1955 Safari Sheet Metal Patch

[Air Stream 1]

Just picked up a 55 Safari with a large metal patch running across the rear quarter of the roof just forward of the end cap. It is loosely held on buy the previous owner who halted the resto due to health issues. I plan on using aircraft rivets in lieu of the Olympia to nail it down as the factory did. The metal appears to be aircraft grade, but won't be sure until the inner skin is out. Any experience or advice is appreciated. Sealant in the seams?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Air Stream 1

Just picked up a 55 Safari with a large metal patch running across the rear quarter of the roof just forward of the end cap. It is loosely held on buy the previous owner who halted the resto due to health issues. I plan on using aircraft rivets in lieu of the Olympia to nail it down as the factory did. The metal appears to be aircraft grade, but won't be sure until the inner skin is out. Any experience or advice is appreciated. Sealant in the seams?

Use 2024T3 aluminum.

Use Vulkem or Sikaflex for the sealer.

NO SILICONES.

Andy

[Air Stream 1]

Thanks Andy. Are the support beams for the roof out there if I uncover damage, or will that be another fabrication?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Air Stream 1

Thanks Andy. Are the support beams for the roof out there if I uncover damage, or will that be another fabrication?

The support for the shell is called "main bows".

The first one begins at the front of the awning rail and the last one ends at the rear of the awning rail.

"IF" you step forward or rearward of that rail, you will damage more sheet metal.

Workers get up the roof all the time. Just don't jump up or down.

Andy