VACList Digest Wednesday, February 26 2003 Volume 03 : Number 115
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: [VACList] Brakes at Sarasota [VACList] Spare parts at Sarasota [VACList] Zip Dee at Sarasota [VACList] Shurflo at Sarasota [VACList] Solar panels at Sarasota [VACList] Busy time at Sarasota [VACList] Trailer parks- Scottsdale Arizona [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank Re: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank [VACList] heat vent & spice rack Re: [VACList] New shocks [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Re: [VACList] bed slides 67 safari Re: [VACList] sealing airstream windows Re: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank Re: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind Re: [VACList] New shocks [VACList] toilet replacement Re: [VACList] toilet replacement Re: [VACList] sealing airstream windows ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Brakes at Sarasota Hi Friends, When we started using our '89 32' Airstream, I suspected our four brakes varied in their braking power. Eventually, we went into a camprground with a dirt road - my favorite testing ground for brakes. Sure enough, when I tromped on the brakes, the front curbside wheel on the Airstream skidded, the rear wheel on the street side skidded and the other two showed ordinary tracks in the dirt with no evidence of reduced traction. By the time we arrived at Sarasota, I was ready for parking on macadam where I could drive one wheel up on a ramp - thereby allowing the other one to dangle. Then, it was simply a matter of adjusting the star nut on that wheel, plus I confirmed each pair of brake wires were connected securely. After adjusting all four brakes myself, I'm sure they have equal drag. Yesterday, we left Sarasota for our trip back across the state. Eventually, we'll roll into the same campground with the dirt road where I can give them the same test. Before that occurs, what have I noticed so far? There is more stopping capability than previously, especially at a quick changing signal light. More later, Terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Spare parts at Sarasota Hi Gang, One of the reasons we like the Florida State Rally is we have a chance to confer with Airstream Factory Parts Staff. Not only do they usually have the exact parts I want, but the prices are fair. This year, m first purchase in the Airstream Factory Store was six hub studs for our '89 32' Airstream. After our little debacle on I-75 where a blow out stripped our wheel off the hub, I know first hand how easy the repair can be when we have the exact hub studs in our truck. There are hundreds of different size hub studs. Finding the right ones in a pinch is not always an easy task, soI carry a set. Other purchases were: - - the female snaps for our Zip Dee tire covers. Later this week, I'll install them to match the male snaps installed on our Airstream by the previous owner. - - half a dozen elastic curtain connectors to replace the ones in our Airstream. If past practice is any indication, sooner or later, I'm going to break more than one of them. - - weather strip for the screen door. Our '89 32' is thirteen years old and needs to have the screen door stripping replaced. I'm hoping to do this job before mosquito season begins next month. - - the circular screen in our bathroom vent. Today, I installed it and didn't break the shorty wire at the motor. That would have been easy to do and thereby make the fan motor useless. Some jobs look easy, but can lead to a much bigger job if not done carefully. This was one of the latter. More later, Terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Zip Dee at Sarasota Hi fellow Airstreamers, One of the reasons we like the Florida State Rally in Sarasota is the Vendors who attend it. This year, I arrived with a broken part to one of our Zip Dee awning arms. The vendor looked at it, opened his big box of parts, disassembled my broken part, installed a new part and thanked me for bringing it to him so he could repair it AT NO COST. Gracias Senor, Terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Shurflo at Sarasota Hi Friends, When we arrived at the Sarasota Rally, I had my broken Shurflo water pump with us in the back of my Van. True to form, when I took it to the Shurflo repair guy in the Vendor's building, he hooked it up, saw that it didn't work and then proceeded to fix it --- AT NO COST. Gracias Senor, Terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Solar panels at Sarasota Well, we did it, We now have four 75 watt panels on our Airstream. They fit perfectly between our air conditioner and the rear vent. The job took about four hours and was done to my satisfaction. The display panel was installed on the inside plastic backing of the cupboard above our refrigerator. The fit was easy and avoided making a wall hole. The panels were purchased from Alan Lambor. He's the solar guy I called last month in Quartzite to confirm that he'd be at the Sarasota Rally with panels for me. His wife Julie was instrumental in scheduling the job during the Rally. Also, Alan provided me with the wiring to install my Inverter. I'll do that job when I find a wire clamp (#2 currney) to tap into the battery ground wire. Surprisingly, this clamp was not available at the two major electrical supply houses here in Sarasota. Our converter is now permanently unplugged. At some point in the future, I may put four absorbable glass mat batteries (Concorde Sun Extender) in our '89 32' Airstream, plus upgrade to a more capable Inverter - along with a transfer box. But first, I'll do my homework and think on it for awhile. Cheers, Terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 09:39:54 -0500 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Busy time at Sarasota Hi Airstreamers, This was a busy rally for us with very little time to sit and snooze. We only attended a total of 9 presentations and seminars. There were at least a dozen occurring every day. We had a good long chat with Steve Ruth of P&S Refinishing. I visited with Walt Barksdale who provides competent service to Airstreamers at his home in Ocala. We spent several hours with Alan & Julie Lambor of AJL Solar while he installed our panels. Arlene of Fowler Interiors updated us on the excitement in Kentucky. The Zip Dee and Shurflo vendors helped us by repairing our equipment. Many friends from previous caravans, rallies and travels throughout the country made the camaraderie experience particularly enjoyable. At the Full Timers Club (FTC) Happy Hour held beside our FTC Editor's (Lori) Airstream, we learned of novel camping spots around the continent and of two Airstream dealerships where the service provided was above and beyond the call of duty. Our Editor's husband (Dave) is a Fantastic Fan installer. He shared an insider's perspective of this user friendly company. The Vintage Airstream Get-Together was held late one afternoon. Bert Kalet publicized it on the fairground bulletin board and mentioned snacks. It turned out to be supper. Larry Huttle joined us and shared insights into how the Factory is restoring a dozen Airstreams. Jim Bates from Bates RV shared his views on Vintage Airstreams (he had one for sale in the FG display area) and provided a model of a Vintage Airstream as one of Bert Kalet's many door prizes. Jim also provided ice cream bars (dessert) for everyone. The Vintage Airstream Open House occurred on a warm sunny day. The weather was windy, but that didn't keep crowds of people from descending on the dozen or more Airstreams open to the general public. No matter how many times we've been to an Open House, each one is an education for us. I picked up more ideas to use in our two Vintage Airstreams. This year, I saw my first 20' Argosy Motor Home. Our VAC President (Rick & Carolyn) and VAC PP (Forrest & Jeri) showed their extensively restored rigs. Not only did all owners welcome viewers into their homes, they shared detailed insights into any aspect of their restoration efforts. The wealth of information was awesome. At the Flea Market, we broke even by only spending money we received from things we sold at our table. Both Sandie and I came home with "treasures" which take up very little space. My best buy was $3 for an adapter to use with my electric drill to raise and lower our BAL jacks - AND to tighten or release tension on the spring bars to our Hensley hitch. Sandie's best buy was $3 for 3 bungie cords a yard long and the diameter of her thumb which will be used temporarily to hold in place our VCR, DVD player, satellite receiver and TV until I can build a permanent arrangement that will match the oak used in our Airstream. The BBQ dinner was more than dinner. It was a time to make new friends and plan future visits with them. We were invited to a "real" Texas BBQ by the family sitting opposite us (Texans Don & Annette) and an offer for a personalized tour of Amarillo. The evening programs were fun, especially the magician who was booked only hours before his program began (the scheduled group cancelled at the last minute). The entertainment selections were outstanding this year and brought the crowd to their feet with standing ovations. Each evening's door prizes were icing on the cake and were followed by ice cream on the way back to our Airstreams. During the rally, several people stopped by to see our '89 32' Airstream and visit with us. Unquestionably, this rally was an enjoyable one for Sandie and me. The three tasks accomplished for us by Vendors were a considerable convenience. We'd like to attend this rally again next year. Terry mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 18:22:45 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Trailer parks- Scottsdale Arizona Hello everyone: Any recommendations on trailer parks in the Scottsdale Arizona area? Hopefully one that I will be allowed into with my 1969 (unpolished) 25 foot Tradewind. Thanks Tom Fairbank 1969 25 Ft Tradewind ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 16:46:48 -0800 From: Rob Super <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank I've been mulling over this same issue for our '73 Safari (23', rear bath, twin beds). The previous owner installed beneath the belly pan a series of interconnected 4" PVC drain pipes; there's an inlet connection for the grey water sources and a standard 3" RV drain gate near the LR corner of the trailer. Works OK but it doesn't hold much (~12 g) and is vulnerable to road damage. And it's all aft of the axles where, having added a second battery myself, I'd like to remove some weight. I'm currently thinking about placing two inter-connected equal-sized tanks under the twin beds. The load would be balanced L-R and be directly over the axles to keep the F-R distribution neutral. There is space between the wheel wells and the inside face of the beds' facias to accommodate standard tanks in the 15-20 g. range (total 30-40 g.) while sacrificing only one storage drawer on each side. Storage is not a problem as we'll be pulling out the forced air furnace (replace w/catalytic) and so reclaim the old furnace and duct spaces. There are several issues, however: there would be some raising of the center of gravity (probably not very significant but...); I've not looked at the structure under there (will be pulling the belly pan in the next couple of months, for several reasons); the shower drain would be too low to gravity-drain into the tanks (a small 12 v. pump could handle that, esp as the shower gets only light use); and I'm not sure whether or not surge in the tanks (braking, cornering) could be a problem (but they are made for use in RV, boats, right?) Any input (esp before I start!) is welcome. Rob ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:42:58 -0500 From: "Jim Dunmyer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank Rob, One concern I'd think about would be L/R flow when the trailer sits in an off-level condition. This would not be a problem during normal USE, but what if you're parked off-level while at a rest area or somesuch? If the tanks were nearly full, one could overflow when the other drained into it. Depending on the installation, it might not be a problem, but it's something to think about. <<Jim>> <<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>> <<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> <<lower SE Michigan, USA>> <<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> - -----Original Message----- From: Rob Super <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2003 8:23 PM Subject: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank >I've been mulling over this same issue for our '73 Safari (23', rear >bath, twin beds). > >The previous owner installed beneath the belly pan a series of >interconnected 4" PVC drain pipes; there's an inlet connection for the >grey water sources and a standard 3" RV drain gate near the LR corner >of the trailer. Works OK but it doesn't hold much (~12 g) and is >vulnerable to road damage. And it's all aft of the axles where, having >added a second battery myself, I'd like to remove some weight. > >I'm currently thinking about placing two inter-connected equal-sized >tanks under the twin beds. The load would be balanced L-R and be >directly over the axles to keep the F-R distribution neutral. There is >space between the wheel wells and the inside face of the beds' facias >to accommodate standard tanks in the 15-20 g. range (total 30-40 g.) >while sacrificing only one storage drawer on each side. Storage is not >a problem as we'll be pulling out the forced air furnace (replace >w/catalytic) and so reclaim the old furnace and duct spaces. There are >several issues, however: there would be some raising of the center of >gravity (probably not very significant but...); I've not looked at the >structure under there (will be pulling the belly pan in the next couple >of months, for several reasons); the shower drain would be too low to >gravity-drain into the tanks (a small 12 v. pump could handle that, esp >as the shower gets only light use); and I'm not sure whether or not >surge in the tanks (braking, cornering) could be a problem (but they >are made for use in RV, boats, right?) > >Any input (esp before I start!) is welcome. > >Rob > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text > >To unsubscribe or change to an digest format, please go to >http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:24:43 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] heat vent & spice rack any one know where i can get one of the cast aluminum heat register for my 67 safari its aprox 5x10" & has moveable slats also the spice rack that was on wall by stove thanks MARK 67 sarfri ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:26:00 -0800 From: Webmaster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] New shocks They vary by model and year due to location of the axle(s) and the mounts. Your '65 still uses a conventional shock, so what I do is go to the auto parts store and plunk the old on the counter. They take the measurements and then phone the tech support guy who tells 'em what shock to use. There are no more cross reference books due to liability issues. I've used both Napa & Monroe's on our trailers. - -- Best of luck, RJ '65 Caravel '56 Flying Cloud On 2/16/03 8:24 PM, "Earl Peck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello All, > With all the chat on the list last week about shock absorbers I decided to go > ahead and put new shocks on the 65 Overlander I'm redoing. My question is---- > Does anybody have a part # for new shocks? Can I get these from the local > automotive parts house. Monroe , Gabriel, or even Sears. All input and advise > welcome. > Thanks in advance, > Earl > WBCCI 1965 > 1965 International Overlander (AKA Ms. Inez ) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:27:25 -0500 From: "bill rogers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind 1962 Trade Wind a) Bargman tail light workaround b) Battery-box clasp After receiving so much valuable information from the VAClist, I thought I'd share a couple of discoveries: a) Until the elusive Bargman tail light lens becomes available again, I found a workaround: First, have a plastic shop cut you a disc of red, transparent plexiglass about 6 inches in diameter. Use at least 1/4 inch thickness, because 1/8 inch will crack. (Translucent is MUCH dimmer than transparent, so make sure to get the transparent.) Next, drill three holes in the plexiglas to match the backing plate. Then, go to Home Depot's plumbing department and get a 4"x3" Flexible Coupling, made by Fernco, a rubber flange for connecting three-inch pipe to four-inch pipe. The wide end of this sturdy, pliable flange fits RIGHT INTO the inside diameter of the backing plate, and the rubber makes a watertight seal against the plate. Then, get new round-head screws that match the thread of the old screws, but are long enough to span the distance across the new flange. Finally, slip the wide end of the flange into the backing plate, insert the three screws into the plexiglas lens you had made, and assemble. I made it from NYC to Colorado in winter weather using this workarou! nd. b) Exterior fastening clamps: For an exact match for the lunch-box style clamps that my 1962 Airstream uses to hold down the lid of the battery box (as well as the lid to the power-cord compartment in the rear quarterpanel), go to a good, specialty hardware store, one that stocks a wide variety of cabinet latches. (Sorry, Home Depot will not have these.) In Boulder, Colo., a store called McGuckins carries them. They are sold in bulk and have no label, unfortunately, so I don't have a name. But if you start hunting around with the old clamp in hand, you will find this little bugger. I drilled out the rusty originals and now have shiny new ones that match in every regard. OK, so cheers to the VACsters, and keep 'em rolling! 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: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:28:22 -0800 From: Webmaster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] bed slides 67 safari Walters of Wabash (the mfg) says they are rated to 550# on 3 foot centers. - -- Best of luck, RJ VintageAirstream.com On 2/16/03 1:24 PM, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I am a large person do the wooden bed slides hold up > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:31:11 -0800 From: Webmaster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] sealing airstream windows I'd use Parbond at that location: http://www.airstream.org/FAQ/FAQ_7.html - -- Best of luck, RJ On 2/11/03 4:41 PM, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > should have said resealing windows on my 1970 airstream > > someone who had it before me used silcone and it leaks > > has anyone tried the new aluminum clauking ??????? > > or is there another way to seal leaking windows > > they are leaking where the frame of the window is riveted to the body > > jerry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:28:45 -0600 From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: Addition of gray water tank Slosh in the tanks can be controlled by baffles. The baffles should clear the bottom by maybe a half inch so they drain well. Slosh through the pipe can be controlled with a valve shut off for travel, open for use and drainage. Probably can be slowed a lot by making the cross pipe really small, though that could require dual drains. Gerald J. - -- Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer. Reproduction by permission only. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:35:58 -0600 From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] 1962 Trade Wind McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com, has an extensive collection of those latches. Calls them "draw latches". See pages 2690 - 2692 in catalog 107 on line. Gerald J. - -- Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer. Reproduction by permission only. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:36:34 -0600 From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] New shocks Upright shocks, NAPA number 94005. Deep in the NAPA and Monroe books there are applications tables and cross reference tables, but not for Airstreams. The upright shock that fits Airstreams also fits many GM products including 70s vintage pickup front axles. Gerald J. - -- Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer. Reproduction by permission only. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:39:51 -0800 From: Webmaster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] toilet replacement Without a doubt, this is the best low cost replacement toilet. Crazy thing even looks much like the original, and is made of porcelain too. http://www.marksrv.com/traveler_lite.htm - -- Best of luck, RJ On 2/16/03 1:28 PM, "bill rogers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thanks for the responses, Tom. > > About replacing the toilet: > The one I pulled out wasn't the original (it was a nasty old plastic Thetford > -- mechanism corroded beyond repair), and I'd be OK with another plastic one. > Any suggestions on where to get a good deal on a new toilet, or even a > rebuilt? And, how much more are the repro-originals? > > Cheers, > Bill > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:51:27 -0600 From: "jrlkleven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] toilet replacement I've had my eye on the toilet for awhile but wonder how two bolts and 200 lbs get along on such a small base? Any testimony? Randy ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 02:00:19 -0600 From: schuetzen - RKBA! <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] sealing airstream windows On Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:31:11 -0800, Webmaster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I'd use Parbond at that location: I thought Vul??? was used for all window or other leaks other than where you would use that putty tape stuff. cheers chas ... ------------------------------ End of VACList Digest V3 #115 ***************************** 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
