my new stream and its 2 big dents

[jkrauk]

Just became a member with my 78 safari I purchased on aug 6th. It was described to me as a huntin' trailer and the guy swore that it was all stainless steel. I couldn't talk him down from the asking price of $750, but I think it was a good deal anyway.
The first issue I want to address are the two rather large dings it has in it, and any help in how to tackle them would be appreciated. The easier of the two, I think, is the dent on the upper rear end top. Looks like someone put their butt in it and it is about a foot and a half in diameter. The other is a smash in on the drivers side flat section that is right where the two holes are for the heater or something. It has pulled out the rivets along the horizontal line and someone attempted a belly repair on the bottom.
I think I am going to try to replace this section with some new aluminum. I thought I would cut out the section with vertical cuts and then rivet the whole thing back together.
I posted pictures of these dents on my page/info.
Any suggestions?
I am a big lover of all old vehicles and this is a new and exciting venture for me. As well as a big time consumer!
Thanks, John.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jkrauk

Just became a member with my 78 safari I purchased on aug 6th. It was described to me as a huntin' trailer and the guy swore that it was all stainless steel. I couldn't talk him down from the asking price of $750, but I think it was a good deal anyway.
The first issue I want to address are the two rather large dings it has in it, and any help in how to tackle them would be appreciated. The easier of the two, I think, is the dent on the upper rear end top. Looks like someone put their butt in it and it is about a foot and a half in diameter. The other is a smash in on the drivers side flat section that is right where the two holes are for the heater or something. It has pulled out the rivets along the horizontal line and someone attempted a belly repair on the bottom.
I think I am going to try to replace this section with some new aluminum. I thought I would cut out the section with vertical cuts and then rivet the whole thing back together.
I posted pictures of these dents on my page/info.
Any suggestions?
I am a big lover of all old vehicles and this is a new and exciting venture for me. As well as a big time consumer!
Thanks, John.

End shells have compound curves that were made by stretch forming.

The center rear segment is readily available from a stocking dealer.

Andy

[3streams]

Good luck and congrats on your first Airstream!!!! Be careful- they are addictive.

[Aerowood]

I have replaced several skins here http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...nte-26902.html

[fotochop]

hot glue the ends of a bunch of wood dowel pieces onto the skin (within dents) and see if you can pull the dents out first.. if it's really a "huntin' trailer" ;-)

[mustang]

That trailer looks cool I like it and probably would have bought it for that price also. You are going to have alot of fun. congrats. I would try to bang them out first what the hell right, maybe it will pop. These things seem to have a personality and maybe it doesnt want surgery done. Good luck Dents and dings are character and make for good stories.