Panel or Not to Panel - That is the Question

Vintage Aluminum and Vintage Airstream have such an appeal!

When visiting our trailer at Colin's shop - we looked over the entire skin of our 1955 Flying Cloud.  We were better able to see what the photos showed about the one panel that was obviously damaged.  The curb-side panel behind the door was "buggered up" from exploding rivets.  To best love our trailer, especially when we sat outside with friends, that at least one panel would need to be replaced.  And so the decision was made early into the restoration.

Polishing was started.

Now with the first cut of polishing complete on the lower body aluminum, we have another decision.  From repairs and improvements on our stationary home, we've learned about the while-we-are-working-here-anyway syndrome.

The street-side lower oxidized aluminum looked good, but the polishing has revealed deep scratches into the panel.  The rub marks looks like a bush or tree repeatably and violently scarred through the Alclad.