1963 Globetrotter LPG regulator

[Speedsville]

We recently purchased a vintage 1963 Globetrotter. Upon inspection I found that the regulator seal at the tank switchover leaks.
1) Does anyone know of a location to purchase a replacement seal?
2) Will a homemade rubber seal last if I were to make one?
3) Is a replacement advised and/or available?

Thanks for any input in solving this issue.

[Antique Pedaler]

If that's the original regulator I'd ante up $75 and replace it and the hoses. I did it on me 64 for safety.

[edglenn]

Propane tanks have to be replaced every 12 years.
Why would you want to try to re-use a 50 year old regulator?!?
Buy one locally for around $75-80, plus hoses, or order one online for half that price.
You can'ts trust the inner diaphram, at the age.
Don't take shortcuts with propane!

[clancy_boy]

Buy New........

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Speedsville

We recently purchased a vintage 1963 Globetrotter. Upon inspection I found that the regulator seal at the tank switchover leaks.
1) Does anyone know of a location to purchase a replacement seal?
2) Will a homemade rubber seal last if I were to make one?
3) Is a replacement advised and/or available?

Thanks for any input in solving this issue.

For anything short of museum-quality restoration the general consensus has been that the regulators should be scrapped and replaced on safety grounds. The problem is not the seal per se but rather the fact that over the course of many years the rubber diaphragm will deteriorate and leak leading to an overpressure condition and venting. The original copper tank pigtails should be replaced at the same time because they tend to work-harden and crack with many years of flexing during tank replacements. Rubber pigtails are now standard.

Vintage trailer supply has the regulator and switchover valve assembly for $39.99. You'll also need a cover for it, some mounting hardware, and the pigtails.

[Speedsville]

Thanks folks for the quick replies. Consensus says "buy new" - and we will. My wife knows what's she is getting in her Christmas stocking!

Appreciate "unless you're doing a museum quality restoration ..." - will keep us grounded and good reminder of 1) safety first and 2) respecting the vintage quality of our Airstream while realizing that not everything needs to be (or should be) kept original.

Thanks again!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Speedsville

Thanks folks for the quick replies. Consensus says "buy new" - and we will. My wife knows what's she is getting in her Christmas stocking!

Appreciate "unless you're doing a museum quality restoration ..." - will keep us grounded and good reminder of 1) safety first and 2) respecting the vintage quality of our Airstream while realizing that not everything needs to be (or should be) kept original.

Thanks again!

Your absolutely correct.

A replacement LPG regulator, is far cheaper to replace compared to an explosion.

Andy

[Mikethefixit]

I'm with the crew here. REPLACE IT. I found a guy on eBay in Indiana that has regulators (NEW) at really good prices. I got my repair parts for my water heater from him. HE PROBABLY WILL NOT have your exact regulator(vintage) but His price will be good on a new one. PM me and I will look up his address for you if you want.

[geoff evans]

Nice to hear from another Globetrotter. I picked up mine in November and am in the process of rebuilding from the frame up including the LPG. Hows"s the rest of the trailer?

[barts]

Originally Posted by edglenn

Propane tanks have to be replaced every 12 years.

Inexpensive steel tanks are cheaper to replace than to hydro test, which is what the legal requirement is.... Our aluminum tanks are not subject to corrosion, and need only a visual inspection.

Originally Posted by edglenn

Don't take shortcuts with propane!

Yup. You're sleeping next to it - make it safe.

- Barr