Getting Started

[wasagachris]

Randall you may be able to source the leak without removing the skins. You can remove the closeouts(inner shrouds) from the wing windows to inspect them. Also the overhead storage cabinet in the end cap can be removed for access to the letters and clearance lights. If the leaks have been going on long enough there may be evidence of their source in a stain trail from the point of entry.
Remove as much as possible including the insulation in the end cap behind the storage compartment and start as low as possible outside with a water hose. This usually takes two people, one to run the hose and the other inside to inspect for the point of entry. Keep running the water until you are sure it isn't getting inside then slowly move up until you find the source of the leak.
Repairing the wing window is a much more complicated matter. The entire window must be removed from the trailer to disassemble the frame. The biggest problem is that the gasket holding the glass to the frame is not available.
You can cut back the gasket with the window in place and then apply a bead of vulkem to seal it up however that will do nothing to remove the standing water and the "discolorization/junk" that is between the frames.
There was a method once posted here to drill into the frame from the bottom and go between the two panes and let the water out. I was unwilling to try that because if you get it wrong you will break the glass.
I replaced my wing windows with NOS(new old stock) ones. It took some time to find them but they are out there. 1 I found on e-bay and the other here in the classifieds.
Airstream sells new ones in single pane only and they are slightly different in size so mods are required to the shell to use them (the new ones are slightly smaller so apatch needs to be made).

[rmoores]

So lucky for us, we had a rainy day yesterday and we were able to ID some key places where water was getting in. After a little bit of freaking out, calming down and reading where others have been on this forum I think I have a solution figured out. We will order some parbond from vintage trailers, have some guys over on a nice sunny weekend and re-seal the seams on the skins in the places where we are leaking the most. When we order the parbond, I think we are going to order the window and door seals as well as some window hardware to make sure the trailer is pretty leak free. Next up will be flooring and then the bathroom. I am definitely staying motivated by reading how everyone else has tackled similar problems.

I posted some pics on my airstream registry page, if anyone wants to check them out.

Randall

[marzboy]

Welcome! Your axles look like they are toast. Besides that all doors windows gaskets etc. VTS has some great silicone remover worked great for me!

[milroth49]

I read this thread with interest. I also just took position of a '73 Overlander. First question - how can tell if the axels are bad? Do they need to be replaced on age alone?

[wasagachris]

Originally Posted by milroth49

I read this thread with interest. I also just took position of a '73 Overlander. First question - how can tell if the axels are bad? Do they need to be replaced on age alone?

You can bet your bottom dollar that if they are original and they probably are they need replacing.
Here is a good article to read regarding axle condition.

Dura Torque Axle

[Melody Ranch]

You Lucky Dog! Your neighbor is Lance...."Top".....A great Guy to know and beg answers from. He is in Harker Heights or hangin' here on the Forums. Also, save a little time for the restoration rally the first part of June in ABQ. All you question answered, with hands on demos.

[Top]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

You Lucky Dog! Your neighbor is Lance...."Top".....A great Guy to know and beg answers from. He is in Harker Heights or hangin' here on the Forums. Also, save a little time for the restoration rally the first part of June in ABQ. All you question answered, with hands on demos.

I don't know if I'd call him lucky, Mr Ranch! I plan to meet Randall in the next few days.
I too highly encourage ANYONE doing a restoration to attend the VRR in ABQ. Even if you know everything, you'll learn something! (and have a whale of a time doing it)

[rmoores]

Well, I failed to get some new photos posted last weekend but here are a few...We pulled pretty much everything out of the interior and have some rot on a few pieces of plywood in the front, probably pieces of at least three sheets will need to be replaced.

I am pretty sure axles are original and I am now thinking those will probably be soon, but that is a project that is beyond my garage and expertise at this time. So I will have to figure out where to get them done near me(central texas). Anyone have any suggestions?

Top, Can't wait to get together sometime when our schedules allow it. I also can't wait to get this thing weekend camping worthy to take it to a few rallys.

Probably not going to get much done this weekend but I am going to pick up some parbond and window gaskets this week.

[rmoores]

Originally Posted by marzboy

Welcome! Your axles look like they are toast. Besides that all doors windows gaskets etc. VTS has some great silicone remover worked great for me!

Marzboy, I saw that you put new axles on your trailer from your blog. How did you go about getting new ones?

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by rmoores

Marzboy, I saw that you put new axles on your trailer from your blog. How did you go about getting new ones?

I did a lot of rescearch and I went with Axis axles from Colin Hyde. Actually your boy Top was the tipping vote for me. Collins Axles come pre assembled which worked for me because I did it all by my self. And I do mean all of it! Dont do that trust me! Beg a friend, hire undocumented workers, clone yourself,etc. Check out my thread or my blog. Also talk to Lance hes a pretty cool dude. Good luck!

[rmoores]

Well, we had a pretty good work day yesterday with the assistance of three friends and a few beers we successfully removed old parbond along major exterior seams and added some sealant on the old roof vents that are in decent shape. Along the way I was able to take a better look at a few of the windows that need replacement/work. Altogether I think three windows need replacement for waterproofing and one additional for cosmetic reasons.

Who has replaced windows in the past? I initially wanted to pay someone to do this because I have never worked with glass or rivets before and didn't want to start with this. But after some more consideration I feel I can handle it with the two on the roof and then work towards the front and then side window.

The olympic rivet kit from vintagetrailer.com seems pretty expensive, but maybe that is what they go for. I just don't know. Any thoughts or suggestions on tackling this project, i.e. removal/installation of the window, finding the replacement glass or removal/installation of the glass in the frame would be appreciated.

Enjoy the photos. The one interior photo is the inside view of the crappiest window.

Until the next time I find time to work on it...

Randall