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08-12-2017, 12:42 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Montrose
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 20
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Lubrication for Windows / Aluminum
Hi all!
Have some windows (push open) that are a bit sticky, just wondering what everyone uses to lube up the aluminum on aluminum parts? I know WD40 is out as it collects dirt.
Just wondering if there is anything specific to Airstreams? Newbie question for sure, I appreciate the help!
__________________
1978 Argosy Twin 24'
Montrose, CO
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08-12-2017, 01:01 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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I use a silicone spray on all locks, rubber gadgets and pretty much any place else that is sticking. Silicone spray is also a key to trouble free ZipDee awning operation.
If you do not ready have them I recommend Rich's two Airstream maintenance books.
https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll.../books-and-cds
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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08-12-2017, 01:13 PM
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#3
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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For lubricating metal parts that can't get oily or collect dirt, I use Finish Line Dry Teflon bike chain lube:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U30TFAS...ing=UTF8&psc=1
Originally bought it for my bike (naturally), but now it sees a lot of use on my Airstream as well.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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08-12-2017, 01:22 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
Montrose
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 20
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Thanks guys! Great suggestions!
__________________
1978 Argosy Twin 24'
Montrose, CO
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08-12-2017, 08:18 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Hiawassee
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,416
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One other thing...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartowski
Thanks guys! Great suggestions!
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Sticky windows are sometimes caused by the window sticking to the rubber gasket. Be careful or you can shatter the glass by pushing too hard on it.
If that's the problem, you need to take a credit card or thin piece of plastic & run it between the gasket and the glass to free it up. Then clean the gasket and treat it with a product called Protectant 303 or something like that.
The silicone lube is perfect for all the aluminum parts, like awning rails. No Airstream should be without it.
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08-13-2017, 12:09 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 6
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303 Lubricant that Rich Luhr mentions in The (nearly) complete guide to airstream maintenance. I too am a newbie, this is one of the first things i did, lube my gaskets. I see many using keys and credit cards to open windows, since lubing my gaskets ( i just like to say it), i have had zero issues! I am a believer!
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08-13-2017, 01:08 PM
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#7
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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Inland Andy recommended silicone grease some years ago for seals. Won't work on everything, but better than aerosol in some instances.
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08-13-2017, 03:17 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2019 25' International
Washington
, Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,272
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I think I remember one of Rich's Airstream maintenance books advising one to lay a strand of dental floss at bottom of windows - prevents rubber from sticking.
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08-13-2017, 03:30 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
2015 19' Flying Cloud
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Rosemount
, Minnesota
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 242
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I repurposed the tool that came in a Goo Be Gone sticker remover kit. We keep it in the kitchen drawer and use it whenever a window sticks (usually after we forget to wipe down the rubber with 303 Lubricant before the trip).
https://www.amazon.com/Goo-Gone-Stic...words=goo+gone
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1200_.jpg
__________________
2017 25' Flying Cloud
2018 F-250 6.2L Gas
Blue Ox SwayPro 1000#
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08-13-2017, 03:38 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1975 Argosy 26
1975 26' Argosy 26
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 81
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF
I use a silicone spray on all locks, rubber gadgets and pretty much any place else that is sticking. Silicone spray is also a key to trouble free ZipDee awning operation.
If you do not ready have them I recommend Rich's two Airstream maintenance books.
https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll.../books-and-cds
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Does Rich's book cover my 75 Argosy 26'?
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08-13-2017, 03:53 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alhamilton
Does Rich's book cover my 75 Argosy 26'?
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They are nonspecific general manuals. I previously had a 1964 Bambi II and his first book was my bible. Using both of them has made my life much easier with 2006.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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08-13-2017, 05:16 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,346
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I carry a plastic, disposable putty knife and use it to help open stuck windows. It hangs on one of the key hooks by the door.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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08-13-2017, 11:38 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Sequim
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 525
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartowski
Hi all!
Have some windows (push open) that are a bit sticky, just wondering what everyone uses to lube up the aluminum on aluminum parts? I know WD40 is out as it collects dirt.
Just wondering if there is anything specific to Airstreams? Newbie question for sure, I appreciate the help!
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I use silicone as others have suggested. It works very well, and in my experience it is best used regularly to saturate the seals.
I also installed the window poppers recently discussed on the AS Forum. They are inexpensive (about $20 for four) and easy to install (5 minutes each). These are terrific! But I still keep the seals lubricated with silicone.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...et-132014.html
Good luck and safe travels!
__________________
D2
"Having differences makes a difference"
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08-14-2017, 01:25 AM
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#14
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Opinionated newb...
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City
, TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
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I can vouch for the books, extremely good information for someone new to RVs let alone Airstreams, just read mine through cover to cover to start the info percolating
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD
What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
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08-14-2017, 05:51 AM
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#15
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AbbottAir
2016 23' International
Pocatdello
, Idaho
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 6
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Love all the suggestions...especially the Goo Gone scraper! It will be on the key hook on our next trip!
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08-14-2017, 07:10 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2015 25' Flying Cloud
2016 30' Flying Cloud
Blenheim Ontario
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,263
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fORGET THE LUBES AND SCRAPERS!
Those 'lubes' and credit cards are not needed at all. Forget them.
After years of swearing at A.S. for not doing an 'obvious' thing;
I made some 'Window Pushers' to push the window away from the frame, so that I could then open them using the OEM handles.
For each assembly, I used a:
-One; 3/16" X 3-1/2" Pan headed bolt; NOT threaded to head. (The thread is about 3/4", and not required.)
-Two; #8 U.S.S. washers, (for each end of)...,
-1 ea; 1/4" x 1-1/4" spring.
-Two; rubber snubbers; one 3/16" to fit bolt end to protect window; One larger one to fit over bolt head to protect fingers.
Drill a suitable hole in the window frame using a #11 drill.
Large windows will require two Pushers, smaller ones only one.
It is possible to install them solo, but easier with two persons.
After I published this item on Forum, 'somebody' told us that there was a company in California who manufactured these things and sold them as "Window Poppers". Apparently for over $20 for two.
I prefer to solve problems myself.
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