banana wrap

[Brian Hobin]

Hello, would you be able to direct me to a probable earlier question in the forum on how to install the drivers side banana wrap? For the second time a truck tire tread smashed ours. I have the hole covered by two aluminum stove pipe pieces and aluminum tape.
I have been given a website on where to order a vinyl banana wrap replacement but I do not know how to install it once received.
I hope that someone has addressed this earlier in the Forum so that I can read it and gain some confidence in attempting a solution. Are any special tools needed?
Regards
Brian Hobin

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by Brian Hobin

Hello, would you be able to direct me to a probable earlier question in the forum on how to install the drivers side banana wrap? For the second time a truck tire tread smashed ours. I have the hole covered by two aluminum stove pipe pieces and aluminum tape.
I have been given a website on where to order a vinyl banana wrap replacement but I do not know how to install it once received.
I hope that someone has addressed this earlier in the Forum so that I can read it and gain some confidence in attempting a solution. Are any special tools needed?
Regards
Brian Hobin

I don't no how your AS is configured on side, as far as vinyl insert, all AS have rub rail along lower side. I can tell you to remove on 76 AS. Rub rail along side at bottom has blue vinyl insert, it will come out very easily, just pinch and pull out, next rubrail is pop riveted on drill those out, remove enough to expose wrap, you can leave hang but tape up end so doesn't sag, next wrap is pop riveted at top and underneath, drill out reinstall reverse. Caulk along top of wrap, then after installing rub rail caulk along top edge, insert vinyl strip. Very easy job little skill involved. Tools you will need pop rivets caulk and riveter. Rivets avbl. big box stores var. diameters. I use Marson klik fast riveter, will last lifetime. If you have any Q. pm me with ph# I can walk you thru process.
Bill

[dbj216]

Same thing happened to us, only on the curbside. I was passing a slower semi and when I pulled out to pass, there in the middle of the highway was a big old "road gater". It rolled underneath the Airstream and did quite a bit of damage all the way to the rear of the trailer.

The plastic banana wraps, both left and right, are available from Airstream and maybe some larger dealers. Replacing it is pretty easy as described above.
I bet you can do it.

David

[BenShaw]

Hi there,

Please could someone assist me on what banana wrap I need to purchase for my 1972 23ft Safari and if possible in the UK?

Many thanks

Ben

[Aerowood]

Is yours missing or just dented up?

[MRA]

Please excuse my ignorance - but what is a Banana Wrap?

[Aerowood]

It is the corner panel that transitions from the vertical skin to the horizontal belly skin.

[BenShaw]

It’s just dented up - thank you.

[Aerowood]

The banana wraps are made of a very soft aluminum and are easily removed and straightened up. If you can find a sheet metal shop in your area that has an English Wheel they are easy to straighten up. I've straightened up several with the cheap English Wheel in my personal shop.

[BenShaw]

All dented up sadly.