RE: [VACList] panel patches

[Kevin D Allen <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Chris!

My local Airstream Dealer handled such a repair on my '64 Overlander
nearly four years ago.  My Overlander had an unfortunate encounter with
a gatepost when the rig slid on wet grass and mud along the entrance
drive to my farm and the gatepost left three deep creases about seven
feet long along the curbside of the trailer - - just below the front
window extending nearly to the water fill.  You can see the repair panel
in the photo at the link below:

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1081&size=big&papass=&sort=1;


Unless one's attention is drawn to its existence, it isn't obvious; at
least in my opinion.  The other alternative, a complete panel
replacement, didn't thrill me as I thought that it opened the trailer up
to too many potential risks of future leaks.  Removing the damaged panel
would have required the invasive removal of virtually every curbside
window, and would have meant disturbing the panel seals between the ribs
and skin in a leak-free coach.  The cost differential was shocking - -
the repair as done about $1,750; while the panel replacement was
estimated at two and one-half to three times as much.

After four years of use; I can't see any problem with the repair.  It
was thoroughly sealed to the side of the coach with Vulkem; and more
importantly has allowed the coach to remain leak free.  I do think that
having the coach polished and Plasticoated two years ago may have helped
to achieve the excellent seal that maintains the leak-free status of the
coach.

Good luck with your decision.

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet
1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training)
WBCCI/VAC #6359