"Re-skinning" a wrecked aluminum sunline

[wilco]

I found a 2006 19.5 for 5K. It had been "rolled" on the right side.
It needs the lower half of the front, and 3/4 of the right side and back.

Is the aluminum shell intercahngable from one manufacturer to another? or do I have to use materail specifically for sunline?

Thanks>>

[Sunline Fan]

Wilco,

The aluminum skin is used on other brand coaches, but I don't think very many actually use the stuff with the Krystal Koting. I'm sure this wasn't a Sunline only product and can probably be found somewhere.

The price sounds good assuming none of the interior cabinets are damaged. If they are, they will be impossible to match unless you plan on completely redoing the interior.

When I was at the Sunline Factory last June (2006), they had a T-1950 on the lot that had been rolled while being transported to a dealer. A strong wind came up and flipped it on the side (also right side down). Sunline brought it back to the factory to rebuild it and sell it under a rebuilt title, assuming the frame wasn't bent. They were supposed to do that when they had some free time, but I don't know if they did. I did look inside of that and the cabinet above the stove/sink had cracked in the center. If you haven't looked at that TT yet, you may want to look close, especially for a bent frame. If the frame isn't bent, you can make a pretty good trailer out of it, but you won't have it look exactly like new, since most Sunline specific parts aren't available (cabinets, logos, striping, etc.)

Jon

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by wilco

I found a 2006 19.5 for 5K. It had been "rolled" on the right side.
It needs the lower half of the front, and 3/4 of the right side and back.

Is the aluminum shell intercahngable from one manufacturer to another? or do I have to use materail specifically for sunline?

Thanks>>

The answer to your question is going to depend on how closely you want to match the factory original skin.

If you're looking for a precise match, I don't know if the materials are available through other RV dealers who have repair shops. You will have check with them to see. If they can match the different aluminum shapes from their sources, you will be on your way.

If they can't match it precisely, then you and the shop will have to decide how best to reskin the rig with available materials.

Some of the larger dealers who used to carry Sunline may have inventory on some of the skin materials. Again, check with your local folks and see what they recommend. Stoltzfus in PA probably does, and maybe Ballantyne up here in Victor, NY.

If exact match materials aren't available, any good quality aluminum skin material would probably work. Your local shop probably has all the info on what's available. I am betting that even if they can't find the Sunline stuff, there are materials commonly available that will approximate the Sunline stuff.

What probably may not be possible is to get the striping and logos. There are some of the late model floating around at a few of the big northeastern dealerships, but I suspect it's going fast. If you want, check with a local sign shop that does truck lettering. They may be able to help by painting to match the Sunline vinyl.

[Sunline Fan]

Wilco,

Another thing. If you couldn't match the original aluminum, you would have to reskin the entire thing with a different aluminum or you could go with fiberglass. Fiberglass is a little heavier but it lasts a lot longer and is easier to maintain.

Jon

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

Wilco,

Another thing. If you couldn't match the original aluminum, you would have to reskin the entire thing with a different aluminum or you could go with fiberglass. Fiberglass is a little heavier but it lasts a lot longer and is easier to maintain.

Jon

John, I hadn't thought of jumping to fiberglass sheets, but it has its merits.

If it was me doing this, I would not replace that lower front panel with either shaped aluminum or fiberglass. I'd use that aluminum diamond plate that a number of RV manufacturers are now offering as standard or optional in that location.

The local RV dealer should be able to get that stuff from any number of sources.

I am considering doing that to our unit if that panel gets beat up much more than it already it.

[tinybluetj]

I don't know where you are located, but in Richmond VA there is an RV repair and rebuilding place. They are not a dealership, they specialize in rebuilding. I bet a place like that could be better prepared/ equiped to match older parts. you may want to look for a place like that near you.

[MACK C-85]

Steve:

Our T-276-SR is currently at Custom Coach getting the diamond plate stone guard replaced after a certain "person who shall remain nameless" aka "Big Dummy Me" managed to follow the dealers instructions on how to disconnect the Equilizer Hitch, i.e. take the bars out of the hitch and lean them against the a-frame behind the lp tanks. Only to have them walk down the frame against the front of the trailer while lowering the unit and punch three nice holes through skin. Lesson learned: Just 'cause the dealer shows you how to do something doesn't mean that it's the best or smartest way to do it!!!!

Anyhow, estimate was $350 -$400 to install the new piece of diamond plate. I will let you know how it turns out, I'm supposed to get it back tonight or tomorrow. I have seen pictures of thier repair work and they done some mighty amazing stuff. They are not a trailer dealer, just do repair and customizing work and sell accessories.

I will tell you that the diamond plate material is the same thickness as the regular aluminum siding, it does well for stone chips but don't think it will stop much more.

BTW, While I was getting my estimate, they handled several phone orders to ship both aluminum and fiberglass panels, so I think they might be able get close to what you need.


Custom Coach Co.

8332 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21237

(410) 687-7200

WWW.CUSTOMCOACHONLINE.COM

[mdfiregal]

Steve,

Custom coach is a great place according to our Sunline dealer, Annapolis Recreation World. I am married to the "Big Dummy that wanted to remain nameless", also known as Mack-C85. I have heard they can also do some of the framework when it is not too involved. Like so many others have already said, take a good look at the entire Sunline, including the interior very closely. If you have a friend that is a automechanic, maybe he can check the frame for you and give you a good idea of it's condition as well. Good luck and keep us posted!

[MikeM]

You might give these people a call. If you click on products you will see some info on siding.

http://all-rite.com/

mike

[MACK C-85]

Picked up the trailer last night. Custom Coach did an outstanding job replacing the diamond plate stone shield. Even upgraded to a slightly heavier gauge metal. Cost was $445 to replace the stone shield and to purchase and install a MAXX-Air cover on one vent.