[VAC] Re: Skin Rpair/Replacement

[KEVIN D ALLEN <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Jason!

I would echo Jim's advice.  Panel replacement is costly, and if one of the
panels with compound curves is involved - - it can very quickly become cost
prohibitive.  Before I purchased my current Overlander in 1995, I considered
another trailer that needed to have two panels replaced above the rear
window (in the dome) - - had an Airstream dealer estimate repairs and
learned how costly that would be (over $2,000) - - in addition the
technician discouraged the repair as it was his experience that getting a
weatherproof seal with new panels in that area could be VERY difficult.  I
had a minor accident with my '64 Overlander with a gatepost scrape that
necessitated replacing a large, flat side panel - - the cost was $1,750 - -
and even with stated/agreed value insurance on my coach there was an
insurance battle over the cost and my carrier even had the nerve to suggest
repairing the creases with bondo and painting the panel.
>
> There are a lot of good used coaches out there in the $3000 - $7000 range.
> There was a early 60's trade wind in Indiana a while back for around
$1000.
> I was tempted to take a look at, but I already have 2 I don't have room
for,
> it would be nutty to buy a third.
>
Patience can pay big dividends.  While some are fortunate enough to fall
into the perfect Airstream on the first try - - I think the more typical
instance is examining a dozen or more units before the "perfect" unit is
found.

> What part of Michigan are you in?  I live in the Detroit area (Northern
> suburbs).  The Airstream factory service center is a little over 3 hours
> drive.  I've had both my coaches down there (my motorhome is there now,
> done, waiting for me to pick it up).  I take them there for Airstream
> specific work done. Woodland Travel in Grand Rapids is another place I've
> had work done. They would be an alternative if you were in Northern
> Michigan. Be sure to make an appointment in advanced if you decide to go
to
> Airstream.
>
> I have heard of (but not worked with) another place in OH, P&S Trailer
> Service.  They are on Rt 6 just west of Helena, Oh. about 17 mi. east of
> Bowling Green. They are in the Airstream refinishing business and have
been
> doing it a long time. They also do metal replacement and other trailer
> repairs. Some of the service folks have recommended them for clear coat
> work.
>
The folks at P&S (The Ruth's) are great to work with.  My coach has been in
their shop for a little more than a month.  They have been polishing it,
recoating it, as well as performing a few  other repairs.  While I haven't
had the opportunity to see the completed trailer first hand, I have seen the
photographs of the completed product and the results are absolutely
fabulous - - the coach looks like the first time I saw it when it was first
towe home by friend of my family in 1964.  If the current wintery weather
clears in time, I will be towing my Overlander home in two weeks.  The
Ruth's are very Vintage Coach friendly and from my experience, work to
insure that only quality work leaves their shop.

I have also had very good experience with another midwest Airstream dealer,
Ace Fogdall RV in Cedar Falls, IA.  They have done all of my routine
maintenance as well as several larger jobs including the replacement of the
rear floor as well as replacing the side panel that was damaged in the
gaetpost encounter (they do not polish nor do they do any plasticoat
refinishing).  Their entire organization is Vintage Coach friendly, and
thier parts person, Florence, is a real gem when it comes to finding those
seemingly impossible to find Airstream unique repair parts.  They are
located on University Avenue just a few short miles North of US 20.

> Terry Tyler commented in his post about the TCT Florida rally that
Forrest's
> '48 was repaired at a place near Kingston, ON and that they did an
excellent
> job.
>
> Jim
>
> ** the rig I'm interested in
> ** has damage to the lower 3 sections on the rear corner and the panel
below
> the
> ** rear window.  Some of the damage is creased and some is not.  Is this
> damage
> ** I could possibly repair myself (I have no aluminum experience, yet)
> **
> ** anyone know of someone in the Michigan area (or vicinity) who could
> repair
> ** it?  Next, what would a ballpark figure ($$$) be on skin repairs?
> **
> ** Jason
> **********************

Good luck with your search!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban