How to modify and install rock guard on minuet - Page 2

Austin Runner · 02-27-2004, 08:12 AM

We have the sunglasses boxes staged and ready for unpacking and installation on our '76 Argosy 28. Janet, your post will be a very welcome addition to our toolset. We've also got another 28 and an airstream on site so we will be having a rivet party tommorow to fix what ails 'em.

Moonshot · 02-27-2004, 09:20 AM

Excellent detail and great pics. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Within a year I hope to don my sunglasses.

Scott

**wahoonc** · 02-27-2004, 10:02 AM

Do the front windows on the Argosy wrap futher than the windows on say a 70's vintage International? I see everyone with the 3 piece rock guard...mine just has a big one piece unit. But I do have the curved side windows. Never mind, just found a decent picture of an Argosy...they do curve further around the sides.

Aaron

COArgosy78 · 02-27-2004, 10:15 AM

To Janet and Janet's Husband

Thanks for the time and effort taken to add this post!! I am in the process of printing it out for future reference. We have so many projects in mind for our "Mini" and of course, want it all NOW!! Your project looks to have gone great and looks great. Congrats.

overlander64 · 02-27-2004, 12:42 PM

Greetings Janet and Janet's Husband!

Congratulations on the great results on your Rock Guard project! I took one look at the jigsaw puzzle of parts and decided that I justs didn't have the patience or skill necessary to modify the Rock Guard for my Minuet - - Ace Fogdall did the complete installation on mine (it was an all-day process for a trained technician - - wouldn't even want to guess how long it would have taken me).

Greetings Aaron!

Quote:

Do the front windows on the Argosy wrap futher than the windows on say a 70's vintage International?

Yes, the '70s Vintage Argosys have a "deeper-wrap" wing window than similar vintage Airstreams. I believe that this was one of the features pioneered on the Argosy that later (1980s) found its way into production Airstreams.

Kevin

MarkE · 02-27-2004, 01:08 PM

Janet & Janet's Husband,
Presently I don't have a trailer needing the "shades" but want to tell you that you did a SUPER job of documenting the process. Thanks on behalf of all those (present and future) who will benefit from your thread!

Janet's Husband · 02-27-2004, 05:49 PM

Buried in the text you will find that we have this post in .PDF format, Complete and ready to print.
It is too big to go via PM (460kbs)so we will need your email address to send it.
Just let us know your address and it will be on its way.

Van · 03-22-2004, 12:14 AM

I have considered the problem of a rock guard for some time. Actually, i have been considering my lack of one as the problem.

I dont really want to drop the $600 or so that the factory would charge for official product.

That got me to thinking...

I wonder if one would be able to go to a plastics fabrication/moulding shop and have a custom piece made for cheaper?

Something with a small folded upper edge to rest in the groove above the center window and then have say four latches, mounted to the trailer body to secure this thing in place. Most likely would be a single piece though and that could be a problem when it comes to trying to stash it out of the way when setting up camp.

53flyingcloud · 03-22-2004, 03:27 AM

Janet & Janet's Husband
Congrats~!! Very nicely done~
Sure makes a KEWL statement for your unit~

Tip:
Now that you have it finis with the installation aspect of the project, I wanted to share something with you. Not that you wouldn't have soon discover it for yourself or..
Center section guard area,with attached hinge and lifting arms.
Take a metal ruler and, lay it along side of the lifting arm. Transfer the marking from the ruler to each arms as you need with a scrib. Now, whenever you go to lift the center window, the lifting arms will be equal on both sides~!
Just makes it easier to keep it level looking..

ciao

Anon · 04-22-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Van

I have considered the problem of a rock guard for some time. Actually, i have been considering my lack of one as the problem.

I dont really want to drop the $600 or so that the factory would charge for official product.

That got me to thinking...

I wonder if one would be able to go to a plastics fabrication/moulding shop and have a custom piece made for cheaper?

Something with a small folded upper edge to rest in the groove above the center window and then have say four latches, mounted to the trailer body to secure this thing in place. Most likely would be a single piece though and that could be a problem when it comes to trying to stash it out of the way when setting up camp.

I have thought about that lately as well.
I know this a a rather old post but I noticed no one had replied to your post.
The material used to make the rock guard is not "unobtainium". It has to be available. You should be able to make it EXACTLY like an Airstream rock guard if you wanted to.
If not, then I need to do my "bargain hunting" expedition on this alone!

driftwood · 04-22-2005, 05:48 PM

Interesting that just today I was inspecting the factory rock guards at a dealer, wondering how I'm going to fabricate and attach mine.

My first thought is a full length stainless steel piano hinge on the top edge of the center section. Of course it has to be used as a rain awning when camping.

Since I just installed the lower stainless steel "wrap protectors', as Airstream calls them, on my unit (they look so great!

) I need to subscribe to this thread to see what others have to offer for ideas.

Thanks for bringing this post back to life.

Matthew&Gigi · 04-25-2005, 05:45 PM

I've been remembering this post.... but hadn't done anything about it.

Two days ago, we had a rock decide to remove our left wrap-around window. So - I wish I had spent the $600 for the glass protection, instead of the $740 +++ for a new window. I don't mind putting money into upgrades, but it's a bit depressing putting money into keeping up.

We've been on the road for four months, and have about 3 - 4 months more to go, so looks like I'll be installing a window rather quickly. (we've currently named our Minuet "the blue pirate" as it looks as if it's rolling around with a window patch....

If you're going to be on the road, I'd recommend the protection, however you do it. Horaay for hindsight!

**Janet** · 04-25-2005, 10:31 PM

Ouch - sorry to hear about the rock hit. I don't s'pose your insurance would cover it.....?

MontanaArgy · 11-22-2005, 06:30 AM

I am also in need of a rock guard. I like the looks of the Airstream sunglasses, but the cost seems a bit steep. Last weekend we headed over the pass to do a little hunting, and took a rock throught the center window. Sure glad it wasn't the Corning side unit! Still cost about $100 to replace it.
Sometimes I think we use river gravel for sanding material! Latest price for the Airstream unit to me is $650 plus shipping which is close to $150.

I took pictures in to my local glass shop to ask about parts to build my own. They weren't excited about it, and said it would be very tough to get the aluminum frame pieces bent properly, would need some metal working rollers. They thought it could probably be done with the proper tools, but wouldn't look very pretty! The top and bottom pieces do curve both directions, around the corner of the trailer as well as upward. It looks like the frame material used to make the sunglasses is the same as the frame pieces on my center front window...

Gonna have to decide to build something or bust for the real thing pretty soon. I'm afraid to tow anywhere without something over the front glass now! Duct tape and cardboard just don't look that cool!

I would sure like to hear if Pattersontoo or anyone else has built their own sunglasses and how it went!!!