could consider removing the inner panel to gain access to push that dent out. There is likely deformation at the lateral crease that will be impossible to entirely remove. If it is in fact an overlay I’d consider replacing the panel. Best of luck!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, looks like to me that the top panel is an overlay since the rivets should be under the belt molding and not seen.

[starlite29]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, looks like to me that the top panel is an overlay since the rivets should be under the belt molding and not seen.

No, pretty sure that’s the window surround, those rivets are exposed on newer trailers. But the Olympic rivets do suggest that whole rear corner was repaired. The tail light caulking has also been redone - well, I might add.

Looking at other peoples’ photos it appears Airstream has moved that rear rib laterally over the years - if it is indeed bent I don’t see any way to push the dent out without gaining interior access. It may be possible to straighten the rib from inside. The preferred - and much more costly - method of repair however would be to remove both outer and inner skins and replace that section of rib.

Also - speaking from experience - that dent is unlikely to just “pop” out and would need to be worked quite a bit to be cosmetically acceptable.

[Chrishall]

Thanks for the info. Yes this was repaired previously with an overlay. It absolutely amazes me how sharp you guys are. Unfortunately at my age I won’t live long enough to get that smart. I think I’m going to live with it and enjoy camping. Thanks again
Chris

[SlowPokePete]

Originally Posted by Chrishall

I think I’m going to live with it and enjoy camping. Thanks again
Chris

Often times this is the best choice!

SPP