'65 GT 20' my winter project

[REDSLED88]

More

[thumbelinadj]

Found a 2007 thread on 61-65 Hehr window repairs- Really helpful!!!!!

" Ambassador Tim showed you the right way, also RJ Dial has some excellent instructions too. Restoration Topics - Window Repairs I started a thread yesterday asking how to get all that liquid seal out that the PO used. Maybe the protemp has not set up too hard and you can get." Window Repair-1961-1965 - Vintage Airstream this is the article!

[Del Gurney]

Hey Dena: Happy for you to have re-joined the project.
I kept my oblong "Astro-dome" but as mine is a 26' I have
two other roof vents and the F-fans fit just fine.
As I mentioned before: the Hehr window re-fit was a PIA.
Tips: I used the orange citrus paint stripper to soften all the goop
from PO's sealant.
The new window gaskets (both for the glass retainer and the frame to
body I tried to keep warm and supple AND (very important) pre-squeeze
the gasket barbs (where they insert in to the mini-channels) away from the
body of the seal so they insert easier.
I'm about a week out posting final interior pics....the end-caps damb near
killed me (kidding) and I'm almost finished installing the interior trim.
Cheers

[reinergirl]

Hey, just caught up with this thread! You're doing a great job! I did a post on little tips on doing windows that might help. Post 411 here , http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...ml#post1359989

Keep up the good work ! If you decide to keep the skylight do a search on my thread for Maxim, awesome company and a great product.

[thumbelinadj]

Thank you- Finding myself paralyzed to make a decision. The first glass place I went to called me a week later and said they did not want to order glass.
SO now I am SITTING on this project.
Meanwhile we have three panels off the front.

Need to get some more ribs.
Looks like that is a question for the forum.
What aluminum strength do I buy?
I have to have them made on a brake
Choosing for a reinforcement of ribs and one was bent.
Dena

[dbj216]

Hi again, I'm sure Aerowood or one of the other aluminum alloy folks will chime in with a good suggestion. I wonder what Airstream used originally for the ribs. I never really thought about it.

Gee, the 65s were the last of the flat glass Airstreams. I figured glass replacement was easier on those trailers than the 66 and newer, especially the Corning curved glass of 66, 67, and 68. I suspect there are shops that can replace the flat glass in your GT.

David

[HiHoAgRV]

The big arched ribs are bent from aluminum extrusion materials. I had to make a short section for my '63 so the rivet line on the interior skin was the same on both sides up front (my OCD kicked in). I used .032 3003 and made it using a wooden pattern/clamp to hammer it's flanges.

It's somewhere buried in my '63 thread and I can't find stuff on this iPhone app.

[thumbelinadj]

Believe it or not, I have not given up. The fifth new skin is on. I had new ribs made and reinforced where the AC mounts. All the glass has been replaced with tempered. But, the window shop LOST the frame in the spring. .I sat on it a bit and worried and worried. Posted for parts. Looked for a part. NO where to be found. Well I can pay Airstream Supply for a replacement frame. So I am doing that. I

I just posted a request for help on the dimensions and part number for anyone to help out.

She is undercover at Ryan's RV in Everett.
Carrying on!

Dena

[dbj216]

Well hi thumbelina, I was worried about you. Hope all is well. Glad you still have your Globetrotter. It's seahawk time again, you'll be out watching for those things I'm sure.

Some shops aren't very well organized and loose stuff. Putting an old Airstream back together is a BIG project, especially when one is working full time. Hey, I got an idea, retire! Then you will have more time to enjoy your hobbies. I hope you can find a replacement window.

We moved to Colorado, and I spent last winter working on the son's 69 Globetrotter. I built a new dinette that makes down into a BIG sleeping space. And I will do more to it this winter. His trailer is a "boondocker" meaning it travels some pretty rough roads around here just to get to a good fishing spot or elk hunting spot. And it isn't in the greatest of shape. Heck, one of his rare square corner front windows just up and shattered last summer. He put Lexan in it for now, but I don't know what the permanent fix will be. I guess all of us use our trailers in the way that suits us, and that's just fine with me.

David

[Del Gurney]

Hi Dena:
I've got the same windows so call me and I'll
have a look for the Hehr part number.
Glad to hear you are making progress.

As for my "little" job. I now have a mini-galley,
some shelves near the door and 3 bed frames.
1 big one in the back and two bench seats over
the wheel wells that convert in to beds. Electric
and water are in and working and have 4 new
tanks still to install. Matresses are being made
now. WHAT A LOT OF WORK!! Also new screens
and mini blinds.

[thumbelinadj]

Oh geez. It is a long story but Ryan's RV in Everett completely failed and bailed. Not only did the worker that was most qualified and experiences start but her then quit. Leaving replacement skins with only clecos on.
With small pop rivets it was put together and slowly driven back to my house.
Current state photos are on https://www.facebook.com/GlamperGirl/

Many, many people have been incredibly helpful. I was close to parting her out. I am going to persevere and carry on.

Michael Vallen is coming up to help me with the skins and get all the windows in.

Someone absconded with my rear Hehr window. I am working with the gentleman that made my ribs to see if he can make a back frame. The front frame i bought.

Moving along

[thumbelinadj]

HI David! I will go check your posts for the updates on your sons GT! If you are on Facebook here is the page I communicate better on. https://www.facebook.com/GlamperGirl/

Take care!

[dbj216]

Hi thumbelina: You made it through the winter! Me too. Years ago I took my 67 Alfa Duetto to a small shop for a paint job. Developed into a horror story, maybe like your trailer. The shop tore my car apart and left it unfinished and a big fat lien against the car. I had to hire a lawyer.

I did work on the son's Globetrotter this winter. I installed a new black tank, toilet, and fridge. I also built two new bulkhead walls, and installed an new laminate floating floor. So we are making progress from what it was. It needs more work, but it's time to go camping.

I don't do Facebook, in fact I don't think I've ever been to that site. How's that for being very old fashioned?

David

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by thumbelinadj

Someone absconded with my rear Hehr window. I am working with the gentleman that made my ribs to see if he can make a back frame. The front frame i bought.



Moving along

If you can find a local Airstreamer with a '50's trailer, get your guy to copy the window frame. It won't be a perfect match but it's possible to build one from aluminum sheet. You probably will need to adjust some dimensions but at least it's a good starting point.

[Aerowood]

I forgot that you that you are in the Seattle area. I'm up in Abbottsford right now. Been here since 24 March. I didn't bring any tools up with me however.

[thumbelinadj]

this is gorgeous!!

[Priorityone]

Lucky us! I've just acquired a '65 ( paper says so ...do you know where it says on the trailer?! ) 20' Globetrotter, too!
This is my first AS and it needs resto, too. So I am brand new to the AS world and am hunting parts my self. Priority is finding front roof vent that seems to not exist anymore! And it's raining, isn't it!
I am west of you in Kitsap County.
Nice to meet you, and best of luck with your AS.

[Rucksta]

Originally Posted by Priorityone

Lucky us! I've just acquired a '65 ( paper says so ...do you know where it says on the trailer?! ) 20' Globetrotter, too!
This is my first AS and it needs resto, too. So I am brand new to the AS world and am hunting parts my self. Priority is finding front roof vent that seems to not exist anymore! And it's raining, isn't it!
I am west of you in Kitsap County.
Nice to meet you, and best of luck with your AS.

Welcome.

[Peter417]

Did this get finished?