One method that always circulates is using dry ice to contract the displaced aluminum (dent) causing it to pop back into place. Having a few hail dents on the Caravel, I bought 5# of dry ice from the local dairy and set to work.
How do you take care of an aluminum Airstream?
If you’ve got an aluminum Airstream made in the last four decades, it has a protective clearcoat covering the aluminum. This clearcoat is like paint, and you can take care of it the same way you care for your car. Any good car wash will do. If you wash the Airstream a lot, tiny scratches can form in the clearcoat from harsh scrubbing or grit.
What happens if you Dent your airstream’s aluminum siding?
So you’ve had a bit of a fender bender and now you’ve ended up with a hole or dent in your Airstream’s aluminum siding. Whether it is a small ding or a big bash, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Not only are these an eye-sore, but if left, rust and corrosion may occur–leading to an even bigger problem down the line.
Will my airstream rust?
Your Airstream is admirably protected against rusting. The body is aluminum, and the rock guards are stainless steel. The fasteners are all made of non-corrosive metals as well. But nothing is perfect.
Do airstreams scratch easily?
If you wash the Airstream a lot, tiny scratches can form in the clearcoat from harsh scrubbing or grit. Whether you use soft bristled brushes, microfiber mitts, or sponges, be sure to rinse out the cleaning tool frequently and brush lightly. There shouldn’t be any need to scrub hard.
How do you restore an Airstream aluminum?
0:475:54Vintage Airstream Restore DIY 10-2 Polish - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe've already stripped the clear coat from a small area of our trailer using an industrial paintMoreWe've already stripped the clear coat from a small area of our trailer using an industrial paint stripper that was brushed on and washed off after a few hours.
What type of aluminum is used on Airstreams?
Well, perhaps not so surprisingly, Airstream RVs are made from treated aluminum alloy. That's what gives them that shiny, silver finish. There are a couple of benefits to choosing aluminum as the primary material.
What year did Airstream change the aluminum?
In the summer of 1994 Airstream widened the body of their trailers from 8' to 8.5' for some models. This half a foot increase in width meant Airstream needed to use a more structural Aluminum to account for the added width.
How do you fix filiform corrosion on an Airstream?
2:023:45Treating Airstream / RV "Filiform Corrosion" with CorrosionXYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt. So I'm just going to use my fingertip to gently massage the corrosion ex into the corrodedMoreIt. So I'm just going to use my fingertip to gently massage the corrosion ex into the corroded portion of our poor little airstream.
How much does it cost to renovate an Airstream?
Depending on your budget the cost of restoring can be anywhere $25,000 to $100,000. Not only do you need to worry about making sure the restored vintage Airstream looks nice, but you also need to think about the quality and age of the parts holding the trailer together.
What is the outside of an Airstream made of?
treated aluminumAn average of 1,200 square feet of treated aluminum is used in every trailer, and it's this lightweight yet super strong material that sets Airstream travel trailers apart from any other travel trailer on the market.
Why you shouldn't buy an Airstream?
Buying an Airstream can be a needlessly expensive endeavor The most inexpensive travel trailer that Airstream offers is the Basecamp, which will run you just under $40,000. And the worst part? It's not even that spacious. It sleeps up to four people, and that's pretty much it.
Are older Airstreams worth it?
Older Airstreams, especially prior to 1970, are getting more and more scarce and command a premium price. Certain models of early Airstreams are particularly valuable since they were made in small numbers or for limited years - for example the original Bambi model which was only made from 1961 to 1963.
How long do Airstreams last?
40 yearsAirstreams can easily last 40 years and more, compared to the conventional trailers typical life of 15 years. When you amortize the purchase price over its length of service, an Airstream actually costs less to own than other trailers. Over 70 percent of all Airstreams ever made are still on the road today!
Can I pressure wash my Airstream?
1:345:37"TOP 10" Tips for PRESSURE WASHING an Airstream / RV Travel ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd graphic decals pressure washers can not only remove dirt they could remove those fancy graphicsMoreAnd graphic decals pressure washers can not only remove dirt they could remove those fancy graphics on the side of your rig in our case we don't have a lot of graphics on our Airstream.
What is the best wax for an Airstream?
Socar is the wax we apply to every Airstream sold at Can-Am, new or pre-owned. It's safe to be applied to the clear coat of any year Airstream. The important part about Socar is unlike Walbernize, Socar Sealant is non-abrasive.
How do I get my old Airstream to shine again?
0:1414:40How to polish an airstream - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they sanded it down with a 800 1200 1500. And 3000 using grease you don't want to use too muchMoreAnd they sanded it down with a 800 1200 1500. And 3000 using grease you don't want to use too much pressure you don't want to use too much heat I want to send this absolutely highest.
Where does Airstream get its aluminum?
MOMA --NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA), a supplier of aluminum for Airstream trailers for nearly 50 years, today joined in honoring its customer as a 1963 Airstream Bambi has been selected as part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Are older Airstreams worth it?
Older Airstreams, especially prior to 1970, are getting more and more scarce and command a premium price. Certain models of early Airstreams are particularly valuable since they were made in small numbers or for limited years - for example the original Bambi model which was only made from 1961 to 1963.
What year Airstreams can be polished?
Even newer Airstreams can be polished. Airstream changed the type of aluminum it uses a few times over the years, but even the newer alloys can take a polish, at least up to the 1999 model year. The only trick is that any clear coat on the trailer has to be chemically stripped off first.
How much does it cost to have an Airstream polished?
Total spent: $490 Also not bad considering the going rate for polishing an Airstream is around $150 per foot.
How to fix a hole in a wall with epoxy?
Using a putty knife stir the mixture. Apply the epoxy mixture to the hole, trying to cover it as smoothly and as seamlessly as possible. Step 4: Leave the epoxy to dry and harden for at least one hour. Once dried, treat the damaged area and the nearby surrounding area with a fine-grit sandpaper.
How to clean a hole in a wall?
Wipe it down and scrape off any paint or debris before you begin. Clean the area around the hole with a sponge soaked in warm water mixed with liquid detergent.
Can you repair an airstream trailer?
Repairs to Airstream trailers can require very particular and highly-trained technicians. Coach Specialists’ staff are familiar with OEM standards and materials.
Can you replace an Airstream window?
Door and Window Repairs: An Airstream ’s airplane-style windows can prove difficult to install and or replace yourself, so let us do the heavy lifting.
Can you fix a rig with aluminum siding?
All About Aluminum: You’ll need to get specific materials suitable for fixing your rig’s aluminum siding. Whatever you do, don’t opt for cheaper alternatives here, as it could make things worse.
Can you patch aluminum siding on an airstream?
Typically, aluminum siding can be found in older recreational vehicles, and of course, Airstream trailers. While we love the vintage feel and classic look of this material, one negative is that the sheen makes dents and dings very noticeable. Luckily, small holes in aluminum siding don’t require welding and a fairly easy patch job. You can create an aluminum patch by cutting a piece of aluminum sheet to fit over the damaged area. You can find these sheets in most hardware stores and some specialized RV parts shops.
How to slow down an airstream?
All you can do is try to minimize it. You can slow it down in a few ways: Wash the Airstream as soon as possible after camping near salt water. Don’t store the Airstream in a damp spot, or in an enclosed barn unless it can be kept very dry.
What is the body of an Airstream?
Your Airstream is admirably protected against rusting. The body is aluminum, and the rock guards are stainless steel. The fasteners are all made of non-corrosive metals as well.
How do I get decals or stickers off my Airstream?
Use a 3M Eraser Wheel (or equivalent). Don’t use toxic chemicals. This short video shows how it works.
What is the white stuff on an airstream?
Ever see white “spider webs” forming on your Airstream, like those in the picture? That’s filiform corrosion . Filiform corrosion is what happens aluminum begins to oxidize and there’s a clearcoat for the corrosion to “worm” under.
Can you wash an Airstream?
Any good car wash will do. If you wash the Airstream a lot, tiny scratches can form in the clearcoat from harsh scrubbing or grit. Whether you use soft bristled brushes, microfiber mitts, or sponges, be sure to rinse out the cleaning tool frequently and brush lightly. There shouldn’t be any need to scrub hard.
Does Airstream have clearcoat?
If you’ve got an aluminum Airstream made in the last four decades, it has a protective clearcoat covering the alu minum. This clearcoat is like paint, and you can take care of it the same way you care for your car. Any good car wash will do.
Do you need a wrench to clean stainless steel rock guards?
They’re actually pretty easy to open for cleaning. For the stainless rock guards you need a wrench, but that’s all. Airstream did a pretty good video showing the procedure, and in this case a video is worth 1,000 words:
1. Be Honest
What is the actual scope of the project? I am a visionary dreamer; I can see how the trailer will look finished before I hook it to my truck for the first time.
2. Ability or Budget
You will need a lot of one or both. A travel trailer has the same components as your home condensed into less than 200 square feet. Some working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, wood and metal work, or the budget to pay a professional will keep your project moving.
3. Have a Plan
Using a storyboard to focus your design elements will help you focus as you pick out paint colors, wood finishes and soft goods. You will be making decision on everything from the level of gloss on the wood to coordinating window coverings with your upholstery choices. You may have a theme, style or period that you are trying to create.
4. Source Your Parts
Once it is go-time, get going. Accumulate your parts and materials as you find them. Nothing holds up a project like not having the materials you need, when you need them.
5. Be Intentional
If you are like me, deadlines will help you focus. Touch your project daily or as often as possible to keep it moving forward. A stalled project is hard to restart. Doing even a little bit daily will reap more results than waiting until you have an entire weekend to dedicate to your end goal.
