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Old 05-18-2015, 08:06 AM   #141
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1974 20' Argosy 20
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Unless the pivot arm somehow got mangled when they had the body off the chassis there isn't much else that can go wrong.

Are you using the seat belts from the same vehicle your seats came from or are you doing something different?

I've think I've figured out a way to add shoulder harnesses to my captains chairs so I plan on going that route.

Brad
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Old 05-18-2015, 08:19 AM   #142
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The seats came with a receiver fitted, and I had the shop remove one so that I could get the information about make/model etc.



Using that info I managed to track down a set of replacement lap belts that fit the receiver.



Even though the belts are for those receivers for liability reasons they were supplied with a new receiver side.



Again for liability reasons it could be that the shop has to install the new receivers (even if I don't use them and I chose to remove them afterwards) - that is a discussion that is still on-going.
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Old 05-18-2015, 09:14 AM   #143
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I've seen that style of belt receiver before. When I was looking for replacement belts my TR6 that style was the most prevalent. Prices weren't bad either.

Thanks for the info on the seat pedestals. I've been looking for pedestals that have adjustable height but the prices seem to be through the roof for that option.

On my 74 Argosy the drivers side platform is about 2" higher than the passenger side platform. Did your's have that height difference?

Thanks!

Brad
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Old 05-18-2015, 10:05 AM   #144
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At the moment they are the same height Brad, but it is very easy to change. In one of the early posts I mention that the shop had sent me a message saying there was a problem with the seats, the solution I came up with was quite simplistic but seems to work. We used a piece of U-Channel steel between the seat runners and the top of the pedestal (schematic shown in red below).



This allowed the slightly different bolt pattern between the base of the seat and the top of the pedestal but also means we have the option to change either the pedestals (we are currently using 10", but have 7" and 4" as well), or the thickness of the U-Channel to change height.

At the moment my better half Denise, can swing her legs without touching the cab floor in the passenger seat', so lowering the passenger seat is on the cards.

One thing I am considering is a form of manual height adjustment for when the seats are facing backwards. It would be very easy to have the pedestal cut and a removal section inserted (sleeved to fit inside the pedestal). The seats we have are so light (they are designed to be removal second row seats), that if the seat/pedestal was 'demountable' they would not even need to swivel - they could be lifted off, turned, reinserted with/without the removable section.
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Old 05-19-2015, 06:48 AM   #145
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More good news this morning....the fab shop has finished with the first of the Vista View window trims.





In the end they had to water jet out the facing ring, bend the inner oblong then weld and grind to give the finished look.

Number one took three days of shop time, so hopefully numbers two to six will be quicker now they have the process locked down.
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Old 05-21-2015, 05:05 AM   #146
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Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
In the end they had to water jet out the facing ring, bend the inner oblong then weld and grind to give the finished look.

Number one took three days of shop time, so hopefully numbers two to six will be quicker now they have the process locked down.
Very impressive work but the price for the six of them is going to be pretty steep

I'm really enjoying watching the progress of your rebuild.

Brad
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Old 05-21-2015, 01:28 PM   #147
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Not sure who I have antagonized this week but the Airstream Gods definitely are not happy.

Major issues have come up this week ranging from power steering leaks, wiring problems in the recently installed instrument cluster, through to a possible major issue with rear wheel placement. This last one is the most worrying as it appears that the earlier frame replacement included new framework for the inner wheel-wells which is fouling on the new wheels and tires, and only came to light now it is on the ground and under load. Worse the only suggested solution so far is to pull the rear interior out and cut and change, but worst still the fresh water tanks are in the way of that possible solution.

Certainly no joy this week.

Some more photos of the front seats to try and show those installed, even if the wiring issues with the dash mean that is exposed again.

Passenger side.



Drivers side.



Also a close-up of the mounting.

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Old 05-21-2015, 04:19 PM   #148
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No!!! I'm sorry, Martin! I'm sure there's an answer but man, that's a tough blow!
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Old 05-21-2015, 08:36 PM   #149
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Martin,
What did you end up doing for your tires?
I tried to go on the beach today with my 24' and it was not a good idea.
I'm running a 16.5 rim 8.75 tire with the 8 lug pattern. I can't find any other tire to fit.
I'm looking to go with the widest tire as possible. Anyone have any suggestions?
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Old 05-22-2015, 05:20 AM   #150
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Hi Fishizzle

When we got the MH one of the previous owners had already changed to 16" rims (from the 16.5s) and that opens up many options. The 8.75R16.5 have a tire diameter of 29.5 and a width or between 8.8". On a 16" rim the LT225/75R16 has almost the same diameter/width, but you have lots of options for different width/height; in general you are only restricted by the dually wheel spacing. I went with LT235/85R16 (General Grabber HTS) to increase the gearing by 7%, but will try going back to the LT225/75R16 to see if we get the clearance back - luckily the Airstream shop is a Quick Lane tire dealer so they can order in the new tires to try, and they price match Tire Rack etc.

All of that being said, according to the owners manual a 1975 24ft has a curb weight of 8200lbs, plus whatever you are carrying, so will probably be nearer the 12500lb GVWR, and I'm not sure any tire width would spread that load on a beach. You have somewhere around 5000lb on the front two tires and around 7500lb spread across the four at the back.
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Old 05-22-2015, 06:25 AM   #151
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Fishizzle,

You have to be careful selecting tire widths for the dually tires. The key is the dually tires are not supposed to rub each other when under load. The wider the tire the closer the two tires will come to rubbing while driving. I've driven an F350 that someone had installed tires that were to wide and not only was the sound obnoxious but dangerous as well. Just something to consider when looking for replacement tires.

Having 16" tires like Martin suggests is also a good idea as it will open up tire options for you.

Brad
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Old 05-22-2015, 06:33 AM   #152
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
Not sure who I have antagonized this week but the Airstream Gods definitely are not happy.

Major issues have come up this week ranging from power steering leaks, wiring problems in the recently installed instrument cluster, through to a possible major issue with rear wheel placement. This last one is the most worrying as it appears that the earlier frame replacement included new framework for the inner wheel-wells which is fouling on the new wheels and tires, and only came to light now it is on the ground and under load. Worse the only suggested solution so far is to pull the rear interior out and cut and change, but worst still the fresh water tanks are in the way of that possible solution.

Certainly no joy this week.
Ouch

Wheel clearance is the last thing anyone could have anticipated. Out of curiosity what size tires are you running? Probably not an option you would want to seriously consider but raising the coach slightly with different springs and/or spring mount locations could give a little bit of clearance. Any chance of posting some pictures of the problem?

Quote:
Some more photos of the front seats to try and show those installed, even if the wiring issues with the dash mean that is exposed again.

Passenger side.



Drivers side.



Also a close-up of the mounting.

Thanks for the seat pictures. I'm assuming you removed all of the stow-n-go framework that is under the seats. A couple of weeks ago after reading your post about using the stow-n-go seats I went ahead and purchased a pair and they arrived yesterday.

When you removed the framework underneath did you do it destructively or were you able to just unbolt components to remove them?

Brad
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Old 05-22-2015, 07:10 AM   #153
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Hey Brad, I wish I knew you were thinking of going the same route as I could have given some more information.

I spent a lot of time researching the 2nd row seats and eventually went with ones that aren't true stow-n-go, and didn't have the quick release frame work. Actually more than that when they were unbolted they still retained the runners etc.



Even the same seats when used in a Town & Country have the stow-n-go frame attached.

Means they arrived ready to bolt in. I picked up the version in black cloth simply because they were an experiment, and intended buying the same in leather if they worked, but the cloth goes really well with the carpet/interior so I don't think I will worry about the leather version.

FYI here is the eBay link to the seats I have used.

Set 2 Bucket Seats Black Cloth New Unused | eBay

The other nice feature of these seats are the arms actually move wider has the come down....I am pretty wide (60" chest) and have no issues feeling cramped in them where other seats we tried felt like I was trying to squeeze into a coach seat on a low coast airline.
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Old 05-22-2015, 08:02 AM   #154
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Hi Martin,

Just got back in from looking at the seats. Turns out there are 2 bolts, 4 nuts, 2 springs, 2 tie wraps and 2 clip on cables that have to be removed, undone or cut. The stow-n-go frames slipped right off after that. 30 minutes for the 1st one and 5 for the second!

I like the fact that the seat tracks are built into the seat, that makes things a lot easier. Your pictures pointed the way. Thanks!

After thinking about it I'm probably going to install the 6-way electric seat bases which should alleviate any need for adjustable pedestals. The electric seats have 1.5" up/down movement and 1.5" tilt forward/backward movement. That should take care of any height/angle issues.

Now if I can just get my Argosy moved into my shop....

Thanks!

Brad
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Old 05-25-2015, 10:01 PM   #155
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So......it appears the dash wiring issue is the main PCB is delaminating. Trouble is, it is in such bad condition that the guys can't read the part number.

Classic Auto Industries have most available and it looks like this board (8905934 | 73-75 CHEVY PRINTED CIRCUIT WITH WARNING LIGHT )



Anyone know if this is the right part number?

I really like the simple rectangular OEM instrument cluster so hope it can be repaired rather than having to replace.
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Old 05-26-2015, 06:06 AM   #156
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Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
So......it appears the dash wiring issue is the main PCB is delaminating. Trouble is, it is in such bad condition that the guys can't read the part number.

Classic Auto Industries have most available and it looks like this board (8905934 | 73-75 CHEVY PRINTED CIRCUIT WITH WARNING LIGHT )



Anyone know if this is the right part number?

I really like the simple rectangular OEM instrument cluster so hope it can be repaired rather than having to replace.
Martin,

I have the dash out of my 74 Argosy that you can have. I'm building a whole new dash assembly with gauges and have no plans to use the original dash. I don't know if it's in usable condition but it might be worth a try.

Brad
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Old 05-26-2015, 06:38 AM   #157
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Thanks for the offer Brad.

Unless someone else chips in I think I will order one to try. If that doesn't work I will take you up on the offer, just let me know want you want for it.
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Old 05-26-2015, 06:54 AM   #158
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Martin, I'm betting the PCB you have pictured is the correct replacement piece. If it doesn't work out let me know and I'll get my old one shipped out to you, no charge.

Brad
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Old 05-29-2015, 09:55 AM   #159
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Hot of the press......just got a call to say the techs are heading out for a first road test!

Well actually it was a call asking for more money, and the sweetener was the news they are heading out, but I will take any success I can take at the moment.
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Old 05-29-2015, 12:35 PM   #160
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Needless to say we're all sitting at the edges of our seats waiting for more news...
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