DIY Network

Airstream: Aluminum Wall Treatment From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-203

In this second segment host Kevin Tetz removes the old and peeling wallpaper and replaces it with an aluminum wall treatment using sheet aluminum found at a hardware store. The sheets are glued on but also riveted to the wall to give it the classic Airstream styling.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	The aluminum wall treatment looks great!

Aluminum Wall Treatment

1. For the wall treatment, create a template by placing paper onto the bathroom wall and tracing out the pattern.

   Note: The sheets of aluminum are 36" x 36".

2. Tape two pieces of aluminum together, overlap (to eliminate any water penetration) and then trace the pattern onto the aluminum and cut it out. Before cutting protect the aluminum with tape (figure A).

   Tip: When taping a curve, bend and manipulate the tape as you go.

3. Cut the aluminum with an electric shear, but don't line up the cut line with the middle of the shear. Line it up with the edge of the shear (figure B). Cut approximately a 1/4" outside of the side edge to supply some wiggle room. The top line can be cut exactly since the two pieces can be adjusted if need be.

4. When adhering the overlapping cut aluminum pieces to the back wall, run a bead of caulk so there won't be any leaks between the two pieces.

5. Align the edge of the first piece and then roll it on slowly. Mask off the lower piece of aluminum and apply the spray adhesive to the wall.

6. To assure a good seal, run a bead of caulk along the top piece of aluminum when the top overlaps the bottom (figure C). Treat this piece just like the first one by starting with the edge and rolling it into place slowly.

7. To secure the aluminum and give it an authentic Airstream look, install pop rivets. Choose a rivet that matches the thickness of the wall material. Use a hand riveter to install the rivets, or if you have many rivets to install, use a pneumatic riveter (figure D).

8. Drill a hole into the aluminum using a bit slightly larger than the rivets. Install the mandrill part of the rivets into the rivet gun, put the rivet shaft into the hole and squeeze the gun handle until the rivet pops into place (figure E).

   Tip: Keep pressure on while pulling the trigger up so the rivet won't jump and mare the aluminum.

9. Finally, put a little bit of silicon into the rivet heads to have a 100-percent water seal.

In the next segment master plumber Jeff Grigg joins Kevin to replace the fixtures and faucets and work on the plumbing in the project '70 Airstream.

RESOURCES :

Tubby USA Inc.
Website: www.tubbyusa.com

Treviso Faucet
Dave Carter & Assoc. Corp. Corporate Office
Website: www.davecarter.com

XIM Products
XIM Products, Inc.
Website: www.ximbonder.com

GUESTS :

Jeff Grigg
Master Plumber
4621 Ellistown Rd.
Phone: 865-689-3999
Knoxville, TN 37924