Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-31-2016, 03:59 PM   #701
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
I'm pretty sure Bella has the same extensions to the main chassis Brad. It also seems to be shown in the 1977-78 manual cut away.

martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2016, 04:38 PM   #702
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
I just looked at the rear of Peanut's frame. It's similar in construction but different in some aspects. The hitch frame on mine was fabricated out of 2"x5" tubing. The hitch frame on Peanut was fabricated from custom bent 2"x5" channel. At least that saved Peanut from rusting away like mine did.
Click image for larger version

Name:	peanut-rear-frame-2.jpg
Views:	139
Size:	249.9 KB
ID:	274619Click image for larger version

Name:	peanut-rear-frame-3.jpg
Views:	127
Size:	338.2 KB
ID:	274620


Also the GM frame on Peanut is one piece where mine has a 10" section of U channel welded onto the end of the truck chassis. You can see in the picture there is no seam in the truck chassis frame.
Click image for larger version

Name:	peanut-rear-frame-1.jpg
Views:	113
Size:	238.2 KB
ID:	274618


After thinking about hitches for a while I think I've decided not to build the same type of hitch receiver arrangement that mine came with. I think I'll either build or buy something similar to this Reese Multi-Fit Receiver.

Click image for larger version

Name:	adjustable-hitch.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	11.0 KB
ID:	274622

I think this style of receiver would be a reasonable way to fit a new receiver to Peanut. Some of the propane system piping would have to be tweaked a little and there might need to be some rework on the holding tank drain piping but I think it would be doable and plenty strong for towing.
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2016, 05:14 PM   #703
Rivet Master
 
Gregsch's Avatar
 
1979 24' Airstream Excella 24
Tipp City , Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 551
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler View Post
I just looked at the rear of Peanut's frame. It's similar in construction but different in some aspects. The hitch frame on mine was fabricated out of 2"x5" tubing. The hitch frame on Peanut was fabricated from custom bent 2"x5" channel. At least that saved Peanut from rusting away like mine did.
Attachment 274619Attachment 274620


Also the GM frame on Peanut is one piece where mine has a 10" section of U channel welded onto the end of the truck chassis. You can see in the picture there is no seam in the truck chassis frame.
Attachment 274618


After thinking about hitches for a while I think I've decided not to build the same type of hitch receiver arrangement that mine came with. I think I'll either build or buy something similar to this Reese Multi-Fit Receiver.

Attachment 274622

I think this style of receiver would be a reasonable way to fit a new receiver to Peanut. Some of the propane system piping would have to be tweaked a little and there might need to be some rework on the holding tank drain piping but I think it would be doable and plenty strong for towing.
I think you have the right idea Brad. Unless you how some special circumstance that forces you to custom fabricate something the pre-manufactured hitch should be faster and easier. I have started out building something like a simple hitch and 10 hours later thought , why am I doing this? Sometimes simple things get involved fast. You certainly have other tasks to challenge yourself with.
Gregsch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2016, 05:20 AM   #704
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregsch View Post
I think you have the right idea Brad. Unless you how some special circumstance that forces you to custom fabricate something the pre-manufactured hitch should be faster and easier. I have started out building something like a simple hitch and 10 hours later thought , why am I doing this? Sometimes simple things get involved fast. You certainly have other tasks to challenge yourself with.
Yeah, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that "I can build it cheaper than what I can buy it for"

Been there, done that way to many times! I'd like to buy a hitch that is a straight bolt on for the frame width instead of an one size fits all but it seems hitches are listed by vehicle make/model rather than size. No one lists a hitch for a P30 chassis so I'll likely have to call and ask for measurements before I buy one. If need be I'll buy one of the one size fits all and live with it.


Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2016, 06:07 AM   #705
Rivet Master
 
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Ebro , Fla Panhandle
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,212
Nice getting a piece of cancerous rusty metal like that removed.

I would think a well fitting prefabed hitch setup would be the way to go if it doesn't reduce your clearance at the back.

Frame extensions, you should see the multipul extensions on the 345s
There is one added mid frame between the wheels, and a couple at the rear.

Can't really place Jack much behind the rear axels with out tweaking the shell when the extensions flex. Flexie flyers. They are.

Cheers Richard
tevake is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2016, 10:43 AM   #706
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by tevake View Post
Nice getting a piece of cancerous rusty metal like that removed.

I would think a well fitting prefabed hitch setup would be the way to go if it doesn't reduce your clearance at the back.
Clearance issues is one of the reasons I'm hoping to find dimensions of a hitch before I buy it. It will probably take a few calls to the manufacturer to find out for sure.

Quote:
Frame extensions, you should see the multipul extensions on the 345s
There is one added mid frame between the wheels, and a couple at the rear.

Can't really place Jack much behind the rear axels with out tweaking the shell when the extensions flex. Flexie flyers. They are.

Cheers Richard
Actually I've seen the frame extensions on a 345, I dismantled one for scrap 3 or 4 years ago. Definitely an interesting way to manufacture something!

Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2016, 04:50 PM   #707
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Made some decent progress in rebuilding the generator compartment the last couple of days. The original generator was inserted from below and then the frame work was welded into place. That to me was a really stupid way of installing a generator

So I've opted to install the generator on a sliding drawer similar to how I did my old 310 generator. The early front bath Argosy has the generator compartment in the rear. Instead of orienting the generator side ways as is typically done Airstream inserted the generator length wise in the compartment. I had originally planned on using an Onan 4.0 but found that it was to large for the compartment. As it turns out the Onan 6.5 from the 345 is physically smaller than the 4.0.

The last two days were spent fabricating brackets, etc. for the tray slides. The hard work is pretty much done, now I just need to drill a lot more holes for various bolts and cut a piece of metal here and there and then take it all back apart so I can paint everything.

Anyway, here's some pictures of what it looks like at the moment.

Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-slide-1.jpg
Views:	82
Size:	188.4 KB
ID:	275312Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-slide-2.jpg
Views:	83
Size:	193.4 KB
ID:	275313Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-slide-3.jpg
Views:	80
Size:	213.9 KB
ID:	275314Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-slide-4.jpg
Views:	97
Size:	196.9 KB
ID:	275315
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2016, 09:03 PM   #708
2 Rivet Member
 
Geismar , Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 91
Looking pretty good sir. Those drawers can support the weight of the generator easily? They look pretty beefy.

Dane
Danec020 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2016, 11:49 PM   #709
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Big improvement on the original Brad!
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2016, 05:17 AM   #710
Rivet Master
 
mayco's Avatar
 
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign , Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
You da man Brad!
Curious, when the generator is on the slide, do you disconnect the exhaust and electrical feed when sliding it out for maintenance? I suppose you could use a plug of some sort for the electric. As you know, on my 310, I cant access anything on the back of the generator as it is. I was surprised I could even change out the points. Great work Brad, you must be getting pretty good at this mod!
mayco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2016, 05:32 AM   #711
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danec020 View Post
Looking pretty good sir. Those drawers can support the weight of the generator easily? They look pretty beefy.

Dane
Dane,

The drawer slides are rated at 500 lbs for stationary equipment and 300 lbs for mobile equipment. The Onan 6.5 weighs in around 260 or so. When the drawer is in the "in" position I will be clamping it in place so the slides won't have to deal with road impacts or the suspension trying to bounce it around.

I think the slides cost around $150 for the pair. They are considered full extension slides but even when fully extended the generator will still have about 2" inside the compartment.

Considering the location and the orientation of the generator it still won't be the easiest to work on but it will be a darn sight better than if it was welded in place!

Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2016, 05:46 AM   #712
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by mayco View Post
You da man Brad!
Curious, when the generator is on the slide, do you disconnect the exhaust and electrical feed when sliding it out for maintenance? I suppose you could use a plug of some sort for the electric. As you know, on my 310, I cant access anything on the back of the generator as it is. I was surprised I could even change out the points. Great work Brad, you must be getting pretty good at this mod!
Mike,

Yes, the exhaust pipe does get disconnected. Fortunately this generator doesn't use exhaust pipe clamps to connect the exhaust pipe to the generator manifold. It uses a flange at the exit of the exhaust manifold. You just have to bolt the external exhaust pipe to the flange. Much easier than trying to pry apart two pipes that have been clamped together.

Your access problems with the generator are the same reasons I put my old 310 generator on drawer slides. Several years ago while diagnosing a starting problem on the 310 generator I had the drawer slides extended and was able to work on the generator even without the exhaust pipe being connected. It was a little loud but sure made working on it a lot easier

I will be using two pairs of male/female 30 amp connectors to connect the generator to the coach. Basically to slide the generator out the exhaust pipe has to be disconnected and that's it. The two electrical connectors only need to be unplugged if you're removing the generator from the drawer.

Needless to say I'm sorta hoping this is the last set of generator drawer slides I install
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2016, 05:47 AM   #713
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
Big improvement on the original Brad!
The phrase night and day comes to mind
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2016, 08:31 AM   #714
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
One thing I was faced with was having to fabricate a bottom plate for the drawer I was making. after thinking about it for a while I decided to go the cheap route and cut the bottom out of the original generator tray I salvaged from the 345. A 4-1/2" cutoff wheel on a little hand grinder made fast work of it.

Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-floor-3.jpg
Views:	79
Size:	430.8 KB
ID:	275448Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-floor-2.jpg
Views:	91
Size:	458.6 KB
ID:	275449Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-genset-floor-1.jpg
Views:	73
Size:	414.8 KB
ID:	275450

All that's left to finish up the siding tray installation is to drill 6 more holes, finish welding four brackets together and then paint everything.

Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-19-2016, 03:30 PM   #715
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Easy stuff first. Did the final prep work today on the gas tank so I could apply the primer paint. After the primer dries I'll apply the black top coat and then flip it over to do the bottom.
Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-50-gal-primer-paint.jpg
Views:	84
Size:	193.4 KB
ID:	275650


Spent the better part of today fitting the frame that supports the bumper and hitch. I opted to use heavy C channel instead of thin wall tubing as original. I think the C channel will be stronger and best of all I don't think the C channel will rust away like the tubing did.
Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-bumper-frame-1.jpg
Views:	88
Size:	205.6 KB
ID:	275651Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-bumper-frame-2.jpg
Views:	74
Size:	202.0 KB
ID:	275652Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-bumper-frame-3.jpg
Views:	71
Size:	163.0 KB
ID:	275653

The C channel is just temporarily bolted in place. Once the Reese hitch assembly arrives next week I'll trial fit the hitch and after that I've got a lot of welding to do to get the C channels welded in place.


A while back I had mounted the evaporator box (2 man job) and then tried installing the air plenum and blower shroud. Unfortunately with the evaporator box in place there is no way to get the blower shroud mated with the air plenum. Just installing the air plenum was a real chore but it finally popped into place. I then had to wait until I had help to remove the evaporator box so I could install the blower shroud. Help showed up this weekend so that task is now complete
Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-blower-shroud-1.jpg
Views:	92
Size:	242.7 KB
ID:	275656Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-blower-shroud-2.jpg
Views:	78
Size:	230.5 KB
ID:	275655Click image for larger version

Name:	74-argosy-blower-shroud-3.jpg
Views:	68
Size:	249.6 KB
ID:	275654
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-19-2016, 08:03 PM   #716
2 Rivet Member
 
Geismar , Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 91
'74 Argosy 20' Motorhome restoration/rebuild

Looking good! Is that C channel the same size as the ones on peanut or is it actually a little bigger? Definitely going to be a good bit of welding to get that all on there. I am assuming you are going to have to lay under it while welding. That is going to be slightly dangerous. Nothing like hot metal falling on you to get your blood pumping! :P

The gas tank is looking nice as well. How many gallons is it again? And out of curiosity, since I am going to be doing some rust prevention treatment on my project, what paints are you using/recommend?

Dane
Danec020 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2016, 06:12 AM   #717
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Peanut did not have C channel. It has the same 2"x5" rectangular tubing that was on mine. One difference is the tubing doesn't extend as far back (forward actually) on the frame rails due to the existence of the black water tank sitting between the frame rails. I opted to use C channel mainly because it's thicker and rain and dirt can't get inside to sit and rust the metal.

There's definitely a bunch of welding to do and all of it is vertical so there will be a fair amount of sparks. I've got a couple of welding blankets that I will use to keep the sparks contained as well as covering myself There are times when I forget to where my welding cap and the feeling of burning hair can be pretty irritating!

The gas tank is 50 gallons. I probably should have made it slightly smaller so it would be easier to install but I figured this is a one time deal so I might as well make it as large as possible. Now I just have to figure out how to mount it

I've been using Rustoleum rusty metal primer and Rustoleum black paint. If the metal was sand blasted or if it was stripped in my electrolysis tank then I just use the black paint. If it wasn't prepped by blasting or electrolysis then I use the rusty metal primer before painting. The gas tank had some light areas of surface rust so I decided to go ahead and prime it.


Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2016, 06:32 AM   #718
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danec020 View Post
.................................................. ...... And out of curiosity, since I am going to be doing some rust prevention treatment on my project, what paints are you using/recommend?
OK Dane....we know what you have done

They say confession is good for the soul, so come on, start your thread and get it out on the table!!!!!!
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2016, 06:43 AM   #719
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
OK Dane....we know what you have done

They say confession is good for the soul, so come on, start your thread and get it out on the table!!!!!!
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2016, 08:05 AM   #720
jm2
Rivet Master
 
jm2's Avatar
 
2002 25' Safari
1977 20' Argosy 20
northern valley , new jersey
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 532
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler View Post

just no words to adequately describe the condition, Dane, but there is help!

lol!
__________________
Joseph & Gabrielle

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci.

WBCCI 2087 - AIR 3144 - TAC-NJ2

https://defendwally.org/
jm2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Entry steps on '77 Argosy motorhome WineStream Argosy Motorhomes 5 09-08-2013 11:16 PM
Argosy 20' motorhome 350 MPG and towing? ViewRVs Argosy Motorhomes 6 01-19-2012 08:13 PM
If you're looking for an Argosy Motorhome.... crazeevw Argosy Motorhomes 3 10-23-2011 08:09 AM
1977 Argosy Airstream Motorhome Rebuilt Engine, Trans, Headers. CLASSIC , Onan eBay Watch Airstreams on eBay 0 09-13-2011 09:00 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:58 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.