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.

First Look at the Aluminum - Polishing First Cut

Our first day of polishing - what an exciting day!
I can't wait to see more of the shiny aluminum!!

Banana Wrap - Back

Another day.  This photo and message arrived from Colin:
Rear banana wrap metal being reformed back to original.  This is made of Alclad however some areas are very corroded.

  

Regardless, this my trailer has survived 59 years of travel and storage!! And I am so content knowing that we are breathing new life into Byam's 1955 Flying Cloud.

Antenna Gear Box

Airstream.  TV.
They don't seem to go together.  Why watch TV when Airstream can take you to the world?!?
My dad's second job was his business selling and repairing TV's, radios, and etc.
So I've got a soft spot in my heart for our trailer's antenna.
The original gear box is beyond repair.

It is the cause of the rust stains on the curbside rear of our vintage Airstream.  Photos

So Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations made a new one - from aluminum!
 

 

Riveted. 

Jalousie Window and More Are Polished

Colin's guys have polished the window frames before they are riveted back onto our vintage Airstream.
Polishing the window frames off the trailer is a more thorough way of getting the aluminum to shine.
And it is much easier not reaching over your head and awkward angles - time and money saving!

Some parts are acid washed before they are polished.

One of my favorite things about our 1955 Flying Cloud is the front Jalousie window.
Ok, I know I probably will list at least 50 favorite things, but I do love the cooling breezes that will enter from the front window - even during a summer rain shower.
The glass was removed for the aluminum frame to be polished.

Polished - it is so beautiful!

Also polished are the openings where the newly polished window frames will be attached. 

Even the door gutter is polished and ready to rivet to the soon to be polished shell.

More photos.

Banana Wrap - Front

At the bottom front and rear of the 1955 Flying Cloud is a strip of metal called the banana wrap.  Photos.

Like many 1950 era Airstream trailers, the front banana wrap was dinged and dented from road debris.
The metal was pounded back into good shape, and is polished.

VAC IA NE MO KS Rally - Saturday Night is Graffiti Night - June 21 2014