Airstream Forums - General Repair Forum

Airstream Forums - General Repair Forum http://www.airforums.com/forums/ Got a problem with your Airstream? Need some advice on how to fix something? Get tons of expert advice in our repair forum! en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:05:17 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.airforums.com/ugala/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Airstream Forums - General Repair Forum http://www.airforums.com/forums/ my podcast: an episode about airstreams with uwe http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/my-podcast-an-episode-about-airstreams-with-uwe-58681.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:01:04 GMT hi all,

i haven't been on here in awhile but i just released my latest podcast, an interview i did with forum member, uwe salwender at area 63 productions. it's all about vintage airstreams.

www.residearchitecture.com/podcast

by the way, if anyone is wondering about my '56 flying cloud, it's at uwe's shop in orange. after two years of trying it my way, i had to call in the troops. ]]> General Repair Forum urbanfood http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/my-podcast-an-episode-about-airstreams-with-uwe-58681.html Range hood question http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/range-hood-question-58643.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:08:34 GMT Hi, I have a 65 Caravel.

I know what the original range hood looks like and how it operated. Mine was rust out, totaled and had no guts. I salvaged the angled box and the 5" round that goes out. It's been blasted and repainted. I purchased a new modern hood. Blanked the back vent and cut a hole in the top to fit the angled box.

So this is my question. How would you prevent a backdraft? A flaper like a dryer vent? A loover on the outside? Any other ideas?

Thanks, Dave ]]> General Repair Forum Bigventure http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/range-hood-question-58643.html <![CDATA[Fire extinguisher - Where & How Many]]> http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/fire-extinguisher-where-and-how-many-58580.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:21:13 GMT Soooooo, where do you keep your fire extinguisher? I have only one and keep it in my kitchen pantry. On second (or third) thought, I don't think this is an appropriate place. I dislike the look of it hanging on a wall, but.... I even wonder if I should have a couple and place them in differing areas.

Oh, and what type do you carry. I found one RV website that says it should be BC rated. But, in the same article, it mentions that many RV fires are of A type. ???

Thanks for your thoughts,
Laura ]]> General Repair Forum funkill http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/fire-extinguisher-where-and-how-many-58580.html Installing a Door Knob (Latch or Not to Latch) http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/installing-a-door-knob-latch-or-not-to-latch-58579.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:20:15 GMT I am bogged down again by what seems to be the simplest of things. I am trying to install a new door knob on my camper. In an attempt to reduce my expenses, I am using a standard door knob, similar to the one shown below. I not sure if I have the terminology down... But here it goes. It... I am bogged down again by what seems to be the simplest of things.

I am trying to install a new door knob on my camper. In an attempt to reduce my expenses, I am using a standard door knob, similar to the one shown below.

I not sure if I have the terminology down... But here it goes. It seems that the latch (part that runs the opposite direction of the knobs) is too short for the Airstream door. So, I tried to use the existing camper's latch with the new door knobs... the connection point was not compatible. The rod connecting the two knobs together was larger then the hole in the existing latch. So, I went to work on it... Now, I believe I screwed up the existing latch. So I now have a door knob that does latch. During our trip to Penn Wood, someone told me about extensions. How I understood this, the extension would increase the size of your latch.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thans in advance for your support.

]]> General Repair Forum rslaymaker http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/installing-a-door-knob-latch-or-not-to-latch-58579.html Wide Door on Panamerica http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/wide-door-on-panamerica-58550.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:22:36 GMT Who in the US is the best at undertaking major mods of Airstream Structures? To put a Smart fortwo or a Can Am Spyder in the Panamerica requires a rear door opening of about 66". This is not such a difficult task, but requires an engineering knowledge to maintain the proper lateral stiffness at the rear of the unit.

Anyone know if this has been done? Or who might do it? It would use the same technology as an aircraft wing or aluminum chassis on a race vehicle. Lots of box structure.

Thanks, ]]> General Repair Forum Msmoto http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/wide-door-on-panamerica-58550.html 27 Pt Inspection Results are in! Now what? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/27-pt-inspection-results-are-in-now-what-58526.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:39:16 GMT We took our new-to-us '97 Limited, "Dimples" to JC for sheet metal repair. (Now that she's repaired, we'll have to come up with a new name.) We decided that while she was there that we'd have the shop give the 27 point inspection. Who knows what could have gone wrong in the first 13 years when she had a different owner?

We just got the results and are pretty pleased that nothing major was wrong. What they did find that needed repair will run us around $600 for labor and parts. I wondering how to cut down on this bill by repairing the issue myself, thus saving the $90 per hour labor charge and saving money on the repair part.

Here's the listing of issues with the repair hours first and part price second.

A/C shroud cracked .30 hrs $174.87
Power cord has melted prong 1.50 hrs $77.92
Rubrail extrusion loose in front area .50 hrs no parts needed
Fresh water drain cock needs replaced .50 hrs $2.13
Fantastic fan trim ring needs replaced .25 hrs $11.65

My thoughts are that I'll buy a shroud from Icon Technologies for $89 and replace it myself.
Penguin - Dometic Duo-Therm - Air Conditioner Shroud - Icon Technologies Limited

Power cord - Does it really take 1.5 hours to replace? That's $135! Can the common man easily replace the cord? OR, replace male end and keep the cord.

Rubrail Tightening - Will tightening a screw or two tighten the rub rail or is there more involved than this? Where is the rub rail?

Freshwater draincock. Is this more than screwing out the old and screwing in the new with teflon tape?

Fantastic trim ring - I'll buy the part from AS and replace it myself.

I'd really appreciate some experienced knowledge on how to proceed on these few repairs.

Thanks a lot in advance,

JimW ]]> General Repair Forum JimW http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/27-pt-inspection-results-are-in-now-what-58526.html Tail Light Bezel for the 100th time http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/tail-light-bezel-for-the-100th-time-58477.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:34 GMT This has no doubt been covered before, but...The aluminum bezel around my tail lights have problems with the clear coat. The coating is lifting from the aluminum. Can somebody give me a tip on how to take them off and polish them and then re-coating them? Here's a photo.

Thanks, Randy Bowman

Attached Thumbnails

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_0565.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 267.1 KB
ID: 90894

]]> General Repair Forum OB Bambi http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/tail-light-bezel-for-the-100th-time-58477.html 1999 Safari Fresh Water Holding Tank http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/1999-safari-fresh-water-holding-tank-58456.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:51:34 GMT I noticed that the fresh water tank is bowed, straps still holding --- is that a common issue with this model? I noticed that the fresh water tank is bowed, straps still holding --- is that a common issue with this model? ]]> General Repair Forum jmason625 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/1999-safari-fresh-water-holding-tank-58456.html Wide body http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/wide-body-58349.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:11:59 GMT What year did Airstream go to the "wide body" style? I am thinking 1996 or 1997. ]]> General Repair Forum kenny2 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/wide-body-58349.html Big problem, well two problems http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/big-problem-well-two-problems-58298.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:32:31 GMT I have been busy with new decks and guest houses being built around the place, so the restoration of the AS has been put on hold for awhile. But really i just need to finish the cabinets. The problem now comes in the form of Twins, (TWO PROBLEMS) which my wife is pregnant with. really they are... I have been busy with new decks and guest houses being built around the place, so the restoration of the AS has been put on hold for awhile. But really i just need to finish the cabinets. The problem now comes in the form of Twins, (TWO PROBLEMS) which my wife is pregnant with. really they are a blessing...

I re-did the AS with bunks for our two kids and a dinette to sit at. Well the dinette will work for a few years for the twins to sleep on but when they get to be about 3 we will not all fit in the AS.

Now, I'm not gonna get rid of it, but we will have to get something bigger. Which will probably mean a SOB with a slide, or a bunk house or something to sleep all 6 of us..
I can't even believe I'm saying it......:sad:

But the reality is AS just weren't and still aren't designed for families.
But I love ours and have a lot of hours into it. So for now it will get finished this winter, and when the wife and I want to get away without the kids it will get hooked up..... ]]> General Repair Forum purman http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/big-problem-well-two-problems-58298.html New Furnace etc. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/new-furnace-etc-58260.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:37:22 GMT can anyone tell me where to go to buy a new furnace and water heater for a 77 sovereign. thanks. can anyone tell me where to go to buy a new furnace and water heater for a 77 sovereign. thanks. ]]> General Repair Forum spunjes http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/new-furnace-etc-58260.html Progress on the 68 Tradewind http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/progress-on-the-68-tradewind-58030.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:45:33 GMT Just an update and some pictures of the project.....I took good advice and stripped the upper interior to rewire....had a few nice days so I have been cleaning and painting interior panels and working on windows and various holes that leak. One picture shows results of lag bolts used to hold... Just an update and some pictures of the project.....I took good advice and stripped the upper interior to rewire....had a few nice days so I have been cleaning and painting interior panels and working on windows and various holes that leak. One picture shows results of lag bolts used to hold awning on....sigh....Any good ideas about dealing with spots like this are welcome! Ordered 2 windows to try some ideas (from Inland RV).....Did the tub and bathroom surfaces with polyamide epoxy. I brushed it..wish I had the means to have sprayed it, but it looks clean and shiny. The frame picture is from earlier in the month....glad that part is over and the floor is all in. I am taking lots of pictures and some day while I'm warming my toes by the fire, I will figure out how to put them all in a good format for sharing.

Attached Thumbnails

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 1.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 545.9 KB
ID: 90023

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 2.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 437.5 KB
ID: 90024

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 3.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 505.4 KB
ID: 90025

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 4.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 326.7 KB
ID: 90026

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 5.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 535.5 KB
ID: 90031

Click image for larger version

Name: Progress 1009 6.jpg
Views: N/A
Size: 537.8 KB
ID: 90032

]]> General Repair Forum shimps http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/progress-on-the-68-tradewind-58030.html the ronnie re...re...re...project http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/the-ronnie-re-re-re-project-58020.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:34:07 GMT Hi all
My name is Gerry Morgan, or, "the zenman" by those who know me. This is not because I have reached some level of calm and oneness with all, but because I play the zendrum...which is great fun.

I live in the village of Wakefield, just north of Ottawa Canada on the Gatineau River with my wife Estelle.

I am a career musician and more recently an engineer and producer.

A couple of years ago I ran across a really interesting project of a guy named Ronnie Lane, who imported an AS trailer in the early 70's and began recording music. His rig was called the "LMS"
After the first year the floodgates opened and the catalogue of classic recordings and legendary producers that were created inside the LMS's pastel blue, shag pile-lined aluminium shell is unmatched anywhere in rock & roll. The list is too long to recreate, but if one of your favourite records isn't here, you shouldn't be involved in rock & roll. To name but a few, and in no particular order....

Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti - UK #1. US #1 The Who - Quadrophenia UK #1 US #2
The Who - The Who by Numbers UK #3 US #2 Bad Company - Bad Company UK #1 US #1-Eric Clapton - Rainbow Concert UK #2 US #3-The Faces - Ooh La La (their biggest seller) UK #1 US #3-The Stones - Black & Blue UK #2 US #1-Mott The Hoople - Mott UK #12 US #21-Ronnie Lane - Slim Chance & Rough mix (w. Pete Townsend) UK & US # who cares!

Other users of the studio include: Bob Marley, Jack Bruce, Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Van Morrison, The Pretty Things, The Damned, Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker, Keith & Ronnie, B.B. King, Dave Edmunds, Jeff Beck and... well, pretty much anyone who ever really sold any records.

Total sales of recordings from the LMS around 500 million.

Pretty impressive...I wanted one.

Several months ago I picked up a '72 AS Sovereign and began my journey. I know there are quite a few folks who read these forums who may have a hard time with wandering away from the original design, but my education in acoustics, my 40+ years recording and my time spent on this forum and other re4search portals have caused me to undertake what has become perhaps a little bigger project that originally thought, but, I prevail.

Please keep in mind this is not a restoration, but more of a re-design for a specific commercial purpose. I gutted the ronnie, my rigs name, and seperated the frame from the body. All the wire, plumbing and insulation is removed and I am on my way. The frame has been stripped and treated with Por15. I will shortly flip the frame back over once I have re-skinned and treated the underside. This is the stage I am at now.

Okay...so far so good...now comes the funky stuff. I will fill the frame with fibre glass insulation and install a new floor made from a galvanized metal material that is stronger than 3/4 plywood but lighter and a little less rigid. The body will be raised 18" to give me the necessary headroom and floor cavity over the wheel wells to install all my HVAC, 3 water tanks, plumbing and 12v, 115v and 220v wiring I need.

I am also installing a 10'WX8'deep slide out where the electronic wiring and components will be, well away from any other buzz creating AC or DC current.

My tow vehicle is a 1988 Chevrolet Grumman 1 ton 6.21 diesel automatic which is also aluminium. I will also strip it and polish it up as well. It will contain the generator and act like a tender for the AS.

Well that’s it for now. As I move along I will post comments and pictures for anyone who is interested. The only picture that is not similar to many others is the new floor which will be installed next week. So far all the rest you have seen.

peace
z ]]> General Repair Forum zenman http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/the-ronnie-re-re-re-project-58020.html <![CDATA[Help in ID'ing this Fifties Airstream.....SlideShow Photos...]]> http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/help-in-iding-this-fifties-airstream-slideshow-photos-57962.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:24:15 GMT Hello All... I just purchased what appears to be a pretty collectible original and straight fifties Airstream. Not quite certain what I have here, and any insight would be most appreciated. The only number I have to ID is on the starboard side of the hitch and is: *5-136* Here is a... Hello All...

I just purchased what appears to be a pretty collectible original and straight fifties Airstream. Not quite certain what I have here, and any insight would be most appreciated.

The only number I have to ID is on the starboard side of the hitch
and is: 5-136

Here is a link to a slideshow of photos.
http://s769.photobucket.com/albums/xx335/SanDiegoAirstream/Airstream%20Flying%20Cloud/?albumview=slideshow

The prior owner sold it as a Flying Cloud 22'. However, I believe it is longer and thusly am not convinced it is a FC.

Thank you!

Best,
JB ]]> General Repair Forum jbsails http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/help-in-iding-this-fifties-airstream-slideshow-photos-57962.html