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tdyoungblood · 09-03-2013, 08:43 AM

I just purchased a 1972 Overlander about a month ago and in the midst of doing some clean-up and general maintenance, I noticed this metal strip on each side directly above the wheels. It looks like a "channel" that something would slide in to, but I have no idea what...was there a vinyl shade that would pull down over the wheels to protect from sun? Or maybe where wings could be mounted?

Also, the previous owner attempted to paint the trim but I see that blue piping is sold to fit in here. Does that piping stick to the Airstream channel? I don't see any grooves for it to fit in.

Any help would be appreciated.

Aviator · 09-03-2013, 09:09 AM

It is most likely for a wheel cover "curtain" They were usually made of the same fabric as the awnings and had a plastic rod sewn into them that slid into the channel and let the fabric hang over the wheels keeping the sun off of them.

I am not sure about the trim. Our 1970 was painted and our 1997 has a plastic insert.

ALANSD · 09-03-2013, 11:16 AM

the blue vinyl insert trim slides into the end of that channel and you pull it all the way through..

Supertwin1 · 09-12-2013, 09:14 PM

Hello. Did you ever find out what goes in the channel that goes around the body of your Overlander? I have a '72 Overlander and was wondering the same thing.

Larry

tdyoungblood · 09-13-2013, 10:26 AM

I have not ordered it yet, but it looks to me like it is this stuff (insert, rubrail):

Welcome to Southwest Coaches - Airstream and RV Parts, Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties: California

I still can't figure out how it stays in the channel as my channels do not appear to have a groove to hold it. Maybe adhesive?

Supertwin1 · 09-14-2013, 06:46 AM

Do not order it......it will not fit, nor is it designed to fit into the trim piece. I inquired and found out that Airstream used some plastic tape colored blue for the years prior to 1978. I was also told to paint the area where the tape was w/blue paint.

Lothlorian · 09-14-2013, 07:23 AM

I went to an auto store that makes vinyl strips for Business vehicles advertisments. took the measurements and they cut everything on a computer. It was so easy to put on and it still looks great. I have left over just incase I have to replace some. I will post pics later. My wife is ready to go and so I am out of here.