[VAL] Woe and consternation

["Louis Joyner" <joyner@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I got the call that is the Airstream equivalent to the call you hate getting
in the middle of the night.

"We'd like you to come and look at your trailer."

I had taken the '64 Overlander to a truck and RV service place to have the
tires balanced (in situ) and the shocks replaced.  In the process, it
slipped off the jack while both tires were off one side, but one was still
in the wheelwell.  So.  Now the skin above the wheelwell is badly bent,
there is a 10" vertical tear in the skin, and the trim around the wheelwell
is shattered and missing.  I did not see other damage, but don't discount
the possibilty.

The trailer is in fair-good condition.  Somewhere between "As found" and
"Average."  Skin was in very good, unpolished condition.  Weathered, but
with no dents, holes, etc.  Little or no pitting, very light oxidation.  The
interior is redone and very nice.  Mainly needs the rearmost 3' of floor
replaced, and the bathroom replumbed.  Based on the vintage airstream price
guide, maybe worth $2500-3000.  Actual costs to get it to this point we
don't think about, right?  A trailer with a big old tear up the side is a
different animal, however.

My question is: what are my best repair options?  My assumption is that I
should insist on proper replacement of the entire panel by an airplane
restoration specialist.  Another option is a patch over the tear, but I'm
concerned that the panel will continue to tear with the flexing of the
trailer.

What I'd really like is to get cash to repair it properly, then either make
a modest, and grossly expensive repair, then use the rest of the money on
other more important structural repairs like the rear floor.

I can email photos off-list if you'd like.

Thanks all

Louis Joyner
'64 Overlander and 2000 Yukon XL pining for its buddy.