Minuet Front Window Rock Guards

overlander64 · 11-02-2002, 07:55 PM

There seem to be a number of Argosy Minuet owners on the list now

, and I am wondering if any of you have rock guards for your front windows. I am assuming since our coaches are 8-inches narrower than the regular line trailers that there won't be any available through Airstream, but I am wondering if they were available or installed on any of the Minuets runninng around today? With the expense of replacing the curved wing windows, I am getting a bit worried about towing my Minuet without a rock guard - - never wanted one on my '64 Overlander as it has a single, flat front window that is inexpensive to replace if it gets broken and it is so nice to be able to use the center rearview mirror to monitor traffic through the trailer's back window - - don't have to wonder if someone is tailgating - - you can see how close the vehicle is and it is great for backing the trailer into a short slot. I am just curious at this point as I have never seen a Minuet with a rock guard - - but that isn't saying anything as I have only seen about ten at this point.

Kevin

thenewkid64 · 11-02-2002, 09:05 PM

Could you not use the same rock guard as on the 1980s models but cutdown the center section so I will be the correct size?drill out a few rivets, 3 cuts and reassembly? You might even be able to find one at colaws salvage.
Just a suggestion

overlander64 · 11-02-2002, 10:30 PM

Greetings Brett!

Your suggestion caused me to do a little thinking. If the wing windows are the same dimensions as the regular coaches of the same time period - - it might be possible to have the best of both worlds - - modify a standard unit as you suggest and replace the center section material with clear Lexan that would permit the "see-through" design to still be a viable option. Now if I can just convince the Airstream dealer who does my maintenance work to consider such a job - - I am such a clutz with tools that attempting such a project isn't terribly practical - - I would probably destroy the rock guard trying to make the modifications.

Kevin

barbwire · 11-03-2002, 03:26 AM

Those corner windows are of a lot of concern to me too. My brother laughed at me and told me my pockets where not deep enough to replace one of those. I was considering building one out of scrap aluminum I picked up for nothing. Can anyone post a link of what they look like and how they are attatched to the coach?

Thanks

barbwire · 11-03-2002, 10:01 AM

Here is one I found.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...&threadid=1402

Our windows go back further than this I think. I would be worried about the wind causing the aluminum to flap and damage the window.

overlander64 · 11-03-2002, 10:13 AM

Greetings Barbwire!

I have had a similar concern with any of the rock guards that I have seen. It makes me wonder if there ever was a factory rock guard offered for the Minuet series - - even Argosys in general. There isn't one mentioned in any of the factory literature that I have, but I know that isn't a definite indicator of the availability of such accessories. Given the fact that the Minuets are 8 inches narrower than their stablemates, it wouldn't surprise me too much if there never was a factory issue rock guard available.

Kevin

COArgosy78 · 11-04-2002, 10:07 AM

Hello - We were interested in getting something to protect our front windows also. My husband was calling them wrap around sunglasses, but I think we are talking the same language. I just checked with our local AS dealer and he said those are "Still available"!!?? I asked for part # and pricing and he is to get back with me. I have also put in a call to the AS tech hotline and hope to get a call back to confirm the info.

Leigh

overlander64 · 11-04-2002, 01:58 PM

Gretings Leigh!

I hope your dealer is correct. Mine didn't think that the currently available rock guards were narrow enough for the Minuets. He thought that the current rock guards would fit the standard Argosy line but not the Minuet. They weren't dealers at the time the Minuet was in production so aren't terribly familiar with the trailer.

Kevin

Ken J · 11-04-2002, 05:40 PM

Kevin

Talk to Charlie Burke in Boise. He has a really nice Argosy that he put factory rock guards on. Just brace yourself, they cost about $750. He can give you the part number. He also has a web site with pictures of his trailer. Really nice restoration.

barbwire · 11-04-2002, 06:17 PM

Hi Everyone,

Ken, could you post a link to Mr. Burke's web site. I would like to see a picture of these rock guards. You did not mention if this would fit the minuet. I will try a search too.

I would also be interested in a skirt quard for the lower part of the trailer. How are these attatched if anyone knows?

I plan to make my own guards instead of purchasing. I need to save money for a new axle. This winter I am researching the possibilities. I have a pile of scrap aluminum to work with.

I am learning all I can about the minuet. I finally got the antenna up today and tried it on FM reception. The vertical antenna on the side works just as well. I'm also working on a cell phone antenna on the top.

If anyone has any pictures please post them. A detailed description would also help.

Thanks

3Ms75Argosy · 11-04-2002, 07:03 PM

I'm glad I'm not the only one afraid of the rocks! Although the Argosy owner's manual states "this new glass is resistant to stone chips and breakage," I'm not too sure. I wonder if anyone else has what I have around my front window though. Every four inches or so, there are "twist snaps" that work with a oval washer system. Put a oval shaped washer over the stud, and turn the stud to secure the washer. This system is for a padded fabric glass cover that you put on the front for travel and then remove at your destination. I'm considering making my own cover. The problem is that I cannot find the special oval washers to sew onto some fabric. There is a picture of another Argosy with this cover in the "Argosy trailers" section of Airstream Photos. I'll try to post.
O.k., I can't seem to figure it out........

I'll post the member's name after I find it.

3Ms75Argosy · 11-04-2002, 07:19 PM

I went under Airstream Photos and searched "Argosy." There are two photos of interest to this tread. "Glyoungca" ahs the fabric guard I was talking about. "Michael and Holly" have "wrap sunglasses" - very cool!
Marc
"

Ken J · 11-04-2002, 07:23 PM

Charlies pictures are at: http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/burke...view=t&.last=1

barbwire · 11-04-2002, 11:13 PM

Thanks Ken, that is a great looking trailer Charlie has, and the window covers really set it off.

Here in central Montana every road to the mountains is gravel. I looked at the glass carefully in the Minuet I just bought, and there are some nicks in the glass. I believe they are resistant to chips and breakage, otherwise these windows would have been gone long ago. No twist clips on mine, but that is an idea. I'm not opposed to a fabric guard.

I'm not sue that putting a lot of money into a Minuet is a great idea. Lot's of folks prefer the double axel, if you have a flat you can still limp along and find someone to change it for you. That means alot to many. The light weight is a plus for me, but most folks seem to like the bigger trailers. I could put alot of money into this trailer, but would I ever get it out again? Right now I am being very frugal until I learn more about all this. Comments appreciated.