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GAStreamin · 05-28-2013, 05:02 PM

I am making one out aluminum. We'll see how it turns out. Well, the welder is making one.

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 05:16 PM

62 I was referring to the plastic one on the inside that falls apart when you remove it. But yes I am getting one from out of doors mart for the outside and was wondering about the mounting over the old holes. And that sounds better than cutting it. Thanks

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 05:20 PM

I thought about aluminum for the inside but then looked at the mirror in the guest bathroom and decided that the grandchildren have wonderful small hand prints just not for continuous wiping of fingerprints from the aluminum. We are going with fiberglass and what ever color she decides will be mixed into the jell coat.

GAStreamin · 05-28-2013, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RM66caravel

I thought about aluminum for the inside but then looked at the mirror in the guest bathroom and decided that the grandchildren have wonderful small hand prints just not for continuous wiping of fingerprints from the aluminum. We are going with fiberglass and what ever color she decides will be mixed into the jell coat.

Good thinking! I will have the same issue. I didn't think of that!

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 05:23 PM

Will let you know how the mold thing goes if it works than you can barrow it and make one.

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 05:26 PM

Feels good removed the antenna and cut wood for braces and if it continues to go well she'll off by Friday! Tv antenna is not going back on! Keeping the radio antenna so we can have some music in the faraday cage!

Frank's Trailer Works · 05-28-2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RM66caravel

62 I was referring to the plastic one on the inside that falls apart when you remove it. But yes I am getting one from out of doors mart for the outside and was wondering about the mounting over the old holes. And that sounds better than cutting it. Thanks

My mistake... If you do make a mold, you will create a nice little side business for yourself.

goransons · 05-28-2013, 08:14 PM

I can only guess that Airstream had a few different molds over the years because a few summers ago I saw 4 of these vents sitting side by side, all off mid 60's units and all had a significantly different arch to them. I've also heard some of the vendors have made some repros but that they either fit awesome or aweful depending on the shape of the walls. on the day the trailer was built.

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 09:56 PM

My endcaps and shower unit are fiber glass and I have seen several of the plastic scoops that are cracked and broken mainly because plastic has a much shorter life than fiberglass. The only benifit I can see with plastic is the fact that it is that it can be molded and fitted with heat. Airstream used heating to fit these scoops because airstreams all very in shape and curves. The fiberglass while rigid if too thick will not conform to every caravel let along every Airstream. If I used plastic then a heat gun would provide for a costum fit but i have no experience with plastic. may try and see if the I can mold the plastic to the form with a heat gun.. then could fit any airstream for about 30 years of use.

RM66caravel · 05-28-2013, 09:58 PM

That was vary and custom fit!! still making a fiberglass scoop first.

RM66caravel · 05-29-2013, 04:28 PM

Removed the rub rail and one of the wheel well patches and took pic just got to put them on the thumb nail. To post them.

RM66caravel · 05-30-2013, 03:33 PM

All braced and ready for lift off! One I drill all of the remaining buck rivets!

**Stefrobrts** · 05-30-2013, 03:39 PM

You're sure making progress! Share some pics one's you get it off the frame!

RM66caravel · 05-30-2013, 05:34 PM

Will be my pleasure I have been taking them during the process but don't want to fight with the computer till its off! Stephanie I have a lot of shims on the wall ribs and only 4 of those touch the U channel is this normal? Also the three screws in the threshold just will not budge any problem if I cut those?
Thanks and I love your thread
Cliff

RM66caravel · 05-30-2013, 05:40 PM

It went good today after I bleed on it! Took my safety gloves off to pick up the pencil and scraped a rivet piece stuck in the rib by the door. I am good like that put on my safety glasses turned around and ran into the door and yes bled again! That was yesterday with the door had a headache for most of the night. Had to laugh about it anyway.

RM66caravel · 05-31-2013, 09:11 AM

I am posting some of the pictures now because my schedule is filling fast! I have the bracing in and have removed on of the two patches that have to come off I also messed up 3 rivets (hot out and dog loving while trying to work) so break then back at it after lunch! The outlet on the right side of the door is for a plug in proch light which does not match the ones that i have seen on airstreams!? last but not least how does remove the cable port from under the access door? bout to cut it off!
Cliff

RM66caravel · 05-31-2013, 01:04 PM

Okay anybody please, what is the secret with removing the buck rivets? 15 buck rivets in a hour and a half three broken bits and I may never find that spring loaded center punch (good throw) ! I finally put the dogs in the house (lots of lovin at the wrong time) but still there has got to be an easier way! I still have a hundred or so to go!! Bare in mind I don't drink so beer will not help!

RM66caravel · 05-31-2013, 01:07 PM

For those of you that think that quality control was good in the sixties please don't drink and drive if there were a time machine I would be having a "chat" with good ole qc!

Jewel65 · 05-31-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RM66caravel

Bare in mind I don't drink so beer will not help!

Well that's you problem!

Seriously, go find that punch with the spring. It's almost impossible without that. Make sure to give it a good pull and let it go. It should make a nice dimple in that rivet. Use a fresh bit and make sure it is the right size. I think it is #30 if I recall correctly. Take your time.

**Stefrobrts** · 05-31-2013, 01:43 PM

No project is complete until you swear and someone is bleeding

Did you get the screws out? I say cut them if they get in the way. They have to be replaced anyway. I cut through a lot of stuff with my dremel.

Your need for shims might have to do with the old wood floor being warped. You'll know more as you get it apart, but everything was tight on the new floor once I put it in. I didn't go shell off like you are though! Good luck! Try to be patient with those buck rivets!