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03-17-2025, 12:28 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Upper and lower trim replacement help
To let you all know I HAVE searched here and Google/Yahoo etc.
I as others would like to replace the flaking trim. I have seen the Vids and post about replacing it in BLACK. Easy to find.
To be picky I'm looking for the same but in bright RED. The only place I found that offers 5/8" and 1" is a place called Brandsport in Oregon. But it seems their phone is out of order and looking at Google maps it just seems like a rental unit. Maybe not worth trusting.
I have seen vinyl tape in which is offered in many colors but tape requires a very steady hand adding it over the top of the current trim is concerning.
So my ask....Does anyone know of a supplier that has the correct size and offers the trim in colors?
Thank you.
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03-17-2025, 01:35 PM
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#2
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Rivet Puller
2003 28' Safari S/O
Atlanta Burbs
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,062
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The original product by Cowles in Chrome:
https://cowlesproducts.com/store/Cow...-30-p302874524
Use matching trim specs to locate a comparable in red, white, or black colors on their site or elsewhere.
Do remove the prior tape. It will pull off or, if being reluctant, use a heat gun/hair dryer to warm as you pull. Wipe the underlying aluminum valley clean with isopropyl alcohol to remove contaminants prior to adhering the replacement.
__________________
"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."
Sir Tristan
Air #48582, S/SO #003, WBCCI #4584
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03-17-2025, 02:27 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
2015 23' FB International
2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,133
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Airstream Supply,, the parts/accessories store for airstream, has both the upper and lower trim molding available in several colors.
I just replaced on our 23’ and 19’ airstream trailers.
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03-17-2025, 03:27 PM
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#4
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,313
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kbmwrs
To let you all know I HAVE searched here and Google/Yahoo etc.
I as others would like to replace the flaking trim. I have seen the Vids and post about replacing it in BLACK. Easy to find.
To be picky I'm looking for the same but in bright RED. The only place I found that offers 5/8" and 1" is a place called Brandsport in Oregon. But it seems their phone is out of order and looking at Google maps it just seems like a rental unit. Maybe not worth trusting.
I have seen vinyl tape in which is offered in many colors but tape requires a very steady hand adding it over the top of the current trim is concerning.
So my ask....Does anyone know of a supplier that has the correct size and offers the trim in colors?
Thank you.
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Did ours in 2018.
Blue reflective. 1inch and 1/2inch wide
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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03-18-2025, 09:56 AM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member 
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud
2017 28' Tommy Bahama
Penticton
, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 23
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I’m about to do mine, Do you guys that already completed the job have any tips or a YouTube video to suggest?
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03-18-2025, 10:02 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeeMore
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Cowles does NOT offer RED in the sizes required.
I have noticed red offered with chrome trim. Not what I'm looking for.
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03-18-2025, 10:04 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
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I have seen vinyl tape in which is offered in many colors but tape requires a very steady hand adding it over the top of the current trim is concerning.
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03-18-2025, 10:07 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steamy1
Airstream Supply,, the parts/accessories store for airstream, has both the upper and lower trim molding available in several colors.
I just replaced on our 23’ and 19’ airstream trailers.
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Thank you. They do offer crimson red.
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03-18-2025, 11:11 AM
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#9
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New Member
2017 25' International
Grants Pass
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1
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Try Space Age Auto Paint in Mesa AZ. Bought my black trim there, they may have other colors. Best price by far, $85 for 60 foot roll of 1/2” trim.
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03-18-2025, 12:05 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member 
2017 30' Classic
The Panhandle
, Idaho
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 127
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Had ours replaced at Airstream dealer last summer. Our Classic was in for some other work and I bit the bullet and let them do it. Glad I did. Saw the work order afterward and they recorded a bit over 2 hours for 2 techs to do the install. I picked the charcoal gray as our awning has several shades of gray. It looks great compared to the flaking, peeling chrome.
Sure, the DW and I could have done it ourselves. But I doubt we would have had it done in 2 hours.
__________________
Hoagie '59
Hoagette '57
Rika - The Aussie Whirlwind
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03-19-2025, 06:34 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Woodway
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 182
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Replacing Upper/Lower Trim Insert
+1 on the Cowles product. We re-did ours in a satin black after the original Mylar started to peel and discolor.
In addition to rivets, you'll notice there are a number of screws holding the aluminum channel in place. Some of these were rusty which we replaced after filling the hole with caulk to prevent water intrusion later on. After washing the channel out, we used lacquer thinner to remove the stuff that alcohol won't touch. We also dabbed and smoothed caulk over each rivet as a JIC. Take your time to get everything smooth and clean
Our Cowles trim used 3M's VHB adhesive backing so once stuck, it's stuck.
Finally, get a helper when you put the trim on. It's not that tricky but you'll be glad you had them!
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03-19-2025, 06:46 AM
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#12
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,313
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kbmwrs
I have seen vinyl tape in which is offered in many colors but tape requires a very steady hand adding it over the top of the current trim is concerning.
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8 years SFSG. Installing ain't rokit sceince, but it's easier with a DW helper.
Another plus, it's not a big deal to peel off to replace a damaged section.👍
Bob
🇺🇸
This past Winter...
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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03-19-2025, 10:37 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master 
2015 23' FB International
2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,133
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I used two different colors for the upper and lower molding trim:
__________________
"Keep your eyes on the road
Your hand upon the wheel"
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03-20-2025, 10:05 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrisb
Try Space Age Auto Paint in Mesa AZ. Bought my black trim there, they may have other colors. Best price by far, $85 for 60 foot roll of 1/2” trim.
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Cowles does NOT offer RED in the sizes required.
I have noticed red offered with chrome trim. Not what I'm looking for.
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03-20-2025, 10:05 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emelaich01
+1 on the Cowles product. We re-did ours in a satin black after the original Mylar started to peel and discolor.
In addition to rivets, you'll notice there are a number of screws holding the aluminum channel in place. Some of these were rusty which we replaced after filling the hole with caulk to prevent water intrusion later on. After washing the channel out, we used lacquer thinner to remove the stuff that alcohol won't touch. We also dabbed and smoothed caulk over each rivet as a JIC. Take your time to get everything smooth and clean
Our Cowles trim used 3M's VHB adhesive backing so once stuck, it's stuck.
Finally, get a helper when you put the trim on. It's not that tricky but you'll be glad you had them!
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Cowles does NOT offer RED in the sizes required.
I have noticed red offered with chrome trim. Not what I'm looking for.
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03-20-2025, 01:14 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member 

1988 29' Excella
Lorena
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 285
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Rivnuts rather than rivets.
I’m beginning to put new trim in after polishing.
I plan to put in rivnuts rather than rivets to make it easier to pull off and reinsert for the next polish.
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03-20-2025, 04:57 PM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member 
2013 27' FB International
2012 23' Flying Cloud
GVA
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 351
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__________________
Laurence
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03-21-2025, 05:39 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master 
2015 30' International
FREDERICK
, Maryland
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 569
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03-21-2025, 10:57 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 25' International
Morgan Hill
, California
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 274
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OK to reiterate... I am looking for RED (not with chrome trim which is the only red Cowles offers). Steamy 1 informed me about Airstream Supply which has a Crimson. Looks about as close as I can get. Thanks
I know the replacement of trim can be done.
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03-22-2025, 08:33 AM
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#20
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2019 - 33' Classic
2019 33' Classic
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 124
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Following - thanks!
__________________
Rick & Michelle Nelson
Grand Junction, CO
2019 Classic 33
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