Roof crease

[Denis4x4]

This is a new 25 Safari that I put into the parking bay with out checking! Can this be pulled out with a suction device?

I can drive to Albuquerque, Colorado Springs or Flagstaff for repair work.

[dwightdi]

We are talking major money here. No easy fix. Hope the insurance pays for it.

[lewster]

It's a 'little big' to leave there as a beauty mark. I believe that you need to have the panel(s) replaced as it is creased. Sorry for your mis-hap .

[Chaplain Kent]

Ouch. I feel so bad for you. It takes a brave person to post that picture but we have all done similar things to our beloved Airstreams. Last week I tried to back into a camping spot with my utility trailer still attached. By the time a friend yelled loud enough to stop me the damage was done. Like you my dent is to big to be pulled out with a suction cup. Once the metal is creased it can not be pulled out. Your damage extends over three panels. I would consider contacting your insurance carrier, then your AS dealer. Good luck to you.

[swebster]

Sorry to hear (and see) about your crease. It looks as if the curbside may have some rib damage as well. Time for the insurance company.

[Silverhobby]

Ouch!! I am hurting for you. I do hope the insurance will take care of it for you.

[AYRSTRM2]

Yikes. Don't forget to post this to this thread!
Might as well have some fun with it!

[crazylev]

Denis4x4

If replacement is involved, I might be inclined to replace just the center "panel". The curb and streetside dents look to be close enough to the edge of the alum. that it could be reshaped. I'm also wondering if the repair-er would remove the damaged portion, or simply apply another layer of aluminum over the existing piece.

If you stand near the trailer, do you see the two smaller dents? Out of sight out of mind!

My condolences. I will now pray.

Jonathan

[Wabbiteer]

Letsee, a bucket of lemons, can we make lemonade?

Maybe have inverted "U" shaped Alclad sheetsl plate span the damage so it's out of sight (maybe barrel stave look like a classic AS?) then...

Might be a good place to mount your solar panels, out of slipstream and is a perfect indentation to accept a longitudenal brace so it fits flush while retracted in travel, plus would be place mount renewable energy wiring, junctions and GFP modules etc...

Or... Use that cover plate to mount a spoiler on, for better mileage and keep back window cleaner.. Make it shiny enough it'll distract most people from looking close : )

And/or... Have a truly massive 3rd brake light mounted on new cover plate...

Seriously - Thank you for posting, I know I will remember that picture for a long, long time and maybe you will keep it from happening to five others!
-

[lewster]

dwightdi,

Wabbiteer got me thinking! How about a custom rear awning from Zip-Dee. You can install the awning rail right along the dent (or slightly above) and the cover of the roller tube will totalaly obliterate the crease. Then, for considerably less than the cost of a replacement panel (or 3) you will have a brand new awning to match the patio awning already on your A/S .

Zip-Dee can custom make you longer arms and a slightly longer extension on the fabric to do what you need done!

[SilverToy]

Dennis -

I always tell my kids, daughter especially! You need to scuff those new shoes to get em broke in right....

Not that I am happy to see your situation. The Awning solution perhaps? There is a LONG LED light string that acts as a 3rd brake light that you could mount up there as well as belt/or bumper height.... more is better right??

There are many way to make lemonade out of this 'Scuff'.....

Let us know how you make out!

Peace

Axel

[thecatsandi]

You can pull most of it out. However you will see a crease or a bump. The metal has been stretched. My more immediate concern would be a break in the seal between the sheets. If the sikaflex is broken then get/keep the trailer under cover or fill the voids. Internal water damage will occur quickly.
Aircraft mechanic hat off.

[Safari Tim]

I'm sorry, I just found the way this response was worded funny. Just think if you were saying it in person instead of on a forum... :-)

dwightdi,

Wabbiteer got me thinking....

Get a four foot bumper sticker made... "Living in Aluminum!"

[Denis4x4]

After carefully inspecting the crease, I've come to the conclusing that any rib damage on the curb side is minimal. There are no seam seperations that would cause water damage.

So, I'm going to do an overlay. However, I will laminate a couple of covers of the National Inquirer to place under the overlay. This will prove to be a great surprise and offer an insight as to what we think is important in 2006 for the guy doing a restoration in 2029!

Still need some referrals as to who can get the job done.

[Silvertwinkie]

Airstream, if you brought it to the factory might just put panels over the damaged ones rather than remove and replace.

[dmac]

If it were mine I would:

- Order a new center segment
- Drill out the rivits
- Remove the old segment (more difficult than it sounds because of the sealer)
- Carefully work out the dents in the adjoining segments
- Install the new segment

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by dmac

If it were mine I would:

- Order a new center segment
- Drill out the rivits
- Remove the old segment (more difficult than it sounds because of the sealer)
- Carefully work out the dents in the adjoining segments
- Install the new segment

I'd probobly want it done the same way dmac has listed, maybe even replace both side segments depending on how bad it looked after trying to smooth them out. I'm not a real big fan of doubling up the sheetmetal, but I'm also a bit uneasy about disturbing the factory sealing that is done from the inside.

Anyway you go though, there is no inexpensive fix.

[scottanlily]

I would get it repaired properly ,dont fool around ,lots of good ideas here on the forums.If insured ,then take it to the best facility with the best reputation ,after all that is why you have insurance .You will be happier when you know its as good as new.

Scott

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by Denis4x4

Still need some referrals as to who can get the job done.

Oasis RV in Tucson. I saw the work they did on one backed into a garage and you would never know. Don't expect much when you see the place, but they do great work.