The final paint will be the last thing – well, the moldings all around and the new BLACK Zip Dee immediately following that – so spraying is still a long way off.
We painted the area behind the AC compressor because that allows us to connect, charge and test the AC units and proceed with the rest of the interior.
I called the Airstream factory. They’ve been using Barker for 30 years or more but didn’t have an opinion on Ultra Fab.
I called Ultra Fab. They said they thought the two products were very similar and competitive but felt they had an edge by offering an adjustable foot.
Sugarfoot gave me a very detailed report on his Ultra Fab.
I spoke to a local RV repairman who said they were comparable with no appreciable difference between the two.
I assume that Airstream’s use of the Barker has more to do with traditional loyalty than product superiority and followed Sugarfoot’s example and went with an easy 1-800 purchase of the Ultra Fab from Camping World.
It’s a few bucks cheaper than the competition and has the added adjustable foot, said to be helpful when using a WD hitch.
Sergei, does the foot pivot on the bottom? I, of course, just have a post that goes on a aluminum block that I use. Eventually, I'll be replacing ours... let me know of it's just a bolt on simple job. I've read some stories that you have to drill out the opening more.... I don't have a grinder, so I'm reluctant to do it myself....
Sergei, does the foot pivot on the bottom? I, of course, just have a post that goes on a aluminum block that I use. Eventually, I'll be replacing ours... let me know of it's just a bolt on simple job. I've read some stories that you have to drill out the opening more.... I don't have a grinder, so I'm reluctant to do it myself....
How's the interior coming?
Marc
Marc, the adjustable foot is an extention to the jack post that can raised or lowered to from 1-6 inches incrementally by moving a pin. It can also be removed from the jack post completely. Quite a handy concept.
Hello Sergei,
That's quite a project. Can I just say WOW! They say it's not the destination, it's the journey....and your on it! Keep the faith and follow though with the quality aspects and the asthetic that you envision. My little bit of advice is maybe do not completely try to reinvent the wheel while pursuing your idea of perfection. Not that I am saying what you are doing is wrong as I do not completely understand the diesel powered part of the trailer yet. I just spent an extra year past the point when I thought my restoration would be completed and I know it can get frustrating at times.
When you do get out there all of that work will pay off because you will no longer have to think about it. I like the aspect of the project as art platform and always remember lighter is better. I love the sprinter and the flatbed look, but having carried heavy objects on trucks like that for too my years, it scares me to think about now. I think the weight is too much and too high especially towing a trailer. I would leave the mini home and load on a euro scooter and some bicycles next too the barbeque, spare water and diesel tanks,tool boxes, surf boards,etc,etc you get the idea. Actually the spinter van would be excellent for that also and you get the security factor. Love what your doing...if you email me privately I will send you photos of a cute two tone baby blue Argosy and a nice Isuzu flatbed/Airstream rig. I also reinvented my own Wally door and will send photos of that too.
Gary
1962 Safari
Sergei,
I guess I made the assumption you were reconsidering the idea of hauling the mini because of all the various problems mentioned, least mentioned of which seems to be the fact that it is just too much weight for the truck. When you get the truck and trailer loaded up and it's going to feel and be heavy. That makes everything work harder, take longer, stop slower, and will be a drag while travelling. The truck will be perfect for the trips you plan and when you get ready to go and load up the car there will be time to get the feel of it and make a decision then. Then you can take a picture of the car and hang it on the wall of the trailer for the trip. Just leave the car home. That horse has not left the barn and how much does a dead horse weight anyway?
I know ...and they are HEAVY!
gary
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