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rluhr · 02-09-2005, 08:05 AM

We've started an online blog about Project Vintage Thunder. (That's the project trailer we are restoring in Airstream Life magazine.) It includes an updated budget, daily diary of progress, and additional photos.

You can view the blog, and comment on any post, by following this link: http://www.airstreamlife.com/vintagethunder/index.html

The project is currently in high gear. We are pushing to get a usable trailer in time for the Florida State Rally. It's hard to believe we will get this mess ready in time ....!

**Stefrobrts** · 02-09-2005, 11:01 AM

Great idea, Rich. That will be a valuable resource for others as they tackle similar projects. It's great that there are so many resources on the web, since there are no books to help us through. When I built up my Mustangs, I practically had a book to reference for each part of the project - an engine book, a suspension book, and interior book, but with AS all we have is each other!

Chuck · 02-09-2005, 11:46 AM

I was wondering how you were going to deal w/ the FL rally, with 2 campers under heavy renovation status....

a 76 Argosy 24 that is not far from me has appeared on e-bay. Now, if I only had me some "sponsors"....hmmm.....

I see one of our local members has placed a bid, though.

rluhr · 02-09-2005, 12:14 PM

Yeah, Chuck, we are pushing hard to get it done. You'll see new posts on the blog almost every day. I barely have time to breathe these days ... but it's fun!

Chuck · 02-09-2005, 01:24 PM

can't wait to see it "in-person".

yeah, it must suck being so busy down there in sunny FL, fixing up an old airstream....while we sit inside out of the cold, and prepare to deal with yet another 12-18" of heavy wet snow.

{sigh}

overlander63 · 02-09-2005, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

can't wait to see it "in-person".

yeah, it must suck being so busy down there in sunny FL, fixing up an old airstream....while we sit inside out of the cold, and prepare to deal with yet another 12-18" of heavy wet snow.

{sigh}

There is still time to join the fun at the Florida State Rally, you could see how the Floridians deal with nighttime temps in the low 50's in winter.

I am bringing my parka...
Terry

Pick · 02-09-2005, 06:57 PM

I had to turn on the A/C after rototilling a plot up for our garden this year, I was sweating so bad. Supposed to go down to 30, Thursday and Friday nights.

thenewkid64 · 02-11-2005, 12:01 PM

I did not have frost on the car this AM, but it was a chilly one last night. I think tonight I will have frost

Forcast low is 32. BTW the smily is right, I LIKE the cold weather!

gotair · 02-11-2005, 11:42 PM

I tried to click on the site address you posted www.airstreamlife.com/vintagethunder and I get an error message then went to the magazine and tried to look it up with no success.. sorry
Dan.

53flyingcloud · 02-12-2005, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotair

I tried to click on the site address you posted www.airstreamlife.com/vintagethunder and I get an error message then went to the magazine and tried to look it up with no success.. sorry
Dan.

You're not alone Dan..
I got the same indications..
53FC

thenewkid64 · 02-12-2005, 06:11 AM

The blog index has been fixed. The budget has also been updated. Sorry for the frustration

Safari Tim · 02-12-2005, 09:25 AM

Brett

How does the posted budget handle the donations from the sponsers?

What I mean is, if a sponsor donates a $1000 fridge, does that dollar amount show in the budget total?

Or should that be factored in seperately for people trying to guess the true makeover cost?

Nevermind.. I read the budget and see they are listed as donated.

**Stefrobrts** · 02-12-2005, 11:01 AM

Rich, how's the Caravel coming?

rluhr · 02-12-2005, 06:59 PM

The Caravel is coming along beautifully, thanks. I'll post pics later when it's done. Should be only a few weeks.

We just knocked off a BIG work session and are breaking for dinner now (9 pm EST). We'll update the blog later tonight. Some pretty cool stuff got done today, thanks to Brett, Pick, and Sneakinup.

Pick · 02-13-2005, 06:54 AM

Whoa! Rich, those new aluminum walls in the interior look sweet! Wish I could have stayed longer and helped you guys. Looks like you made a lot of progess after I left.

thenewkid64 · 02-13-2005, 05:52 PM

Pick,

If you want to help again next weekend you know where to find us! We will be getting down to the final punch list by then.... we hope

Just taking a dinner break, will post to the blog, and get back out to it.

3Ms75Argosy · 02-13-2005, 06:37 PM

looking great!! Is that one piece that wraps from the floor up and down to the other side? How did you rivet it so quickly besides manpower! Did Airstream ship the aluminum to you in a coil?
Thanks!
Marc

thenewkid64 · 02-13-2005, 09:01 PM

The inner skin was removed and then replaced in the same fashion as Airstream originally installed it. We had to measure and cut each piece individually. If you look at the way the walls are skinned in your trailer you will see it is in three main strips stem to stern. We do have an overlap in the middle so that we did not have to gut the whole trailer. The bulkhead trim strip is where the overlap ends.

The picture odes not show the rivets, but with 2 people working in harmony we were able to get it riveted in place quite quickly.

Airstream did ship the Aluminum in a coil via UPS, the box is just under 70 LBS.

3Ms75Argosy · 02-13-2005, 10:25 PM

So - you used the old pieces to template the new, right? I know you guys are busy, but how do you make all those rivet holes so easily - do you drill and hand rivet, or does a "rivet gun" (never seen one actually) drill the hole and place the rivet too?

What are you using to cut the aluminum sheet, tin shears or an electric snip. Sorry for all the questions, but I'm leaning towards doing this too! Are you butt ending the seams or are you using some kind of trim to keep the panels together.
Marc

jordandvm · 02-14-2005, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

So - you used the old pieces to template the new, right? I know you guys are busy, but how do you make all those rivet holes so easily - do you drill and hand rivet, or does a "rivet gun" (never seen one actually) drill the hole and place the rivet too?

What are you using to cut the aluminum sheet, tin shears or an electric snip. Sorry for all the questions, but I'm leaning towards doing this too! Are you butt ending the seams or are you using some kind of trim to keep the panels together.
Marc

Marc and Mona.....Are you really thinking about rehabing your Argosy????? Wow!! I know how busy you are with your work and family......this would be stupendous if you attempted this! We're pulling for you (only if you're able to make the next forums rally somehow (sounds like in the Battle Ground, WA area....which is fine with me)!!!
Ya hear that Steph?

Jim