VACList Digest Wednesday, July 16 2003 Volume 03 : Number 255
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] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Re: [VACList] 110v Outlets Re: [VACList]64 toilet replacement Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Re: [VACList] Awning Stitching Re: [VACList] Re: VACList Modern AStream Safari quality Re: [VACList] Replacement air conditioner needed. [VACList] Plexiglass and little things Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" RE: [VACList]64 toilet replacement [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings [VACList] '76 Univolt without battery installed Re: [VACList] '76 Univolt without battery installed [VACList] Chasing Electrical Gremlins Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings [VACList] "Retro" Awnings Re: [VACList] Frame rust Re: [VACList] Frame rust Re: [VACList] Frame rust ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 14:25:35 +0000 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Tue, 01 Jul 2003 Fred Coldwell of Denver Colo. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote; > ~~snip~~ "It appears the name for the 30' model changed from the > "Commodore Vanderbilt" Liner in 1955 to "Sovereign of the > Road" by 1956." > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You know I have never seen this model name mentioned in my year or so of reading everything I can find on Airstreams. Any idea if it has ever been discussed elsewhere? Was this an actual model name? or a level/package/grade designation ie LandYacht & International? It alludes to upper class I suppose. Still always amazes me that a definative and complete accounting of ~~all~~ the names, models, grades, badges, nicknames, and other assorted Heraldry has yet to be compiled. Anyway Fred thanks for the tip.Always enjoy your historical data. ++Hex++ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 11:32:28 -0400 From: "Bobby Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] 110v Outlets Melvin Your converter is fine. Check your breakers or get an electrician to check it for you. Bobby ----- Original Message ----- From: Melvin Mudgett-Price None of the electrical outlets forward of the stove are working. Nothing I plug into them works but when I put a voltmeter in the outlets I get 112v. The ones from the twin beds bed back to the bathroom all work I have recently installed a Progressive Dynamics converter as the Univolt was shot. Melvin Mudgett-Price 1972 Trade Wind ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 11:44:25 -0400 From: Chris Elliott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList]64 toilet replacement Does anyone know which replacement toilet will fit the best in a 1964 airstream with the bench type seat ? I realize the fiberglass surround needs to be modified , I remember seeing the part # discussed here before , but cant seem to find it in my files , or on Toms archives .Any help would be appreciated , but my thanks reply might be delayed as I`m only checking my mail every few days while I`m in my other trailer for the summer . Chris Scott Scheuermann wrote: > The blue and white canvas pattern that Airstream has used for many years is > called "Blue Fancy". It is commonly available and happened to be one of the > less expensive patterns that were available a couple of years ago. Any place > that handles building/window/walkway awnings should be able to get the > fabric for you. I'm suprised that your Carefree dealer could not get it for > you. > > Scott > > > We have been to several RV and awning stores looking for accurate > > replacement fabric in the original blue and white stripes. Everthing we > saw was either > > not the right shade of blue or the white was not white enough. > > > > Is there a good source for this fabric or a warehouse that has some of the > > old stuff in storage? > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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, 15 Jul 2003 09:54:55 -0600 From: "Fred Coldwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Hi Hex: The genesis of that model name can be seen in the following postcard on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2183037376&category=3634 That 1955 model name appears in the 1955 airstream sales catalog which can be downloaded from the VAC web site using Adobe Acrobat: http://airstream.org/members/documents/catalogs/1955Catalog.pdf The pertinent model information is now being gathered, but to my knowledge was never assembled in one place. I'm working on that now but it takes time and much effort. Enjoy. Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Tue, 01 Jul 2003 > Fred Coldwell of Denver Colo. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote; > > > ~~snip~~ "It appears the name for the 30' model changed from the > > "Commodore Vanderbilt" Liner in 1955 to "Sovereign of the > > Road" by 1956." > > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > You know I have never seen this model name mentioned in my year or so of > reading everything I can find on Airstreams. > Any idea if it has ever been discussed elsewhere? > > Was this an actual model name? or a level/package/grade designation ie > LandYacht & International? It alludes to upper class I suppose. > > Still always amazes me that a definative and complete accounting of ~~all~~ the > names, models, grades, badges, nicknames, and other assorted Heraldry has yet > to be compiled. > > Anyway Fred thanks for the tip.Always enjoy your historical data. > > ++Hex++ > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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, 15 Jul 2003 11:53:41 -0400 From: Daisy Welch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Awning Stitching Thanks, Elisa, but when i say all the stitching, I mean ALL the stitching. I'm waiting for the stictches that hold the fabric to the top thing to go and then we will have some excitement ! Daisy Elisa wrote: > Daisy, I used fabric glue where the awning stitching has worn by the front > door, which has rubbed it upon opening and closing. Then a stitch or two > for support. > Elisa > > >>My Zip Dee has only ver sketchy stitchin left on it, and so I'm looking >>to replace the cloth part. The actual canvas is fine, but I'm not sure I >>want to resew it.... >> >>Daisy > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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, 15 Jul 2003 12:10:36 -0400 From: "Bobby Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: VACList Modern AStream Safari quality Huff I have a '73 29 foot Ambassador. It's a rear twin model and loaded (travel mode) it weights in at 5428 according to the truck scales. I do not fully fill the fresh water tank, maybe 2-3 gallons just enough for emergency stops for the kids to be able to use it if they have to. The rear beds are always made. The wife likes it too. Plus she likes the fact that the linens can be washed then put back on so it's ready for the next trip. Oh yea, we use gas engines. The wife has a Suburban and didn't like the idea of the noise or the glow plug thing, she wants to just turn the key and go and not wait on a light to tell her to start. Bobby ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Huffman To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Couple of questions here: 1) Are there older AStreams under 28' and under 6000 lb. w/enough interior room for made-up beds? 2) Quality -- after the Beatrice foods debacle, what years began the AStream return to quality?... 90's? Huff '67 Caravel ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:10:34 -0400 From: "Bobby Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacement air conditioner needed. - - Original Message ---- From: Kenneth E. Johansen Subject: Re: [VACList] Replacement air conditioner needed. Bobby If I may ask, what did it cost to have it replaced - my old Armstrong is hanging in there - but I figure at some point I will have to replace. Also where did you have it replaced. Ken J. 5358 75 Tradewind Ken Dometic Duo-Therm Penguin A/C with optional heat strip was $990.00 installed at Walt's RV in Ocala, FL The Penguin has the drip pan, which you want so the water drains out the bottom of the trailer and not down the sides. Bobby ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:23:38 -0400 From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Plexiglass and little things Hi fellow Airstreamers, It's been a week since leaving Burlington and our dust bowl parking. Last evening at Fish Creek CG after we went to bed, the skies opened wide with an all night rain. This morning the thick layer of dust on our Airstream is no more. It's gone, gone, gone. We have an almost clean trailer again. 1 - Along with the heavy rain came cooler temperatures and 20-30 mph winds. There were white caps on the lake 20' behind our Airstream. At 50 degrees this morning, the wind chill factor was low enough for our 6100 BTU catalytic heater to get it's first use this year (albeit on the lowest setting). With a roof vent slightly open and our fridge's access door ajar at floor level, there was plenty of circulation to avoid condensation. 2 - Not being satisifed with the door closed, I reinstalled our plexiglass screen door inserts. Now the door is left open for full sunlight and warming without losing heat. Our screen door became our plexiglass screen door. The plexiglass inserts were made by me in 1998. I had saved the old screening material for templates when I put in new screening. From there, each section of plexiglass was cut and later, filed to fit as needed. Securing the plexiglass on top of the screening material was done with small copper wiring clips provided by WBCCIer Ed Wellington. Each clip was broken in half. The half with a hole in it was saved and bent (one bend) into what looks like a low slung elongated letter Z. This configuration matched the shape needed to secure the plexiglass tightly against each section of screening and the screen door frame. The size of the clip hole is the same size as the hole I made in the screen door frame. Tiny screws hold the clips in place which in turn hold the inserts in place. I used 11 clips/screws for the big section with three of them along the upper curved area of plexiglass. They were needed for shaping and holding that portion against the frame. Eight clips/screws were used for the lower section. It took almost two hours to cut and fit the plexiglass and another hour to drill the holes and install everything. During warm weather, I remove the inserts, wrap them in a blanket and store them under the sofa seat beside the door. The screws and clips are left in the door frame. The screening is never removed and is always in place ready to keep flies and mosquitoes out when the plexiglass inserts are removed. Today, when I wanted to install the inserts, they were within reach under the sofa and needed only a quick cleaning. The clips/screws were already in the screen door frame. Generally, I don't drop any clips or screws on the ground when loosening them before sliding the inserts in place. A piece of carpet under the door makes it easier to find errant tiny screws. If they bounce into the grass I don't look, I just replace them from my "stash." 3 - At night, our Coleman lantern sits tall on a 30# Worthington aluminum propane bottle. I installed a shiny aluminum backing plate - offset from the globe for directional focusing of light. The wide beam of light fills the inside of our Airstream. When we changed from 20# to 30# propane bottles, I hoped the height would not be too tall (it isn't). A block of wood under the lantern keeps it stable on the neck ring of the propane bottle. Light from the lantern supplements 12 volt lighting when we're boondocking. Little things are sometimes a large convenience, especially when we've used more than our normal amount of 12 volt power during the day, i.e. automatic bread maker, Sandie's curling iron, my Makita battery charger, etc. 4 - This weekend was "Woodsmen's Days" in Tupper Lake (10 minutes away). We didn't get to see the men and women competing for who could cut big logs the fastest, but I did see some of the women who were as large and powerful (bruisers) as the men. The Chainsaw Carving Contest ended with an auction ($100 + up). We heard the autioneer all the way across the street in the McDonald's parking lot. We missed the "Horse Pull Contest," "Tug of War" and "Climbing the Slippery Pole" events. The Big Equipment Contest was this afternoon and included backing up an 18 wheeler along a curving course and positioning it for huge logs to be loaded. Some drivers drove too fast and lost points when they mistakenly ran over marker flags. All events were held in the Municipal Park and had the usual BBQ food booths. This was a different kind of festival for us. Life in the north country woods brings out the crowds just as life along the sea brings locals to seafood festivals. More later, Terry mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 11:37:17 -0600 From: "Maxwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Fred ~ The "Commodore Vanderbilt" shown on the ebay postcard link appears to be painted...was this the norm? Or do you suppose this was just special for the tour? " THE COMMODORE will be at the Chicago national political conventions and after at the London Coronation of Queen Elizabeth." - -- Shari Davis '64 GlobeTrotter - "Maxwell" WBCCI #1824, VAC www.insideout-design.net/maxwell The genesis of that model name can be seen in the following postcard on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2183037376&category=3634 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:07:02 -0500 From: "Jarrod" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [VACList]64 toilet replacement On my 66, I used a Thetford Aqua Magic IV low profile with foot flush (Camping world part #4591) and a riser (part # 15972). I removed the seat from the toilet and it fit perfectly below the fiberglass shelf. I attached a regular household toilet sheet to the shelf (before I installed the toilet). The only modification I had to make was to the front of the fiberglass surround so that I can access the foot pedal. My surround was in bad shape, so I discarded it and used white bead board paneling. If your surround is good, you could simply cut a hole in the front. Jarrod - -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Elliott Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 10:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [VACList]64 toilet replacement Does anyone know which replacement toilet will fit the best in a 1964 airstream with the bench type seat ? I realize the fiberglass surround needs to be modified , I remember seeing the part # discussed here before , but cant seem to find it in my files , or on Toms archives .Any help would be appreciated , but my thanks reply might be delayed as I`m only checking my mail every few days while I`m in my other trailer for the summer . Chris Scott Scheuermann wrote: > The blue and white canvas pattern that Airstream has used for many years is > called "Blue Fancy". It is commonly available and happened to be one of the > less expensive patterns that were available a couple of years ago. Any place > that handles building/window/walkway awnings should be able to get the > fabric for you. I'm suprised that your Carefree dealer could not get it for > you. > > Scott > > > We have been to several RV and awning stores looking for accurate > > replacement fabric in the original blue and white stripes. Everthing we > saw was either > > not the right shade of blue or the white was not white enough. > > > > Is there a good source for this fabric or a warehouse that has some of the > > old stuff in storage? > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 15 Jul 2003 14:41:41 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings > From: Maxwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [VACList] "Retro" Awnings > > Okay, here's one for all you vintage folks...our GlobeTrotter doesn't > have an awning, never did. Because our door swings to the right, if we > used a ZipDee or other "traditional" awning with arms, the door would > only open 90-degrees instead of flat (180-degrees) to the body. I hate > that! I have seen vintage trailers both Airstream &SOBs that have more > of a post &pole awning like the Ralph Lauren Trailers, but I've also > seen some that are "way retro cool" ~ you know the kind with the > scalloped edge &fringe? I've seen them both with &without guy wires & > stakes...I would prefer without, less pieces to haul around, set-up & > risk losing. I believe this type awning slides into the rail above the > door and can be removed when traveling. > > Okay...here are my questions...who makes these??? Anybody have one here > that can share pros &cons? I want to get an idea of the price for > budgeting purposes now that we see the end of our polishing in > sight...I'd rather not have to re-invent the wheel if someone knows > where I could find one. > > I'm open to other suggestions....it just can't have arms that would > impede the door! > > - -- > Shari Davis > I am also interested in such an awning for my 58 Flying Cloud. There is a track above the door that you can feed the trailer side of the awning through with a rope or line in the middle to stabilize it. However, I would prefer having heavy duty plastic glides affixed to the awning material (something like the curtain glides I am using inside the trailer) for ease in putting up the awning and removing same easily when the high winds come up. Any ideas anyone? Also any sources for vintage awning material to match the green striped vintage awning window coverings that I presently have. Thanks for any suggestions. John Woodburn ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:15:30 -0600 From: "Maxwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Subject: [VACList] "Retro" Awnings >Also any sources for vintage awning material to match the >green striped vintage awning window coverings that I presently have. Thanks >for any suggestions. > John Woodburn > > John ~ This part I know ~ check out: http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/ They are bound to have something that matches your existing fabric. - -- Shari Davis '64 GlobeTrotter - "Maxwell" WBCCI #1824, VAC www.insideout-design.net/maxwell ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 13:26:05 -0600 From: "Fred Coldwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] "Commodore Vanderbilt" Shari: The Commodore's long, long painted Airstream was not the norm; it was specially painted for the Occasion or a few Occasions (Convention & Coronation). Wally was a great publicist, and Neal V. wasn't shy either. The 22' Liner that Wally and Neal toured Europe in during 1948 was one of the first postwar "bannered" Airstreams (the names of cities visited painted on its sides). When Wally took his first caravan south into Mexico during 1951, a painted Cruisette led the way. It can be seen on RJ's web site: http://www.vintageairstream.com/archives1/51Cruisette/51Cruisette8019/8019B800/1stcaravan.jpg The "Commodore" trailer continued and perhaps promoted this nascent tradition but in a bigger way: the trailer sides were painted a dark color to make the names more visible. The roof was painted a lighter color to reject heat. Sort of harks back to the 1930's painted masonite trailers, doesn't it? Fred http://www.vintageairstream.com/archives1/51Cruisette/51Cruisette8019/8019B800/1stcaravan.jpg Maxwell wrote: > > Fred ~ > > The "Commodore Vanderbilt" shown on the ebay postcard link appears to be > painted...was this the norm? Or do you suppose this was just special > for the tour? > > " THE COMMODORE will be at the Chicago national political conventions > and after at the London Coronation of Queen Elizabeth." > > -- > Shari Davis > '64 GlobeTrotter - "Maxwell" > WBCCI #1824, VAC > www.insideout-design.net/maxwell > > The genesis of that model name can be seen in the > following postcard on Ebay: > > http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2183037376&category=3634 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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, 15 Jul 2003 16:14:21 -0700 From: "chyde" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings However, I would prefer > having heavy duty plastic glides affixed to the awning material (something like > the curtain glides I am using inside the trailer) for ease in putting up the > awning and removing same easily when the high winds come up. > > Any ideas anyone? John, Check out your local Yacht Supply store or Sail Maker. Many sail boats use heavy duty "glides" as you've described stitched to the sails which slide up a track (as on the Airstream) on the mast or boom. Colin Hyde ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 15:02:58 -0700 From: "Oliver Filippi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] '76 Univolt without battery installed Is there a problem plugging in the trailer to 110 V AC without the storage battery connected on a '76 Tradewind with the original Univolt? It seems that somewhere I read about the Univolt needing the battery as a "filter" for the DC current. I don't want to blow the circuit board on the refrigerator, or any other component for that matter. Would the situation be any different if the Univolt was replaced by an Intellisync with Charge Wizard? Thank you, Oliver Filippi ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 17:36:31 -0600 From: Charlie/Betty Burke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] '76 Univolt without battery installed Oliver, Your recollection is correct, converters need the battery load at their output to stabilize and filter the DC voltage output. Modern appliances with circuit cards are more sensitive than the older manually controlled appliances. Used to be the only thing you worried about running with no battery was noise in the radio and the furnace motor going bad. The requirement remains the same for new converters as well. Charlie Oliver Filippi wrote: > Is there a problem plugging in the trailer to 110 V AC without the storage battery > connected on a '76 Tradewind with the original Univolt? > > It seems that somewhere I read about the Univolt needing the battery as a "filter" > for the DC current. > > I don't want to blow the circuit board on the refrigerator, or any other component > for that matter. > > Would the situation be any different if the Univolt was replaced by an Intellisync > with Charge Wizard? > > Thank you, > Oliver Filippi > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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, 15 Jul 2003 19:38:17 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Chasing Electrical Gremlins When we first acquire our 69 Globe 18 months ago, there were some electrical problems that I am just now getting around to correcting. The fan was disconnected and was missing the switch. The square dome light with four bulbs inside didn't work at all and the two reading lights at the front didn't work. According to my owners manual, they were all on the same circuit. A control panel (of sorts) had been fabricated in the compartment over the front window that contains many redundant switches, a car stereo 8 track tape player and an analog voltmeter. I was convinced that the previous owner highjacked the circuit for his control panel (I was wrong). After much digging through pink fiberglass (yuck), looking for open circuits in all the wrong places, I started digging around the fan by popping some rivets around the edge of the opening and pulled out a tangle of red and white wires. It looked rather suspicous - to the point that when I tried to twist/pull off the connector it broke off in my hand in a green powdery mess of corrosion. Oh happy day! A little wire stripping an reconnecting later, light - glorious light. Now that all those lights are fixed, I want to get the fan going again. I will probably put a fantastic vent in sometime later - when I start working on the skin - but in the meantime I need to fix this - if only for my own satisfaction. Like I said - the switch is missing. There were two wires branching off the red/white circuit (both black) and the fan has two wires (red and black). On the vent screen, there is hole where the switch came through and someone labeled it "HI -- OFF -- LOW". I presume by the labels that the fan would have had two speeds but I'm not sure, given the existing wires, what kind of switch to buy and how to wire it? I'm sure someone out there can help me . . . . please. Thanks, Virginia Fesunoff 1969 Globetrotter 21' "The Towster" 1996 Suburban 1500 17'6" Old Town Canoe <A HREF="http://www.pe.net/~breaktek/darkrmpro/airstream/";> http://www.pe.net/~breaktek/darkrmpro/airstream/</A> ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 22:22:35 -0400 From: Daisy Welch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: "Retro" Awnings John, you might look at the hardware that sailboats have to attach sails to spars. These have thingys that are sewn to the edge and slide into a track . I think they have plastic ones, and probably stainless tracks. Daisy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > I am also interested in such an awning for my 58 Flying Cloud. There is a > track above the door that you can feed the trailer side of the awning through > with a rope or line in the middle to stabilize it. However, I would prefer > having heavy duty plastic glides affixed to the awning material (something like > the curtain glides I am using inside the trailer) for ease in putting up the > awning and removing same easily when the high winds come up. > > Any ideas anyone? Also any sources for vintage awning material to match the > green striped vintage awning window coverings that I presently have. Thanks > for any suggestions. > John Woodburn ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 23:12:33 -0400 From: "Scott Scheuermann" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] "Retro" Awnings John, I have a one piece plastic slide or welt on the awning of my Overlander. Putting it up requires 2. One to feed and one to pull. (One person can do an awning about 6 feet wide, wider seems to require 2 people.) I doubt that using tabs instead of a single piece would get you much further, actually it might make it harder to feed since you have to individually feed each piece. Coming down only takes one, and it only takes a few moments, though normal winds don't bother it and I leave it up during most storms. 50mph+ winds however are another story. However repairs were very cheep - about $20 to replace the welt. I should say that I use springs on the guy wires to absorb much of the shock that the winds create. Scott I would prefer > > having heavy duty plastic glides affixed to the awning material (something like > > the curtain glides I am using inside the trailer) for ease in putting up the > > awning and removing same easily when the high winds come up. > > > > Any ideas anyone? > > John Woodburn ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 21:03:01 -0700 From: Joann Wheatley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Frame rust Frame work continues: the sheet metal man came by this morning and cut the front half of the belly pan off but oh boy, it ain't a lot of fun grinding metal while on your back on a creeper. I find this extremely stressful. The top and sides of the frame were ok but anybody have a clue on the bottom surface - a method or technique that doesn't involve working on one's back with a high speed grinder above? The other hint on doing the grinding off of rust was to paint the rusty steel with waste motor oil to curtail the flying dust and rust particles - swap that mess for a muddy but more manageable mess so I did that and it works pretty well I think. but what a mess - you got to do it with old old heavy clothes on and sweep off before you go in the house again. Actually, best to disrobe on the deck and make a dash for the shower. Remember you're going to eventually throw those clothes in the garbage. Also went out and bought a Makita reciprocating saw to remove the rusty bolts that are embedded in the frame. No wonder people do more than one of these trailers- you've got so much invested in tools that you want to use them. So far I've amassed two sanders, 3 kinds of saws, two kinds of drills, every scraper known to man, and a huge assortment of screwdrivers, rivet guns, etc. Is there no end to it? Good luck to us all in this aluminum madness. Jo Ann ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 00:24:35 -0400 From: "Bobby Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Frame rust Jo Ann Jack up the trailer some and put jack stands under it. You can get it to a more comfortable height for working underneath. Also coveralls are great. Throw them on over a pair of shorts and a tank top and your ready to go. Oh you may want to strategically position a fan to provide a little breeze. Not much though, a piece of steel in the eye hurts real bad. The last time I got a piece of steel dust in my eye I had to have my eyeball polished. Get a good pair of wrap around type goggles/safety glasses. U-Vex makes some real comfortable ones. Would classify as another tool for the project though. Unfortunately you can't get a home improvement loan on repairing a trailer so you can write it off on taxes. Be nice if you could. Have fun. Bobby ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 06:46:24 -0400 From: Neal Warren <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Frame rust > The top and sides of the frame were ok but anybody have a > clue on the bottom surface - a method or technique that doesn't involve > working on one's back with a high speed grinder above? The antique auto restorers have several devices that tilt a car up on its side so that they can work on the undercarriage. One is like a giant rotisserie that attaches to the front and rear, the other is a device that attaches to the hubs and raises one side up. Something like that could be built or adapted to a trailer. Of course, you're talking major tool investment.... A motorhome doesn't have the problems with frame rust that the trailers have, since its frame is not covered and the motor and trans keep plenty of oil on everything. :) Neal '86 345 ------------------------------ End of VACList Digest V3 #255 ***************************** 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
