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How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage

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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-23 8:17 PM (#127384)
Subject: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Location: Perkiomenville, PA

Folks, I have a Four Star and here are the photos...

http://s888.photobucket.com/albums/ac86/eleanorvallone/Four%20Star%20Horsetrailer/

You'll see two photos of wheel well damage, and I really don't know how best to get thisfixed.  Can someone explain that to me, and about how much I should expect to pay?  The trailer is just about perfect except for this damage, and I would like to get it done.  My regular body shop doesn't do it.

Thanks!  Eleanor

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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2010-11-23 10:46 PM (#127387 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Most body shops do not have the expertise to effect aluminum repairs. You will have to visit a shop that has trained personel that can effect the necessary repairs. In the various HTW trailer advertisements are companies that repair and modify horse trailers. I would start calling your local dealers, then 4 Star for referrals. If all else fails, contact the nearest FBO aircraft opperator at your nearest airport. They will have aircraft mechanics that know how to work with aluminum, and have the necessary tools to complete the job. You can also try fabrication shops; some also work in aluminum.
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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-24 6:28 AM (#127393 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Thank you.  I had no idea it would be so hard to do.  One option I considered was buying new wheelwells - or at least one for the worst side, and having them remounted.  But, the aluminum would be so different on the new one, it would stick out like a sore thumb I am afraid.

Appreciate your insight.

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wyndancer
Reg. Apr 2007
Posted 2010-11-24 7:15 AM (#127396 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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I wouldn't worry about spending the money to fix that. It doesn't interfere with the tire. Horses, shod, tied to a trailer can cause damage like that.
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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-24 7:20 AM (#127397 - in reply to #127396)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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I wish it didn't bother me.
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301duster
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2010-11-24 8:49 AM (#127402 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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You obviously take great care of your trailer, from the pictures. The expense of replacing the fender well would be in the $300-$500 area, if you want it to look right. The problem is not many people can cut it out and put it back together as well as it's done at the factory. Some can get real close but you can usually tell it's been done. In today's age of blowing tires and the such your fenders look a lot better than most I see! Just a little FYI, Carlisle tires are a candidate for that, been there done that.
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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2010-11-24 9:41 AM (#127404 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage



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I don't know about 4Star. But my trailer mfg, offers replacement fenders that are the same product used on the production trailers. So they are an exact match.  It seems to be a common request for them since so many folks damage their fenders. Horses paw them, blow outs on tires damage them and of course the errant driver cuts a corner and dings them.

 

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-11-24 5:23 PM (#127419 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Do NOT waste your money trying to fix that...if you ever have blowouts that really damage the fender...THEN you can fix it...

Edited by PaulChristenson 2010-11-24 5:24 PM
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retento
Reg. Aug 2004
Posted 2010-11-24 6:43 PM (#127420 - in reply to #127419)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2010-11-24 6:23 PM

Do NOT waste your money trying to fix that...if you ever have blowouts that really damage the fender...THEN you can fix it...

 That's right...!!! When one of those Carlisle tires blows out, it's probably going to rip the fenders off anyway.....

 

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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-24 7:43 PM (#127423 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Posts: 157
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Does anybody have anything to report on Westlake trailer tires?

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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-24 7:44 PM (#127424 - in reply to #127402)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Posts: 157
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Location: Perkiomenville, PA
12  I love my trailer!  That's why the wheel wells bother me.  But, I can be practical too. Thanks for your comments. 
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cutter99
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2010-11-24 8:19 PM (#127425 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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I just replaced a fender on a 2008 Hart. I had a local body shop take the damaged fender off and they took the trailer to a local big truck shop who could weld aluminum. The fender alone cost $250 and shipping from Oklahoma was another $150 (business to business FedEx). The bill for the body shop including the big truck shop was $320. The body shop also had to put my spare on as the tire was sliced. I keep telling my husband it was an expensive trip to 84 Lumber- and this doesn't even include the price of his lumber! He no longer has any desire to use the trailer for lumber runs and is now hauling lumber in our mini van. I can't decide which is worse!
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cutter99
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2010-11-24 8:23 PM (#127426 - in reply to #127384)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Location: TN
I see you're in Eastern PA. Another option to consider would be to contact Fran DiBella in Sanatoga and see if his shop can straighten the dent out. Since they actually build aluminum bodies there (or used to) they might be able to repair the fender instead of replacing it. Another company to consider would b Eby in Blue Ball as they also manufacture trailers. Both companies are extremely reputable. I have had positive experiences with both. Frank DiBella is great to work with! 
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-11-24 8:24 PM (#127427 - in reply to #127423)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Originally written by evallone on 2010-11-24 7:43 PM

Does anybody have anything to report on Westlake trailer tires?



Westlake is a Chinese brand involved in at least one recall. Just google "westlake recall". http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11457379
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evallone
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-11-25 12:07 AM (#127435 - in reply to #127426)
Subject: RE: How best to fix aluminum wheelwell damage


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Posts: 157
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Location: Perkiomenville, PA
Thanks.  I did take it to DiBella.  Short of replacing the fender - what you see there is the result of their fixing it.  That's as far as they could get it.  Appreciate the input.
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