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VAL Digest V1 #34



VAL Digest          Monday, October 13 2003          Volume 01 : Number 034




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Dent
Re: [VAL] Dent repairs
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
[VAL] Re: 3-day weekend
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
[VAL] Re:78 in phoenix
Re: [VAL] Re: 3-day weekend
RE: [VAL] Re: 3-day weekend
[VAL] re:  Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin
[VAL] Battery Storage
Re: [VAL] Battery Storage
Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin
[VAL] *Sparkling Diamonds* re: Dent fixin
Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin

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Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 02:17:20 -0400
From: "Dash7 (Michigan)" <dash7_@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent

I have seem these dent pullers at Wal-Mart for around 19 - 20 bux

Don (MI)


>From: Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
>Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 17:14:40 EDT
>
>Roger: Where did you get the suction puller? Auto supply places around here
>don't have them.
>Tom
>
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Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 01:38:19 -0700
From: "Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent repairs

I would be very leery of trying to repair a dent in a naturally finished
aluminum panel by any method (and expect very good results).

Aluminum, unlike steel, stretches significantly when bent.  Thus, when one
bends the metal back, there is more metal in the damaged area (actually
longer and thinner than the original) thus producing a new defect.  That is
why Airstream exterior panel repairs are typically done by replacing the
panel.

There are techniques to shrink the metal in the area of the damage, but this
disfigures the surface (which could be hidden by body filler and paint - but
not polished and clearcoated).

Oliver Filippi

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 02:10:08 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

The older we get the less we want to jump in and out of the driver's seat
to see where the rear of the trailer is going. ;-)

How about the suction cup on a stick from your home bathroom?

A question about dent removal: I found a really nice about 24' single
axle trailer. The interior was quite nice and needed only a new rug. The
exterior was straight except in 2 places, a dent under the right front
corner under the lower trim rail, and what appeared to be hail damage on
the left front roof corner area.
How do you get hail dents out? I hope not to have to fill with bondo and
paint it as the aluminum is shiny.

Al Grayson

> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 15:57:31 EDT
> From: Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Subject: [VAL] Dent
> 
> Hello: I can't believe after 34 years of no dents that I have managed
to back into a tree branch and now my 69 Tradewind has a dent in the rear
street side, right where the curve is.  If I could get to the inside it
looks like I could just push it out and would only have a small scratch. 
How do the suction puller things work on the skin?  Would I be better to
cut a hole on the inside of the bathroom cabinet and try to tap out the
dent from the inside? 
> Any suggestions would be helpful.
> 
> Tom Fairbank
> 1969 Tradewind
> 1998 Expedition puller
> Idiot driver
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 13:38:26 -0700
> From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
> 
> I managed to pull out a dent in the rear curbside quarter where a kid
had kicked it, using a suction puller.  Wouldn't work on another in the
front, though.
> 
> I wouldn't try to tap or pound out a dent from the inside, but would
rather just try to expose it and then gently push with a padded tool.
> 
> Good luck....those things can be frustrating.
> 
> Roger
> 
> Roger Hightower
> WBCCI #4165,VAC
> 1975 31' Sovereign
> Mesa, AZ
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 17:14:40 EDT
> From: Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
> 
> Roger: Where did you get the suction puller? Auto supply places around
here don't have them.
> Tom
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 16:57:53 -0500
> From: "Tom Patterson" <tomp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
> 
> Tom,
> 
> I don't know if you are signed up to the Airstream List, but Tom
Dickieson has posted about a dent he took out of his unit caused by a
falling tree limb several days ago.  He used an item called the Ding King
to pull the dent out and said that it took 36 pulls.  I have asked
permission to put his pictures on my site, but have not had a response as
yet.  Meanwhile, I am mailing copies of them to you off lists, as the
list program will strip them from the e-mail if  I send them over the
list.
> 
> Here is what he had to say about availability:
> 
> >The Ding King by the way, was purchased at our Canadian Tire Stores,
which is like a Pep Boys, and so is probably available there also.
> >The cost was $19.95 Cdn, and so would be about $12.95 US at a Pep Boys
or like establishment.  Well worth what it resulted in.
> 
> - -Tom
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 15:14:58 -0700
> From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
> 
> When I checked that link I sent in the last posting, it didn't work as
I had pasted it.
> 
> Just go to www.harborfreight.com and search for the keyword suction. 
>  You should find about 9 items.
> 
> Roger
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2003 18:46:10 -0500
> From: "Tom Patterson" <tomp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Dent
> 
> I have placed several of Tom Dickieson's before and after pictures in
the VAL photo gallery.  He took these to show the results of using the
Ding King on his Airstream to remove the dent from a fallen tree.
> 
> - -Tom

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 08:00:25 -0500
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

You may want to try the old ICE CUBE method on it..
Park it in the HOT sun and when it is ready to fry egg's on the skin
hold an ice cube on the dent.
It may just pop out.
Dean

On Sunday, October 12, 2003, at 03:10  AM, waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
> How do you get hail dents out? I hope not to have to fill with bondo 
> and
> paint it as the aluminum is shiny.
>
> Al Grayson

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 09:38:28 -0400
From: Patricia Raimondo <praimond@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Re: 3-day weekend

Hey Ken!

Wish I were at that balloon rally! Dismal, rainy weekend here in NY! 
Was planning on attending the New England Units rally in MA this 
weekend cause I'm selling my Hensley to a fellow at the rally. I'm 
driving up halfway to meet him in Conn. to hand it off today.

Will be in Colorado on Wed. for my daughter's wedding in Boulder!!! 
Will make me wish I lived out there! You western folk have no idea how 
much easier it is to tow and get to places out there vs the Cross Bronx 
Exp. here!

A friend was at the A/S plant last week and checked on my 54 Flying 
Cloud for me. It's nice and safe in the storage area waiting for winter 
to arrive to get her face lift!


Patti
Long Island, NY
54 Flying Cloud
03 Safari
02 2500 Suburban
WBCCI # 3321
VAC

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 08:56:01 -0500
From: "buddy atwood" <buddat@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

Dry ice wrapped in a cloth and held with a pair of pliers works on steel,
but I've never tried it on aluminum. I Used it on a hot day and held the dry
ice until I heard the steel "Ping".  This method also has it's drawbacks.
Good Luck.


Buddy

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 09:27:28 -0500
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

I was going to say use dry ice but I did not want someone to
burn there fingers.
Dean

On Sunday, October 12, 2003, at 08:56  AM, buddy atwood wrote:

> Dry ice wrapped in a cloth and held with a pair of pliers works on 
> steel,
> but I've never tried it on aluminum. I Used it on a hot day and held 
> the dry
> ice until I heard the steel "Ping".  This method also has it's 
> drawbacks.
> Good Luck.
>
>
> Buddy

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 10:44:02 EDT
From: AlanTBird@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re:78 in phoenix

Ok guys!

A few of you have been looking for trailers in the Phx area. 
there is a 78 XLO 500? 30' rear bed for sale and they have dropped the price 
once at least I think. 
I'd buy it myself if I wasn't wheeling and dealing a few real-estate deals at 
this time. 

Mail me off list for price info and phone number!


AlanT
Phx AZ
78 safari
Newly purchased 93 Dodge 350 LE Clubcab Cummins Tow Vehicle < that needs NO 
training!!! 

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 10:27:03 -0600
From: "Kenneth E. Johansen" <johansen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: 3-day weekend

Patti

Howdy....yeah this is fun - I'm not here as part of the rally
though,,,camping in the fairgrounds would not be fun for me.  We are
actually moteling it.  However you can camp right at the fiesta and avoid
the traffic for as low as $24 per night - - - - - 

Congradulations on the wedding....

Keep me posted on the trailer restoration - I'm eagerly waiting to hear how
it turns out.

Ken J.


At 09:38 AM 10/12/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Hey Ken!
>
>Wish I were at that balloon rally! Dismal, rainy weekend here in NY! 
>Was planning on attending the New England Units rally in MA this 
>weekend cause I'm selling my Hensley to a fellow at the rally. I'm 
>driving up halfway to meet him in Conn. to hand it off today.
>
>Will be in Colorado on Wed. for my daughter's wedding in Boulder!!! 
>Will make me wish I lived out there! You western folk have no idea how 
>much easier it is to tow and get to places out there vs the Cross Bronx 
>Exp. here!
>
>A friend was at the A/S plant last week and checked on my 54 Flying 
>Cloud for me. It's nice and safe in the storage area waiting for winter 
>to arrive to get her face lift!
>
>
>Patti
>Long Island, NY
>54 Flying Cloud
>03 Safari
>02 2500 Suburban
>WBCCI # 3321
>VAC
>
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>When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 10:59:20 -0700
From: "Tricia & Conrad Holsomback" <triconholsomback@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Re: 3-day weekend

Hi Patricia,
Will you by any chance have your Stream with you, or are you flying in
to Boulder? 
We should be in Albuquerque by then and later in Raton.
We missed the balloons too, because our computer, being repaired while
we were in California, was shipped to South Carolina instead of back to
the store! We are leaving Phoenix today for some work on our Dream
Stream at Oasis in Tucson. Touched a boulder pulling into our site in
Flagstaff!! Pulled the bumper back perpendicular to rear end, bent the
metal and broke the water connection. Oasis has some very experienced
people,  we are well satisfied  with the work they did in March, so we
are making this detour.

T & C Holsomback

 

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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 15:17:20 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin

: How do you get hail dents out?
: Al Grayson

You don't, you *can not* get hail dents out.

: I hope not to have to fill with bondo and
: paint it as the aluminum is shiny.
: Al Grayson

If you keep the dented skin instead of replacing it you *will have to* full
with bondo and paint it with aluminum paint.  Then you could put a cover of
clear coat of laquer over the aluminum paint.  If you do a really good job
of this you'd have to point it out to someone else exactly where you 'fixed'
the dents.

Tom
WBCCI 5303

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 15:21:51 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

Sorry, this method won't work for aluminum sheet stock.

The only way to 'fix' these dent problems is either to hide them or replace
the sheetmetal.  You can not unstretch aluminum once it is dented.

Tom

From: "dean" <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin


: You may want to try the old ICE CUBE method on it..
: Park it in the HOT sun and when it is ready to fry egg's on the skin
: hold an ice cube on the dent.
: It may just pop out.
: Dean

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 17:23:19 -0500
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #33 - Dent fixin

Well,   Our unit and a few hundred others were parked at the
airport in Bismark ND. a few years ago.. We all had dents.
My 1970 did not look too good but we just took our lumps and
parked it in the Sun for a year.   You know.. I don't see but only
the big ones now..
You have to look twice to see them..
Maybe that only works on the older units.. Made the old way.

Dean

On Sunday, October 12, 2003, at 02:21  PM, T o m :-)) wrote:

> Sorry, this method won't work for aluminum sheet stock.
>
> The only way to 'fix' these dent problems is either to hide them or 
> replace
> the sheetmetal.  You can not unstretch aluminum once it is dented.
>
> Tom

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 18:52:51 -0500
From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin

I have a some small hail dents on the rear end cap of my 1976  A/S. Just
battle scars of more than 27 years on the road.

Don Hardman
1976 31' Sovereign
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "T o m :-)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2003 2:17 PM
Subject: [VAL] re: Dent fixin


> : How do you get hail dents out?
> : Al Grayson
>
> You don't, you *can not* get hail dents out.
>
> : I hope not to have to fill with bondo and
> : paint it as the aluminum is shiny.
> : Al Grayson
>
> If you keep the dented skin instead of replacing it you *will have to*
full
> with bondo and paint it with aluminum paint.  Then you could put a cover
of
> clear coat of laquer over the aluminum paint.  If you do a really good job
> of this you'd have to point it out to someone else exactly where you
'fixed'
> the dents.
>
> Tom
> WBCCI 5303
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 21:26:19 -0400
From: "Patty and Chris Peters" <candppeters@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: [VAL] Battery Storage

I've replaced the 12v batteries in my 88 25' excella (has 2 battery boxes in
the front).  I bought 2 T105s and they don' fit! tried to build a box for
the tongue but not enough clearance between the trailer and the LP gas
bottles.  Can you get larger battery boxes to replace the existing ones?
Any creative solutions?  Thanks!

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2003 21:48:39 -0500
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Battery Storage

  Move your tanks a little forward to give you more room.
It has worked well for me.

Dean

On Sunday, October 12, 2003, at 08:26  PM, Patty and Chris Peters wrote:

> I've replaced the 12v batteries in my 88 25' excella (has 2 battery 
> boxes in
> the front).  I bought 2 T105s and they don' fit! tried to build a box 
> for
> the tongue but not enough clearance between the trailer and the LP gas
> bottles.  Can you get larger battery boxes to replace the existing 
> ones?
> Any creative solutions?  Thanks!

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 01:25:16 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin

And we have a "In Memorial" plaque on the side of our 1995 34' Classic
Excella FK commemorating the time and place where the hail dented the side
of our Airstream.  I'm not about to pay over $6,000.00 to have the factory
"re-skin" the trailer with new sheetmetal over the original aluminum which
is "how it's done" by them.  Well, it's done that way in my book - and the
factory should consider doing the re-skinning jobs the "right way".  I know
it's expensive - but these Airstreams are not cheap, inexpensive trailers,
they are "the best" in the industry and we all know that as there are NO
travel trailers that even come close to our Airstream TT's.

To re-skin the sides of my trailer simply for cosmetic reasons when the same
darn thing could happen next trip out would be dumb in my book.  I like my
book - I refer to 'my book' often if you haven't noticed. ;)

Now, IF there were actually damaged stringers or ribs that posed a safety
problem that's a different story.  I just don't want the side of my trailer
held together with those "cheap" pop rivets used by the factory when these
repairs are done.  I realize there is no "easy and inexpensive" way to do
the repairs the way I want them done - but there are plenty of "cheap" ways
to get your rig back on the road dents or no dents.  I won't do "cheap"
things to my expensive trailer - everything will be done the "right way" for
my tastes.

Tom
WBCCI 5303

From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
: I have a some small hail dents on the rear end cap of my 1976  A/S. Just
: battle scars of more than 27 years on the road.
:
: Don Hardman
: 1976 31' Sovereign

: From: "T o m :-)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
: > : How do you get hail dents out?
: > : Al Grayson
: >
: > You don't, you *can not* get hail dents out.
: >
: > : I hope not to have to fill with bondo and
: > : paint it as the aluminum is shiny.
: > : Al Grayson
: >
: > If you keep the dented skin instead of replacing it you *will have to*
: full with bondo and paint it with aluminum paint.  Then you could put a
cover
: of clear coat of laquer over the aluminum paint.  If you do a really good
job
: > of this you'd have to point it out to someone else exactly where you
: 'fixed' the dents.
: >
: > Tom
: > WBCCI 5303

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 01:28:35 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] *Sparkling Diamonds* re: Dent fixin

In the *right light* they (the hail dents) actually look like sparkling
diamonds!  When the sun hits the side of the trailer "just right" they
actually DO sparkle!

Tom

From: "dean" <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>


: Well,   Our unit and a few hundred others were parked at the
: airport in Bismark ND. a few years ago.. We all had dents.
: My 1970 did not look too good but we just took our lumps and
: parked it in the Sun for a year.   You know.. I don't see but only
: the big ones now..
: You have to look twice to see them..
: Maybe that only works on the older units.. Made the old way.
:
: Dean

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 01:37:39 -0400
From: "T o m  :-\)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] re:  Dent fixin

I meant to say: "Well, it's *NOT* done that way in my book - and the factory
should consider doing the re-skinning jobs the "right way".

I'm not a big fan of adding layer over layer of aluminum when there are
better ways a repair can be accomplished.

Sorry about that.

Tom
WBCCI 5303

From: "T o m :-)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>


: And we have a "In Memorial" plaque on the side of our 1995 34' Classic
: Excella FK commemorating the time and place where the hail dented the side
: of our Airstream.  I'm not about to pay over $6,000.00 to have the factory
: "re-skin" the trailer with new sheetmetal over the original aluminum which
: is "how it's done" by them.  Well, it's done that way in my book - and the
: factory should consider doing the re-skinning jobs the "right way".  I
know
: it's expensive - but these Airstreams are not cheap, inexpensive trailers,
: they are "the best" in the industry and we all know that as there are NO
: travel trailers that even come close to our Airstream TT's.
:
: To re-skin the sides of my trailer simply for cosmetic reasons when the
same
: darn thing could happen next trip out would be dumb in my book.  I like my
: book - I refer to 'my book' often if you haven't noticed. ;)
:
: Now, IF there were actually damaged stringers or ribs that posed a safety
: problem that's a different story.  I just don't want the side of my
trailer
: held together with those "cheap" pop rivets used by the factory when these
: repairs are done.  I realize there is no "easy and inexpensive" way to do
: the repairs the way I want them done - but there are plenty of "cheap"
ways
: to get your rig back on the road dents or no dents.  I won't do "cheap"
: things to my expensive trailer - everything will be done the "right way"
for
: my tastes.
:
: Tom
: WBCCI 5303
:
: From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
: : I have a some small hail dents on the rear end cap of my 1976  A/S. Just
: : battle scars of more than 27 years on the road.
: :
: : Don Hardman
: : 1976 31' Sovereign
:
: : From: "T o m :-)" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
: : > : How do you get hail dents out?
: : > : Al Grayson
: : >
: : > You don't, you *can not* get hail dents out.
: : >
: : > : I hope not to have to fill with bondo and
: : > : paint it as the aluminum is shiny.
: : > : Al Grayson
: : >
: : > If you keep the dented skin instead of replacing it you *will have to*
: : full with bondo and paint it with aluminum paint.  Then you could put a
: cover
: : of clear coat of laquer over the aluminum paint.  If you do a really
good
: job
: : > of this you'd have to point it out to someone else exactly where you
: : 'fixed' the dents.
: : >
: : > Tom
: : > WBCCI 5303
:
: -----------------------------------------------------------------
: When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
:
: To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
: http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html
:
:
:

------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #34
************************


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