front window covers

Al1 · 07-22-2003, 07:31 AM

1973 24' Argosy
Interested in front window/s protective covers.
Any ideas!
Thanks, Al1

overlander64 · 07-22-2003, 08:24 AM

Greetings Al1!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

I suspect that you will find that you need the three-piece wrap-around rock guard similar to the one that my Airstream dealer modified for installation on my Minuet. Since your 24' Argosy pre-dates the Minuet, you shouldn't be faced with modification as the width of your coach should be the same as similar era Airstreams. For the Minuets, the center section must be narrowed to fit the coach as it is 6" narrower than the standard coaches.

My understanding was that the three-piece rock guard assembly should cost in the vicinity of $400 depending upon shipping charges from the factory. I was able to save some money on mine as a rock guard that was damaged in shipping could be used since it had to be modified to fit the coach in the area where the damage was located.

I tried locating a three-piece rock guard through RV salvage yards, but gave up after nearly six months of no luck. A salvaged unit is a possibility, but I am not overly optimistic about the chances of finding one. Since this is typically a "truck-freight" item, be prepared for high shipping costs if you are any distance from the source.

I will post a photo of the rock guard on my Minuet later today.

Good luck with your search!

Kevin

Al1 · 07-22-2003, 08:32 AM

Could you name a source/s for such an item?
Thanks, Al1

overlander64 · 07-22-2003, 08:41 AM

Greetings Al1!

The three-piece rock guards should be available from you nearest Airstream dealer new. You can find your nearest dealer via the link below:

Airstream - - Find A Dealer

I purchased mine from Ace Fogdall RV in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ace Fogdall is VERY vintage friendly, and has assisted me with a number of projects both on my Airstream and Argosy. You can find them on the web at:

Ace Fogdall RV

When I was searching for a used unit, I found Colaw RV Parts to be very helpful. You can find them on the web at:

Colaw RV Parts and Salvage

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

qqq · 07-22-2003, 11:00 AM

Maybe it can be easy to protect the front curved windows with Lexan covers or window tinting applied on the outside

Hart

overlander64 · 07-22-2003, 05:22 PM

Greetings Al1!

I finally was able to find my camera and get the photos of the newly installed rock guard. This view is from the curbside:

overlander63 · 08-03-2003, 12:39 PM

Guys (& girls), our unit came with a vinyl cover for the front windows, with a cotton backing. It is held on with 8 snaps, similar to the ones that hold the shower curtain in place.
It is ivory colored, with the Argosy logo centered on the front window, in black. I have never seen one before, and neither has anyone else I have shown it to. It won't help if someone heaves a concrete block at it, but most small stones will be deflected.
Add to that a reasonable cost (I have an estimate for replacement for around $100.00), and, of course, you can roll it up and put it in a drawer when you aren't using it. Initial installation should be a snap (no pun intended) with only 8 small holes to drill.
Terry
(in Florida)

mkeith54 · 08-04-2003, 08:30 PM

Terry,

Is there any chance that you might have some pictures that you would share with the rest of us? It sounds like you have something totally unique and I'd love to see it.

Mike

3Ms75Argosy · 08-05-2003, 01:44 AM

Hi all, we too have a different "potiental" for a fabric cover. I say potiential because we just have the swivel studs for attaching a cover, not the cover itself. The swivel studs are oval in shape, and go into a matching oval grommet, one then twists the stud by 90 degrees to lock in place. I'll post pictures when I go up the trailer next. I finally found the grommets listed in a marine supply catalogue for sailing ships.
Marc

bdbluegrass · 08-05-2003, 07:26 AM

OVERLANDER64

HOW DO THE GUARDS ATTACH TO THE
COACH SO THEY CAN BE OPENED?
I WOULD LIKE TO INSTALL THEM ON MY 76 ARGOSY.

THANKS

BILLY

overlander63 · 08-05-2003, 10:33 AM

Terry,

Is there any chance that you might have some pictures that you would share with the rest of us? It sounds like you have something totally unique and I'd love to see it.

Mike

Mike, I will be happy to, as soon as I take some pictures of the front with the cover on. I was shown a similar one on a website, I think it was http://www.argosytrailer.com/argosy_001.htm, I will double check. It is almost the same as ours, with a few more snaps to hold it in place, and sans logo.
Terry

overlander64 · 08-05-2003, 01:18 PM

Greetings Billy!

Quote:

HOW DO THE GUARDS ATTACH TO THE COACH SO THEY CAN BE OPENED?

The guard is attached as three separate pieces. The center portion is the only part that is intended to be opened on a regular basis - - it is hinged at the top, has two adjustable support with thumb screws to hold it open at the desired level, and a pair of rubber bungees to secure the lower edge to the coach for travel. The wing window gards are hinged at the sides and have two set screws that attach the guards to the body between the wing windows and the center window - - the set screws are released and then the panels can be lifted from the hinges to remove - - I will likely leave mine in the fixed position most of the time since it is no worse than looking out through the solar gray windows found on most of the current sport utilities and extended cab pickups. You can see photos of the attachment methods in the thread below:

Minuet Rock Gurad Thread

Good luck in your quest for rock gurads!

Kevin

bdbluegrass · 08-05-2003, 01:43 PM

THANKS KEVIN

NOW THE SEARCH IS OWN. I WILL CHECK WITH MY LOCAL A.S DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN ORDER THEM FOR ME. IF NOT MAYBE INLAND R.V CAN HELP.

THANKS AGAIN

BILLY

overlander63 · 08-05-2003, 05:51 PM

This is (hopefully) a photo of a similar cover to ours:

Terry
This is a photo I found while browsing a website