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04-20-2014, 08:38 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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New to me '67 Ambassador
Hello all, I have purchased my very first AS & have a few questions.
At first, I wasn't looking to buy a 28' trailer but after looking at how small a Bambi is, I decided it just wouldn't fit our needs.
The trailer seems really solid & pulling it on the interstate is really a pleasure.
I do not know if my trailer has trailer brakes, if so, I don't think they actually work. My 1 ton Dodge dually has the setup installed but I don't know how to check them.
I read some threads about how to reinstall the windows & reseal them & such. Thanks for covering that in the forums.
I also will give the banana wraps a go as they are mangled.
Everything worked in the trailer when I plugged it in even the furnace. I was amazed!
I haven't turned the gas on yet but I'm pretty familiar with the appliances as I am a plumber.
The PO has cut the older heater out & installed a metal patch around the new water heater that looks pretty bad.
There is also a metal patch on the very front of the trailer on the driver's side of the window that needs adressed.
It has a turquise bathroom that looks like the shower curtain has never been used so we are pretty happy with that.
At this stage in the game, my wifey is sanding all the interior wood down & will be staining & finishing.
I noticed there is no 120v receptacle to plug the 12v power converter into, the closest place to plug it in is near the bedroom window above the bed. Can someone tell me where the factory outlet is or supposed to be?
The floor near the driver's side front window is a bit soft & will need patched as well.
I have seen some ASs with small gutter-like rain guards over the windows that look like that would be the answer to future leaks. Where can I purchase those?
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
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04-20-2014, 09:01 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by streamslave
Hello all, I have purchased my very first AS & have a few questions.
At first, I wasn't looking to buy a 28' trailer but after looking at how small a Bambi is, I decided it just wouldn't fit our needs.
The trailer seems really solid & pulling it on the interstate is really a pleasure.
I do not know if my trailer has trailer brakes, if so, I don't think they actually work. My 1 ton Dodge dually has the setup installed but I don't know how to check them.
I read some threads about how to reinstall the windows & reseal them & such. Thanks for covering that in the forums.
I also will give the banana wraps a go as they are mangled.
Everything worked in the trailer when I plugged it in even the furnace. I was amazed!
I haven't turned the gas on yet but I'm pretty familiar with the appliances as I am a plumber.
The PO has cut the older heater out & installed a metal patch around the new water heater that looks pretty bad.
There is also a metal patch on the very front of the trailer on the driver's side of the window that needs adressed.
It has a turquise bathroom that looks like the shower curtain has never been used so we are pretty happy with that.
At this stage in the game, my wifey is sanding all the interior wood down & will be staining & finishing.
I noticed there is no 120v receptacle to plug the 12v power converter into, the closest place to plug it in is near the bedroom window above the bed. Can someone tell me where the factory outlet is or supposed to be?
The floor near the driver's side front window is a bit soft & will need patched as well.
I have seen some ASs with small gutter-like rain guards over the windows that look like that would be the answer to future leaks. Where can I purchase those?
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
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Jerry,
Those rain caps were installed to stop or curtail water leaks.
Those rain caps do not stop water from entering the trailer if you tow it in the rain.
But, simple replacement of the window gaskets with the proper one, which is an improved one from the original, takes care of that issue.
Same thing for the entrance door and access compartment doors.
Water proofing the trailer is always the first and HUGE step.
Andy
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04-21-2014, 05:14 AM
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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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Quote:
Originally Posted by streamslave
I do not know if my trailer has trailer brakes, if so, I don't think they actually work. My 1 ton Dodge dually has the setup installed but I don't know how to check them.
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Can't answer all of your questions, but I can answer a few. For the trailer brakes, all Airstream trailers have them. They are a legal requirement in just about all 50 states. One simple way to verify if the brakes are working, first hitch up your tow vehicle. Second, jack up one wheel of the trailer. Spin the trailer wheel by hand, and have someone press the brake pedal. If the wheel stops spinning, and you can't spin it again while the brake pedal is pressed, that brake works. Repeat for all trailer wheels.
Quote:
I noticed there is no 120v receptacle to plug the 12v power converter into, the closest place to plug it in is near the bedroom window above the bed. Can someone tell me where the factory outlet is or supposed to be?
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It's my understanding that most Airstreams have their converters— or inverter/chargers if so equipped— hard-wired and permanently installed in or near the electrical panel, not plugged into a wall outlet.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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04-21-2014, 06:02 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Thank you Andy, I never thought of how it wouldn't help rolling down the road. I'll do my best to seal it up. I restore vw busses in my spare time & have fought leaks with the jalousie style windows before. The po has replaced 2 windows with plexiglass which will absolutely have to be replaced. Thanks again.
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04-21-2014, 06:10 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Thank you Mr. Protagonist, I certainly hope I can get them to work using this method. I'm horrible when it comes to 12v electrics for some reason but I assume they must work of a servo or some other actuator by the drums... I hope the belly pan doesn't need removed, as they look to be in pretty good shape. I also found 2 wires coming from under the shower that wind up under the bed that isn't hooked up. Looking at the 12v converter, I do not think this unit came with the AS. I plan on going to several out of the way places so I might just buy an automatic one that permanently wires in.
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04-21-2014, 06:11 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Here's the patch at the front...
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04-21-2014, 06:12 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Here's the metal surround I'll have to address as well as the patch.
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04-21-2014, 06:13 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Both pieces like this are mangled, this one is the worst one...
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04-21-2014, 06:15 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Here's a pic of the converter & the 2 wires creeping out from under the shower
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04-21-2014, 06:17 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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If somebody has an extra rear compartment door laying around, I'd be proud to pay market price for it.
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04-21-2014, 06:20 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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I already love this old trailer & I haven't even started on it yet! I hope to have it ready by next year, my wifey & I plan to head to the Redwood Forrest
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04-21-2014, 09:22 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by streamslave
Thank you Andy, I never thought of how it wouldn't help rolling down the road. I'll do my best to seal it up. I restore vw busses in my spare time & have fought leaks with the jalousie style windows before. The po has replaced 2 windows with plexiglass which will absolutely have to be replaced. Thanks again.
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The original proper fitting glass is available.
Also the upgraded gasket is now in the shape of a "D" and is hollow. It does a superior job over the old double flared gasket.
Andy
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04-24-2014, 11:25 AM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Thank you Andy, is there a wanted section on this site to source a rear compartment door?
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04-24-2014, 12:49 PM
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#14
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Quote:
Originally Posted by streamslave
Thank you Andy, is there a wanted section on this site to source a rear compartment door?
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There is a link to the Classifieds on most pages in Airforums. For example, there is a set of white tabs very near the top, and one is marked Classifieds.
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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05-08-2014, 08:11 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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So far, I've been helping my wifey sand down all the OG cabinetry & patching a few holes in the floor. Today, I tested the 3burner stove, the water heater fired up, the oven works & I also figured out how to fire up the propane fridge. The suburban furnace is so old, I don't even know where the fresh air intake is on the unit. I don't see where originally the unit draws the fresh air from. The combustion air is recirculating for sure & seems to work pretty well. I'm sure the newer units wouldn't suck as many amps as this one would. Can someone enlighten me on this? I also have a question on sealing the trailer before I polish it up. I have to make a pretty large order pretty soon to a trailer supply to purchase some windows & seals. I don't really know what kind of caulking I should purchase to seal up the window perimeters.
Thanks for any replies in advance .
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05-08-2014, 08:19 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
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Just make sure you don't use Silicone as it will react with the aluminum over time. You need a poly based caulk like Tempro. It, along with many other bits and pieces, is available from several sources such as Inland RV, Vintage
Trailer, and others. Just do a Google search for Airstream parts. You may even find your rear hatch.
__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars
AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
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05-10-2014, 07:03 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Hello all, I only have these parts for a front door entry, can someone send a link to one for purchase?
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05-30-2014, 07:39 PM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Thank you aage & aviator for your replies. Does anyone have a pic of the front of the suburban furnace?
I do not know if I should fab a piece of sheet metal to seal the front of the furnace or not. I fear if I seal it up, it will not have anyplace to blow the air out. Thank you for all your help so far.
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05-30-2014, 07:43 PM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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05-30-2014, 07:45 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
1967 28' Ambassador
Gatlinburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by streamslave
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My wife has decided to update the kitchen a little bit, if anyone could use the countertop, 3-burner stove & double bowl sink with faucet, drop me a pm
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