1965 Ambassador features info needed

[bwaysteve]

Is there any feature on a 65 Ambassador other than a gray tank that is on later 70's models I might wish I had?

[overlander64]

Greetings bwaysteve!

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Is there any feature on a 65 Ambassador other than a gray tank that is on later 70's models I might wish I had?

There are only two things that I can think of beyond the gray water tank that a later 1970s Ambassador might have:

• HydraVac Disc Brakes
• Availability of a side bath model

As something of a transitional coach, the 1965 lacked some of the features from 1964 and earlier coaches and hadn't yet acquired the Corning windows.

• The jalousie windows next to the entrance door disappeared for 1965 replaced by windows that matched those used elsewhere on the coach.
• The Door-within-a-Door also disappeared for the 1965 model year.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Is there any feature on a 65 Ambassador other than a gray tank that is on later 70's models I might wish I had?

Much larger water tank. From 30 gallons it goes to almost 50 gallons.

Far superior Univolt.

Windows that don't leak like they do in a 65 model.

Far better AC.

Tempered glass windows instead of household glass.

A 2 5/16 inch coupler instead of 2 inch.

Superior wheels.

Better frame.

More elbow room shell.

Superior exterior lighting.

Superior interior lighting.

Andy

[bwaysteve]

Kevin,So the Corning windows were on 66 ,67,and 68? The Cornings are curved,right?
So if a replacement is needed on the 65 should be easy to find?
The brakes are no problem if I am replacing the axles eventually to axles with disc.
Were there not many or any doubles or rear bed with side bath made?

[bwaysteve]

Andy and Kevin,
Can the leaking window problem be solved or is it
something just inherent in the 65s that is a nagging problem.
Interior lighting,Univolt , air, wheels will probably be replaced eventually.
What problems to encounter with the 65 frame? Can Dexter axles with discs be installed?When did the frame change?
Is this a model that is worth redoing or discounted to move on to something different.
IYO.

[silverleeper]

I'm not Kevin but I'll give it a shot.

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Kevin,So the Corning windows were on 66 ,67,and 68? The Cornings are curved,right?

Yes!

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

So if a replacement is needed on the 65 should be easy to find?

Yes, A glass shop can cut the glass.

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

The brakes are no problem if I am replacing the axles eventually to axles with disc.

Yes!

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Were there not many or any doubles or rear bed with side bath made?

Not sure, take a look here. 67Ambassador

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Andy and Kevin,
Can the leaking window problem be solved or is it
something just inherent in the 65s that is a nagging problem.
Interior lighting,Univolt , air, wheels will probably be replaced eventually.
What problems to encounter with the 65 frame? Can Dexter axles with discs be installed?When did the frame change?
Is this a model that is worth redoing or discounted to move on to something different.
IYO.

The leaky window problem is easy to fix, but "NOT" with the original gaskets.

The original frames were simply a "C" channel. If I remember correctly, the frames were changed with the 1969 models.

Other brands of axles can be installed, but you must carefully provide every dimension. If you make an error, you cannot return the axles. The chassis/frame on your 65 has a definite weight limitation. An unreasonable increase will cause serious problems. Do not down grade to 10 inch brakes, no matter what you may choose to do.

If you decided on OEM axles, the only thing you need to provide is the trailer serial number.

Answering your "should you keep it" question, depends on many things.

How much money do you want to invest in the upgrades, is a good place to start. You can start by making a list, with the costs, before you spend any money.

1974 and up Airstreams, that are in decent condition, is a good starting place for many Airstream newcomers, for many reasons.

Andy

[bwaysteve]

Andy, Thanks for the details for a newbie.On the axles ,are they torsion or springs for this year.Steve Thanks Again

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Andy, Thanks for the details for a newbie.On the axles ,are they torsion or springs for this year.Steve Thanks Again

torsion

[silverleeper]

Axles on a 65 will be torsion. From 1961 to present day are torsion. Lots of info here. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437/

[Inland RV Center, In]

All axles used by Airstream, since the 1961 production, have been torsion.

In the very earliest days of their use, some models were equipped with what turned out to be, inadequate ratings.

In time, some of those ratings were increased to a more realistic weight rating.

But one must be careful when incresing the weight ratings. It's ok to a point, within reason, but not ever above 5000 pounds.

Andy

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Can the leaking window problem be solved or is it
something just inherent in the 65s that is a nagging problem.

Your talking about a 44 year old window. You probably don't see to many houses with 44 year old windows. The leaking comes mostly from gasket around the glass itself where it has shrunk over time. They will need to be redone and this is a good reference here. Restoration Topics - Window Repairs.