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A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 05:29 AM

I took my time with this one, and was so careful in copying the original, I actually copied some of the mistakes (slight misalignments, and angles)...

Then I tweaked it as best I could to get it as close to perfect as I could. Looks great!

First up, the obligatory "cleco pic", test-fitting the skin...

A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 05:32 AM

On thing I've ALWAYS hated about Airstreams is how they use pop rivets on the door within a door. There's no reason you can't buck these, if you test fit things with clecos, then take it all apart, buck the inner hinge holes, and assemble it back together. The effect is well worth the effort. It IS the front door, after all.

A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 05:36 AM

Another thing i didn't like about the original door on the Globe Trotter was the complete lack of rivets across the top and bottom edges. Lack of rivets there allows the door to twist, and in my case, caused the door to catch and tear the skin (see previous posts).

Anyway, I wasn't about to build a flimsy door. :-) So when I made the interior panel, I made an additional brake at the top and bottom edges, so I could attach all 4 sides to the front skin.

While I was at it, I sealed everything really tight on the top and sides, but left a little gap at the bottom, in the unlikely event that water DOES get in the door, it will drain out.

A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 05:38 AM

finito! The door is 10X stronger than the original set-up. No twisting here! Ditto for the main door.

utee94 · 03-22-2010, 06:54 AM

That is some tight work, JP. Your aluminum skillz are superior.

soldiermedic · 03-22-2010, 08:24 AM

Mad Skilz indeed!

A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 09:42 AM

I wouldn't call them "skills"... I learn something new every time, and I'd probably never do it the same way twice!

Hobbies are all about experimentation, I guess.

JP

pbearsailor · 03-22-2010, 10:29 AM

Definitely makes a lot of sense to buck rivet those hinges on. That's going on my to do list.

-steve

A-Merry-Can · 03-22-2010, 01:35 PM

You see too many posts of these doors flying off NOT to!

JP

goransons · 03-22-2010, 07:49 PM

Very very nice work! Glad to see how that comes apart, going to strip the interior zolatone on ours and rerivet since the door does have so much flex. Thanks for the great tutorial!

A-Merry-Can · 03-29-2010, 12:50 PM

You CAN'T beat a solid door on these old units. I think I'm going to rebuild the door on my '64 next. It seems only fair!

Speaking of the door, I found this on eBay, and riveted it to the inside top of the door. It came off a 50's Pullman coach. I think I'm going to leave the inside of the door satin so it pops like that. Very slick!

JP

NJtoNC · 05-19-2010, 09:50 AM

jp,
i read this post a while back when i had first purchased my 62 GT. almost 6 months later, i know the trailer inside and out, and re-read this thread. I can't believe how DIFFERENT it is from my ohio made GT. its like an an entirely different model! the windows are different, the storage bins, bath set up, etc. maybe some of that was mods from a PO on yours, i don't know.

at any rate, consider me your cheering section - and allow me to encourage you to GET BACK TO WORK on it! i want to see more pics

now on to read your other threads ...

veitchtr · 06-15-2010, 01:43 PM

Anyone know where to get a new axle around Philadlephia? Thanks - new 1962 GT owners...

dudebb · 06-21-2010, 04:50 AM

Hi,
Try South Jersey RV, they are on RT. 40 I think - on the way to the shore. They specialize in Airstream restorations. If they don't have one, they can probably tell you where you can get one.
Good Luck!
George

NJtoNC · 06-21-2010, 07:26 AM

just put a new axle on my 62 GT, which is stored in philly. got it delivered by inland RV in CA.

A-Merry-Can · 06-23-2010, 08:59 AM

Free time hasn't been kind to mer! I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH!!!

But seriously, I've been thinking about replacing the axle on it as well, but it's welded to the frame, NOT bolted on like my '64. I believe this was the first year of the duratorque, so I'm assuming there were some teething problems, and MY trailer is one of em...

any of you other 62s have to cut the axle out?

As for my trotter project... it's DEFINITELY on the slow boat to china... lord knows when I'll get back on it....

JP

NJtoNC · 07-07-2010, 12:33 PM

i was informed by InlandRV that the earlier 62's were still welded on, as they had been in the past. im #153, and my axle was bolted on. i suppose you are one of my older sisters then...

veitchtr · 07-08-2010, 08:17 AM

Turns out ours is a 63... and is bolt on, so will be looking into ordering a new one. Along with lots of other stuff! We got a good portion of the gutting done this weekend. Anyone know of any Airstream salvage places? We need a new front window... Thanks!

A-Merry-Can · 07-12-2010, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJtoNC

i was informed by InlandRV that the earlier 62's were still welded on, as they had been in the past. im #153, and my axle was bolted on. i suppose you are one of my older sisters then...

I don't know how to tell what number mine is, but it's definitely welded on. :-S Guess I'll need to take it to a trailer shop to get that part sorted out. I'm no welder. It's just one more delay, in an overly-delayed project trailer!

JP