Just got our first AS...'65 Globetrotter!

[grnthumbguy]

Hi...Would love to meet other owners of '65 GT's to pick your brain and compare notes. We have only had "Wilfred" a week but I already have a list of things that need replacing, fixing or finding.

Still has the original split rims and the baby moon hubcaps are rusty and were painted over silver...not sure if they can be saved by stripping and rechroming.

Has the rail for an awning but no awning.

Has the old style LP tanks.

No A/C and no fan in either ceiling vent.

Part of the cover for the hot water heater on the exterior looks like it was lost and replaced with just a loose piece of aluminum.

Both Airstream tags are really faded as is the tag by the door. (has old faded "Good Sam" club stickers on both ends, not Wally numbers)

No spare tire carrier.

I know there are other items but those were just off the top of my head.
It would be great to trade photos with other GT owners to help us with our not-quite restoration of our new toy.

thanks!
Jim

[AYRSTRM2]

Hey, no sweat, that list sounds like a coach of the era in "as found" condition. I hope that that's the extent of your "issues". As for split rims, double check that, your 65 is starting to get away from those, but maybe you still do have them. Go to vintageairstream.com for a LOT of tips on fixing, renovating and restoring your coach.

John

[Tom Nugler]

Welcome to the Forum. There are a lot of GT owners out here and the knowledge base for all models is fantastic. Split rims are considered a safety issue. Might want to think about replacements. I think many units of this vintage have the channel for the awning and I have seen plenty with the cheesy water heater panels.(Mine included)
You will find plenty of threads on painting tags and how and where to mount spares.
I've had this GT for 5 years and and am still find out new tricks and hints on all topics.
Have Fun, Tom.

[65GT]

Hey Jim!

If you dig you'll find out that we've had ours since last October. We've already been to Daytona in February and went cross-country in June. Here's the bare minimum I decided needed fixing just to make sure it was road worthy...

Wheels
Southwest Wheel
1-800-866-3339
Part Number 91905 or 91905T (the T is the silver paint one I believe)
Price was $36.55 per wheel

Loaded Backing Plates (new brake shoes, springs, magnet, the works!). Unbolt the old backing plates and toss 'em. I think it was 6 small nuts, bolts, and washers per side. Everything you need is on the new backing plates Unbolt them, undo the two wires (wire nuts), re-install -- you're done. 12" x 2" Dexter Axle Backing Plates. They're in that universal catalog you get from every RV dealer. They were $65 per side. I ordered mine local, installed them myself.

Tires: I blew this one twice -- here's the post if you'd like to read it:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=16452

You WANT ST's period -- don't settle for LT's. You can use them but the carrying capacity is rated nearly 800 lbs. less. Tirerack.com couldn't help me out on this one -- I couldn't find ST's local for my life although I was pretty short on time. 7.00 - 15's are the correct size. I bought LT's and think I paid about $65 each.

Pack the wheel bearings (or have them packed) and at least you should get down the road okay.

Bought two new Worthington 30# Al tanks from Emerald Isle Distribution. www.emeraldid.com I can't remember what I paid (far more expensive than steel), but when I did it I researched this a bit and they were the cheapest by far. Get three quotes -- order tanks! These polish up brightly, quickly!

Oh, and those baby moons will be useless on new rims unless you're going to go to the expense of having the old tabs removed from your split rims and installed on your new ones. I'll be looking for baby moons for these when I get a chance, but they'll just snap right over the roughly 10" diameter raised portion designed for baby moons.

Congrats -- good luck -- we're here if you need us!

[grnthumbguy]

Thanks guys for all the info. Any recommendations on brake controllers?


Jim

[MarkR]

do a search for brake controllers, you'll find more than enough info to help decide.