Front end damage

[Gilson84]

Before I buy something with damage I want to get input. In my head it's fairly easy to drill the rivets and replace panels. But that's in my head. I want to see what reality is from people who have delt with this. In the picture you can see someone clearly hit something. What would it take to either replace those front panels or to maybe make they the best I can, fill with bondo and paint the roof. Looks for advice on cost and also how practical is either repair.

[Gilson84]

Here is the picture

[OTRA15]

You might want to check out these threads:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...id-174582.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ed-186935.html

And these search results:

https://www.google.com/search?q=roof...=airforums.com

Repairing this roof to like-new condition does not seem to be in your expectations, judging from your Bondo terminology. Is the roof water tight?

What year and model is this Airstream? Any repair that involves body filler like Bondo and paint will probably lower the value IMO.

This all depends on your expectations and intended use.

Good luck,

Peter

[Gilson84]

I agree it would lower the value. When I refer to bondo I dont mean a cobble job. It would appear to have a factory shape and professionally painted. Paint the entire roof to appear as a design element. It would certainly be water tight.

[bweybright]

To help clarify advice could help us better understand your intended use, just a hobby project to keep you off the streets, intentions so sell or keep,...essentially what are looking to get from the experience?
Bob

[brick1]

Be cautious. I suspect that the cost of repairs may be more than the unit is worth...
brick

[Kevin245]

A mid 70's era Aistream I am guessing based on the viewable profile?

This is much more than a series f dents. The impact was significant enough to affect the window profiles which significantly adds to the scope and complexity of work. Even if the rig cost was free you'll likely have more in repair costs than its worth. If it was me I'd keep looking.

Regards,

Kevin

[Gilson84]

Thanks for all the feedback. I was afraid of repair costs being too high. My intentions is to find an AS I can gut and renovate. They are not that easy to find in michigan.

[Foiled Again]

They are not easy to find period.

But it helps when you know where to look.

RV salvage yards.

AIRSTREAM parks.. one in minnie snowda if I remember correctly.

Craigslist crawler software. RV Trader

RV dealerships. they take trades but hate it

Alleys, back yards, farm fields. Ive seen 20 within 20 miles of home.

Place a want to buy ad.


The more you look, the more you find.

[duncans]

Check out IAAI. It can be pretty entertaining.