Belly Band Track Repair

[lwolfe63]

I am so bummed - a tree branch fell on my 2013 Airstream International Signature trailer and bent the belly band track. The rivets popped off and the track is now bent. I need advice as to how to repair this. Has this ever happened to you? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We don't have a close by Airstream dealer.

[perryg114]

Well be thankful that is all that was damaged. I would say replace the section. It is just an extrusion. Call a local dealer and see if they can get the stuff. I would not mess with trying to straighten it.

Perry

[A W Warn]

Once the metal extrusion is bent/kinked it is not repairable to a like new condition. It can be reinstalled, but will always show that kink. IMO, it would be better to replace it. The metal strip is fastened to the aluminum with pop rivets and/or screws. You'll have to remove the plastic insert in order to remove or re-fasten the metal.
The plastic insert can be removed fairly easily. It is held in place with an adhesive. Find an existing joint in the insert to start, then gently pull/pry it a way from the metal. Once the metal is repaired and/or back in place use an automotive trim tape with adhesive on both sides to re-install the insert. Or new insert can be purchased.

[lwolfe63]

Thank you everyone.

[A W Warn]

at post #21 in this thread there is a video that shows the install process.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ml#post2032091