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09-28-2015, 07:43 AM
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#301
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
Hi Brad, you are welcome to the rear bumper, I will reply to your PM.
At the front I think you are also missing the 'bumper'. If you take a look at mine the remnants for the valence/banana wraps are still there at the sides, but the entire front/behind the bumper is missing.
If you compare that to the 1975 28ft being parted out in Texas ( parting out 1975 ARGOSY motor home), you can see the front section extends behind the bumper and then continues to form the lower scope.
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I actually have the front bumper for mine. I removed it several years ago and mounted a tow bar to it so I could move it around and into my shop in Arkansas. Unfortunately that's how the front bumper mount was busted. Turns out the factory welds on the mount weren't not all that great and broke under very little load.
Quote:
I have been trying to contact the guy in Texas to gets some trim (including the the front bodywork) but so far no reply, if it wasn't so far from me I would make an offer for the whole thing
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To bad he's not responding. I wonder of there are any motorhome owners in that area that might be of help?
__________________
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)
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09-28-2015, 07:59 AM
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#302
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Don't want to put you on the spot Brad, but if you are dismantling and repairing the fiberglass parts (like the dash, cab-cap, front valence?) I maybe willing to fund having molds taken so the group could have a source of spares?
I guess my idea would be that folks could 'rent' the molds, to make their own parts - similar to some kit/specialty cars; for example I saw one it was possible to rent the molds to make your own Batmobile!
I can understand commercial companies being cautious about having molds made because there aren't many 1974-1976 MH out there to justify cost, but maybe it work work on a hobby basis?
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09-28-2015, 08:19 AM
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#303
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
Don't want to put you on the spot Brad, but if you are dismantling and repairing the fiberglass parts (like the dash, cab-cap, front valence?) I maybe willing to fund having molds taken so the group could have a source of spares?
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The parts mentioned aren't fiberglass, they are made from ABS, not that it matters when making molds. Just means the repair methods are different.
Quote:
I guess my idea would be that folks could 'rent' the molds, to make their own parts - similar to some kit/specialty cars; for example I saw one it was possible to rent the molds to make your own Batmobile!
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Hmm, Batmobile....that would be a interesting conversion of an Argosy!
Currently my dash overlay is sitting in storage in my shop. I definitely have to remove the front valance for repairs and the rear valance will likely have to come off since I need to replace the left rear corner of the outer skin.
As for inner front and rear caps, I have the ones from the 86 345 that I dismantled. They are currently residing in the loft of my barn.
Nothing wrong with your idea. Logistics could get interesting but worth looking into. I would definitely need to get my front valance repaired before any mold work could be performed. Guess I need to get a hold of Keyair and get some pointers on the best approach to repairing the valance.
Quote:
I can understand commercial companies being cautious about having molds made because there aren't many 1974-1976 MH out there to justify cost, but maybe it work work on a hobby basis?
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As you said there aren't that many 74-76 rigs left out there. Not sure what the market would be but it sure would be nice to have access to spares for parts that are easily damaged.
__________________
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)
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09-28-2015, 05:56 PM
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#304
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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__________________
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)
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09-28-2015, 07:01 PM
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#305
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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It looks really cool Brad, and I would certainly be interested in getting a mold off it!
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09-29-2015, 07:29 AM
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#306
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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I'll try and get the valance removed this weekend. From there I'm going to have to figure out the best way to make the repairs. My assumption is it should be repaired and then test fitted again to make sure nothing has changed. After that we'll have to figure out how/when/where to get a mold made.
I'll let you know when I've got it removed.
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)
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09-29-2015, 08:01 AM
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#307
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2 Rivet Member
1983 31' Airstream310
Bossier City
, Louisiana
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 26
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Hey Martin and Brad I live in Shreveport -- where in Texas is the Argosy you're talking about? I own a 310 MoHo -- but if have the time would be willing to help out if not too far away. Give me a shout jgarrett123@hotmail.com
Gman1957
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09-29-2015, 08:21 AM
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#308
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gman1957
Hey Martin and Brad I live in Shreveport -- where in Texas is the Argosy you're talking about? I own a 310 MoHo -- but if have the time would be willing to help out if not too far away. Give me a shout jgarrett123@hotmail.com
Gman1957
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Thanks for the offer Gman, but the Argosy is down in Dickinson (between Houston and Galveston) so quite a way from you.
I know Peter and Ben are in Austin, but I hadn't reached out to them as even Austin is a couple of hundred miles way. Its a shame as it is a rear-bed/mid-bath and has a lot of good early stuff on it.
It actually got me thinking that if I was doing a chassis swap, it would be easier to make the body fit the chassis rather than the chassis fit the body, so starting with a relatively long body could be the basis for an interesting project.
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09-29-2015, 09:39 AM
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#309
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
I'll try and get the valance removed this weekend. From there I'm going to have to figure out the best way to make the repairs. My assumption is it should be repaired and then test fitted again to make sure nothing has changed. After that we'll have to figure out how/when/where to get a mold made.
I'll let you know when I've got it removed.
Brad
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Just a suggestion Brad, but what about doing a repair to allow the mold to be taken (which maybe could be done using softer/quicker materials) and then use the mold to make a new valence rather than spending a lot of time getting yours perfect?
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09-29-2015, 02:26 PM
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#310
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Martin,
What you're suggesting is pretty much what I was thinking about doing. I'm not sure whether I would use my original ABC plastic valance or one made fiberglass. That decision can wait until I get the valance off and inspected closer.
The rest of this week I'll be re-organizing the shop to make working on and around the Argosy easier. With luck I can start drilling out all the rivets Friday so pictures should be forth coming this weekend.
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)
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10-01-2015, 07:09 PM
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#311
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
The rest of this week I'll be re-organizing the shop to make working on and around the Argosy easier. With luck I can start drilling out all the rivets Friday so pictures should be forth coming this weekend.
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I guess I lied. I got the valance off tonight
Now to figure out the best way to fix it so a mold can be made. I know one thing, it's going to be a big mold!
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)
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10-01-2015, 08:09 PM
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#312
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Great news Brad.
Let me know what you think about molding - not sure if you are thinking of doing it yourself or having someone do it, I am guessing it will be a split mold just to let the new part release.
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10-02-2015, 04:34 AM
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#313
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Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
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Please forgive my ignorance but how would you go about making a mold for a body part like that? What would the mold be made of? Then once the mold is made do you use a resin and mesh to lay in the mold to make the part? This sounds so interesting. Link?
Mike
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10-02-2015, 04:57 AM
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#314
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mayco
Please forgive my ignorance but how would you go about making a mold for a body part like that? What would the mold be made of? Then once the mold is made do you use a resin and mesh to lay in the mold to make the part? This sounds so interesting. Link?
Mike
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That makes 2 of us. Lets pull up a zip dee chair, Mike and watch it.
If I would be looking at this task, I would consider making it out of aluminum, with may be only a shorter center section with all the curves out of ABS or fiberglass.
If you want I can forward your picture to my friend MercuryCharlie, who builds hot rods from scrap. He has extensive metal bending machinery. He may be the right person.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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10-02-2015, 05:17 AM
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#315
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Hi Mike
The actual principle is not that complicated and will involve taking a split fiberglass casting .
The process is used quite widely for automotive, boat and pool fab, and there are companies that do it as a service (eg these guys not that far from Brad Fiberglass Concepts) or it can be done yourself.
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10-02-2015, 05:58 AM
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#316
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Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,071
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Wow, what an art. Thanks for the link and info Martin. So many craftsman out there, beautiful to see a new one at work.........ok Brad, get on it!!!
Mike
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10-02-2015, 08:52 AM
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#317
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662
Great news Brad.
Let me know what you think about molding - not sure if you are thinking of doing it yourself or having someone do it, I am guessing it will be a split mold just to let the new part release.
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Yep, sure looks like it will need to be a split mold. I wouldn't plan on doing the work myself. While I think in the long run I could do it I don't think you want to wait 5 years
Fiberglass Concepts in Somerset Ky is less than an hours drive from me so they are a possibility.
A friend of mine who is now semi-retired has helped make a mold for a catamaran and also did a fair bit of work on Corvettes and Sports Racers so he's familiar with making molds and doing the work. He's moving to Kentucky next week and since he is somewhat retired will likely be looking for sideline work to supplement his retirement income. Next week I should be able to show him the work of art and see what he thinks.
I'm going to suggest we start a separate thread detailing the repair and probable mold making of the front valance. Are you OK with that idea?
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)
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10-02-2015, 10:19 PM
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#318
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Sounds look a good plan on both accounts Brad.
Please let us know how you get on; I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
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10-03-2015, 06:44 AM
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#319
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Ok, for those of you who want pull up chairs and follow along on the valance restoration and fiberglass mold making saga you can tune in here
Martin I do have one big question. Do you have a time frame or drop dead date as to when you will need a new valance in your hands?
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)
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10-03-2015, 07:33 AM
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#320
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Keen amature
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield
, Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,533
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
Martin I do have one big question. Do you have a time frame or drop dead date as to when you will need a new valance in your hands?
Brad
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Not at all Brad. Bella is supposed to go back into Airstream NE to have paint and body done, and in reality, what I have done with fitting the rear bumper and trying to sort the front is more because their work flow goes:
Price the work.....give a date to do the work....receive the MH to do the work....then work out how to do the work, and it is only then that they find out parts aren't available.
So you could say this is something that I think needs to be done before body and paint, rather than find later that body and paint can't be done because they don't have the parts.
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