VACList Digest Sunday, February 16 2003 Volume 03 : Number 106
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html Topics in Today's Digest: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 [VACList] Thanks Jim Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 [VACList] Flags [VACList] Full timing Re: [VACList] Flags [VACList] announcing site launch of canplan.org Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Re: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Re: [VACList] Flags [VACList] pricey? re:Replacing windows in a 1968 [VACList] Fantastic Fans RE: [VACList] Fantastic Fans [VACList] Metal water tank ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 07:05:49 -0700 From: "Forrest McClure" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 Amanda, I believe you can buy new clips from Inland RV. The new ones have a larger gap and should fit over the trim. They're a little expensive per clip, but short of making them yourself I don't know where else to get them. Forrest ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 12:05:07 -0500 From: Ron Ainsworth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Thanks Jim Thanks for the idea of changing tumblers on the Airstream. I never would have thought of that. Did it to the house when we first moved in. Thanks again. Ron, Barbara and General Forrest '72 Ambassador International 29' ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 11:11:05 -0800 From: "Gary Quamen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 > the > clips are fastened right on the glass. These clips are badly rusted, and > I'd like to remove them. Any suggestions on how I might accomplish > this? Hi Amanda: Long time no.... The clips are just a bent piece of sheet metal. On my trailer the metal is bent so that it is a press fit over the glass. IOW, it "should" be free to slide on and off the glass. The spring in the metal keeps it in place. When it is engaged with the "grabber", and the window is closed, it can't go anyplace. The attachment to the glass only needs to be snug enough to keep the clip from falling off when the window is open. That being said, the clips may be glued on. If that is the case you will have to be a little more forthright in getting them off and may ruin them in the process. You should be able to get them off by the use of a chisel type tool, getting under the clip and prying up (carefully). I'm sure that Andy would be delighted to sell some new ones. Be sitting down when you get the price. Re: The trim. Since Andy sold it to you, he should be able to tell you how to use it <grin>. Failing that, were it me I would cut the trim so that the clip would attach directly to the glass. The trim didn't come along until '68, and even at that, most of those that I've seen don't have it. I have a lot of pictures of '68s and couldn't come up with any that would show if the trim was cut or not. None had the trim. My opinion is that the trim was added in order to stiffen the pane, which is quite flexible. I don't imagine it helped much though. Good luck, GQ '67 Safari ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 18:13:24 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Flags Hi Pearl, Thanks for the note. It's great to hear the good news. We're looking forward to seeing you in Burlington this Summer. As you know, it's been a month since we swapped Airstreams. During that time, I installed our flag pole holder and have been flying a variety of state and military flags. This morning, a crusty Army Officer marched up and thanked me for respecting the USA flag. He told me that he and I were the only two people in this campground who took down our flags at sunset and raised them at sunrise. He was emphatic about his feelings toward several other families who flew their USA flag all day and night (without a light). He guessed they didn't know proper flag etiquette. I commented that Airstream families are usually aware of flag etiquette. Both of us agreed that Airstreams and USA flags looked sharp together. Sometimes, little details are not so little. Terry ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 18:13:24 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Full timing Message: 2 Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 03:23:04 -0000 From: "dapalks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Full Timing? We are in the talking stage of full timing in our A/S. So many questions arise. What to do with the house? Everything in it? Doctors and medications? What does it cost to full time? where do you stay when traveling. What is home base? We would appreciate any advice. Thanx Bob - ---------- Hi Bob, I'll take a stab at it. These are strictly opinions, no more, no less - to take or to leave. I suggest keeping the house for the first year. Call it insurance, call it back-up, call it anything you want. Don't rush to judgment until you've played the game long enough to know what it's actually like during the four seasons of one year. Everything in the house? Start getting rid of things with no sentimental value that you haven't put your fingers (all five of them) on during the last 5 years. Then, narrow the field slightly using whatever criteria makes sense to you. Take your time, be thorough and be satisfied with your decisions. Save the sentimental stuff for last, BUT SAVE ALL THE TOOLS. Doctors and medications are available everywhere on the continent, even Mexico and Canada. Most of them recognize the usual insurance cards. All of them recognize green backs. Carry your own medical records and have them in hand when you see each doctor (and then get his record of your visit). Our experience is that a knowledgeable patient who holds himself and others accountable gets excellent medical service. Overnight cost to us as full timers for the last 14 years has been between $6-7 per night. All the other costs of life on this planet have been about the same as before we started full timing. When gasoline costs are too much, we hole up until we get enough money in that budget category to roll again - even if only for 100 miles. Our ball park figure is we live on $1,000 a month. We know of others who spend much more than that. In a pinch, we could live on less. We have no outstanding debts. We have credit cards and ridiculous lines of credit for emergency use. We're not wealthy and don't own stock, but we do know how to manage our money intelligently (or so we believe). When traveling, we stay wherever we choose. Only you can determine what geographic area turns you on. We do not stay where the weather is freezing or blistering hot. Generally, we move every week or two. In 14 years, we have not stayed in one place longer than one month and that occurred only twice. We seldom stay at campgrounds which charge more than $15 a night and we often stay at magnificent locations which don't cost us a cent (especially in the southwestern states). We've always had solar panels and at least three deep cycle marine batteries (third one is a spare in the truck). Home base is whatever you call it. Some folks say home is where they park it, others say home is where their grandchildren live, some keep their house and "visit it" a couple of weeks each year (we do that), while others will describe all manner of configurations. Bottom line - your call. Don't get bent out of shape by definitions. When we started full timing, one of our goals was to visit all the National Park Service Campgrounds, all the National Monuments, all the Corps of Engineers Campgrounds. We're still working on those goals. Another goal was to stay awhile in all the states in USA and Mexico, plus all the provinces in Canada. We've done that except for a few states in the southern part of Mexico. We do volunteer work every week in hundreds of way that please our sensibilities. Each person has their own interpretation of how they can be helpful to others and contribute to the greater good of mankind. Ooops, that wasn't one of your questions. Back in the late 1980s, we started our journey with a 1978 Ford Van E250 tow vehicle and still tow with it. We started with a '77 31' Airstream and traded it last month when opportunity knocked so hard it almost broke down the door. Our other Airstreams and tow vehicles are at our home base. Until last year, our daughter lived in our house. She now has her doctorate, got a real job and then got married. This year, the cop next door checks our house and the family next door uses our driveway daily. We also have our share of nosy neighbors who know the license plate number of every car that belongs on our little out of the way street. Neither of us are spring chickens but both of us have an intense curiosity for exploring the continent with all its nooks and crannies. We consider ourselves ordinary average folks following our dreams. We live in a country where freedom to do that is each person's right. That's a priceless gift we are enjoying with great enthusiasm. At some point in our lives, we'll become "settlers" again, but for now and the foreseeable future, we'll continue to be "explorers" of this great land. There are hundreds of other details I'd be happy to address. Feel free to rattle my cage. Remember, these are only my opinions. They may or may not apply to your circumstances or align with preferences. So be it. If you aren't member of the Escapees RV Club, do it now. The $60 annual fee is peanuts compared to the knowledge you'll acquire. Cha Cha Cha !!! Terry ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 20:09:42 -0500 From: "Dash7 (Michigan)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Flags For a review of the history of our flag and flag ettiquette: http://frist.senate.gov/flag-etiquette.cfm Don (MI) >From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <SNIP> >He was emphatic about his feelings toward several other families who >flew >their USA flag all day and night (without a light). He guessed >they >didn't know proper flag etiquette. > >I commented that Airstream families are usually aware of flag >etiquette. >Both of us agreed that Airstreams and USA flags looked >sharp together. > >Sometimes, little details are not so little. > >Terry _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 19:13:59 -0600 From: "Jeff Griffin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] announcing site launch of canplan.org [ Note: This mail was converted from HTML to text by majordomo. Formatting might be poor. ] Dear Friends: Announcing the launch of our website chronicling the Can Plan, our four-month road trip. Along with our bikes, four guinea pigs and cat, we left Austin, TX on July 1st and traveled around the United States in our 1968 Airstream. Please visit www.canplan.org to see our pictures and read about our adventures. We welcome your feedback and questions. Our site is optimized for Internet Explorer version 5.0+ or Netscape version 6.0+. Jeffrey and Melissa -------------------------------------------------------------------- Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 20:44:07 -0500 From: "James Greene" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 Gary, your ' 67 Safari must be different from my ' 68 Tradewind. My Tradewind has the metal trim on the curved Corning glass windows and the windows definitely are not flexible -- that's the problem. They break pretty easily and the only replacement glass available is from salvaged ' 66-'68 model trailers. Replacement windows other than those salvaged are made of plastic materials -- which work but aren't "original." On my trailer the clips go over the metal trim and I'd install replacement clips the same way. Jim Greene ' 68 Tradewind - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Quamen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 14:11 Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 >>>>>>> snip good stuff <<<<<<<< > Re: The trim. Since Andy sold it to you, he should be able to tell you how > to use it <grin>. Failing that, were it me I would cut the trim so that the > clip would attach directly to the glass. The trim didn't come along until > '68, and even at that, most of those that I've seen don't have it. I have a > lot of pictures of '68s and couldn't come up with any that would show if the > trim was cut or not. None had the trim. > > My opinion is that the trim was added in order to stiffen the pane, which is > quite flexible. I don't imagine it helped much though. > > Good luck, > > GQ '67 Safari ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 20:45:05 -0500 From: "bill rogers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Hi all: I'm in the throes of restoring a 1962 Trade Wind and, believe it or not, things are looking pretty good -- the plywood floor is in good shape, and interior is in decent condition, too. Still, I am repairing the rear frame extensively (leaky toilet flange = major corrosion over the years) and replacing belly pan aft of the axle. So, I could use some advice: 1) What is best, cheapest way to get a replacement toilet? 2) Any advice on getting a better seal on the brass waste gate? (it drips) 3) Is flexible plastic piping suitable for re-plumbing the trailer, or do I need to use copper? 4) Why did Airstream discontinue the galvanized steel water tank that mine has? (corrosion?) 5) Did this model have a 12V battery system and, if so, where was the battery stored? (There are leads in the box behind the propane tanks, but I was told these were just for the breakaway brake system. I saw a 1966 model that stored battery in the rear quarter panel, where 110V outside power cord is stored.) Any and all responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks much, Bill Rogers Lafayette, CO _____________________________________________________________ Get 25MB, POP3, Spam Filtering with LYCOS MAIL PLUS for $19.95/year. http://login.mail.lycos.com/brandPage.shtml?pageId=plus&ref=lmtplus ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 21:49:20 -0500 From: "T Meeker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Hi Bill, Here's my answers. _________________________________________________________ From: "bill rogers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 1962 Trade Wind > So, I could use some advice: > 1) What is best, cheapest way to get a replacement toilet? Are you looking for the *authentic* reproduction year model or will a newer one do? > 2) Any advice on getting a better seal on the brass waste gate? (it drips) You may need to replace the seals at least or get a new gate valve at worst. > 3) Is flexible plastic piping suitable for re-plumbing the trailer, or do I need to use copper? You can use PEX tubing that is certified for both hot and cold water lines. There will be a crimping tool of at least one or maybe two sizes you will have to buy if you can't rent one, or two. > 4) Why did Airstream discontinue the galvanized steel water tank that mine has? (corrosion?) Back when those tanks were used they were probably the best thing going at that time. Nowadays you can have polypropelene (sp?). One of the better features of the plastic tanks are that you can weld them or you can have that done for you which is what I'd advise you to do; make you a custom tank. > 5) Did this model have a 12V battery system and, if so, where was the battery stored? (There are leads in the box behind the propane tanks, but I was told these were just for the breakaway brake system. I saw a 1966 model that stored battery in the rear quarter panel, where 110V outside power cord is stored.) > Any and all responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks much, > Bill Rogers Can't help you with the placement of the battery but maybe someone has a schematic they'd copy to you. Tom ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 21:56:35 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [VACList] Flags Not every is aware of proper flag adequate But at least they feel strongly enough to fly their flags. I get a little tired of the super patriots who like to criticize and not politely instruct the well intentioned people who try to show their Americanism.I fly a 3x5 ft American flag when at a rally and also fly a 3x5 MIA-POW flag and am shocked as to how many fellow Americans have no clue what it is. Jim Smith ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 00:04:34 -0500 From: "T Meeker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] pricey? re:Replacing windows in a 1968 From: "Forrest McClure" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacing windows in a 1968 ....you can buy new clips from Inland RV. The new ones have a larger > gap and should fit over the trim. They're a little expensive per clip, but > short of making them yourself I don't know where else to get them. > Forrest ANYTHING classic will be a bit more pricey than *imitation*. Wouldn't you think? At least there IS a place to get the "real thing". Thank God for small businesses. Tom ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 23:42:00 -0800 From: "Carolyn & Gerry White" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Fantastic Fans Hi- On our return trip from the Hobo Rally in Blythe, we stopped at a Camping World to purchase a Prodigy brake controller (which we found superior to our old controller). While at CW, we inquired about installing a Fantastic Vent fan in our 74-31' Sovereign. The service rep did his best to discourage us from buying one & having it installed. He said that even though they had the shim for the rounded Airstream roof, they didn't like to install this vent fan as it was prone to leakage. Apparently, they have had numerous warranty issues with previous installations of this product on Airstreams. Has anyone had any experience with the Fantastic vent fans on vintage units? This fan is a standard on the new classic A/S. We noticed that there is an extra set of 12V wires in the front vent, which leads us to believe that there was a fan originally installed in this location, although a mounting bracket, if there ever was one, is long gone. Is there a replacement fan that could be "restored" inside the vent?? (This option would probably be more economical & less prone to leakage as we would have to rip off the existing vent) So far, our dry camping trips & experiences at rallies with "shore power" restrictions have severely limited our usage of the 120V air conditioner, so we are exploring ways to efficiently exhaust the hot air out of the roof vents. thanks Gerry & Carolyn 1974-31' Sovereign ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 02:25:58 -0600 From: Kevin D Allen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [VACList] Fantastic Fans Greetings Gerry and Carolyn! I have had a pair of Fantastic Vent Fans (thermostatic control with rain sensors) in my '64 Overlander since 1999. Their operation has been flawless, and there has been absolutely no problem with leaks. My vents were purchased direct from the vendor at the WBCCI International Rally in Dayton. My Fantastic Vents replaced a pair of original powered ventilating fans that were not as efficient nor as effective as the Fantastic Vents. I travel with two Chihuahuas so I find it an absolute necessity to have good ventilation when caravanning or going to rallys where there may be limited electric. I am sol well satisfied with my Fantastic Vents that I plan to have one installed on my '78 Minuet 6.0 Metre while I am at the International Rally in Vermont this summer. Even though Camping World has a facility less than three hours from my home, there are only two places that I would consider having install a new Fantastic Vent in my Coach - - either my regular Airstream dealer or the vendor at the International Rally. Kevin Kevin D. Allen 1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban 1978 Argosy Minuet 1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training) WBCCI/VAC #6359 - -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Carolyn & Gerry White Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 1:42 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Fantastic Fans Hi- On our return trip from the Hobo Rally in Blythe, we stopped at a Camping World to purchase a Prodigy brake controller (which we found superior to our old controller). While at CW, we inquired about installing a Fantastic Vent fan in our 74-31' Sovereign. The service rep did his best to discourage us from buying one & having it installed. He said that even though they had the shim for the rounded Airstream roof, they didn't like to install this vent fan as it was prone to leakage. Apparently, they have had numerous warranty issues with previous installations of this product on Airstreams. Has anyone had any experience with the Fantastic vent fans on vintage units? This fan is a standard on the new classic A/S. We noticed that there is an extra set of 12V wires in the front vent, which leads us to believe that there was a fan originally installed in this location, although a mounting bracket, if there ever was one, is long gone. Is there a replacement fan that could be "restored" inside the vent?? (This option would probably be more economical & less prone to leakage as we would have to rip off the existing vent) So far, our dry camping trips & experiences at rallies with "shore power" restrictions have severely limited our usage of the 120V air conditioner, so we are exploring ways to efficiently exhaust the hot air out of the roof vents. thanks Gerry & Carolyn 1974-31' Sovereign ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 03:33:49 -0800 From: Rik & Susan Beeson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Metal water tank IIRC, someone on this list was looking for a metal Airstream water tank. I just noticed I have one in my "back 40" with the "out to pasture" Airstreams. I measured it when I noticed it, but those brain cells seem to have evaporated... maybe 12"-13" in diameter, but I don't recall the length. Galvanized steel, copper air line into one end and fill unit at the other. If someone is still looking for one of these, LMK off list and I'll give you the exact measurements and send you a pic. Best regards, Rik ------------------------------ End of VACList Digest V3 #106 ***************************** When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
