Banana Wrap Cost ?

[wivell]

I'm looking to replace the two front "banana wraps" on my recently acquired 1970 Sovereign - one missing the other really dented.
Anyone have an idea what the cost will be?
I've spoken with someone locally who can fabricate from scratch. He makes parts for airplanes with an English wheel so I'm pretty confident in his abilities.

I thought I read on another thread here that the only thing available from the factory is a fibergalss piece. Is that true?

[Zeppelinium]

you might be able to repair the one you have, see here

http://www.airforums.com/forum...air-24690.html

you're english wheel guy can do one heck of a better job than I did. I don't know about availability of new banana skins, but I found the metal to be an alloy that is very malleable.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by wivell

I'm looking to replace the two front "banana wraps" on my recently acquired 1970 Sovereign - one missing the other really dented.
Anyone have an idea what the cost will be?
I've spoken with someone locally who can fabricate from scratch. He makes parts for airplanes with an English wheel so I'm pretty confident in his abilities.

I thought I read on another thread here that the only thing available from the factory is a fibergalss piece. Is that true?

The replacement banana wraps are made from plastic.

Depending on which one you need, the cost runs plus or minus $100.00 each, plus shipping.

Only a select few dealers carry them in stock.

Andy

[wivell]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

you might be able to repair the one you have, see here

http://www.airforums.com/forum...air-24690.html

you're english wheel guy can do one heck of a better job than I did. I don't know about availability of new banana skins, but I found the metal to be an alloy that is very malleable.

I guess I need to determine what's important - originality or functionality.
I'm guessing the plastic pieces are cheaper than having aluminum ones recreated. I suppose I could paint them silver metallic - maybe I should just go for the new look of all black below the belt line.

I'm completely missing the streetside piece. Just acquired the trailer 2 weeks ago - you get what you pay for. I picked up the trailer for less than $1 K.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by wivell

I guess I need to determine what's important - originality or functionality.
I'm guessing the plastic pieces are cheaper than having aluminum ones recreated. I suppose I could paint them silver metallic - maybe I should just go for the new look of all black below the belt line.

I'm completely missing the streetside piece. Just acquired the trailer 2 weeks ago - you get what you pay for. I picked up the trailer for less than $1 K.

All replacement banana wraps are plastic.

Actually, the plastic replacements take more punishment than the soft aluminum originals.

They can be painted whatever color you wish, however, it is wise to apply a primer coat first.

Andy

[wivell]

Thanks for the reply Andy.

I stopped by the Airstream factory in Jackson Center on Tuesday. I was in Cincinnati on business for 2 days and decided to swing by.

I liked the looks of the black plastic on the lower portion as opposed to the aluminum.

What's the belly pan on the new trailers made of - aluminum?
I didn't crawl under to look.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by wivell

Thanks for the reply Andy.

I stopped by the Airstream factory in Jackson Center on Tuesday. I was in Cincinnati on business for 2 days and decided to swing by.

I liked the looks of the black plastic on the lower portion as opposed to the aluminum.

What's the belly pan on the new trailers made of - aluminum?
I didn't crawl under to look.

The banana wraps must be painted.

The underbelly wrap is prefinished aluminum. The color Airstream uses is called "Charcoal".

Andy

[wivell]

Thanks Andy.