Ouch! Skin damage

[Breiz]

While looking at our newly purchased 1977 Ambassador last weekend we found a disturbing hole in the skin. It is in the roof over the front curbside vista view window. It looks like something had been mounted there before and was torn out resulting in a large hole and the window seems bent. I've included a pic for reference. Anyone know what might have been attached there? How do I repair the hole? What do I do about it being pulled away from the window? Thanks for any advice!

[overlander63]

Looks like a Zip-Dee window awning with the extensions. One of the extension mounts could have been mounted there.

[Aerowood]

First off I would get it sealed up while you make up your mind as to a repair. Can you get access to the inside? If it were mine I would remove the vista view to see if it can be repaired, straightened, etc. A external repair doubler for the shin should repair the tear out. Do you have any sheet metal experience or know someone that does?

[overlander63]

I see 3 screws in that area, they can at least temporarily rivet a small patch over the area until they make a decision about what they want to do there. It will keep the water out of the wound.

[jayray5]

silicone it for now. real easy to pull out later.