Replacing steel and fiberglass endcaps?

[Danec020]

Hey Guys!

I am relatively new to the Airstream world and have been looking for a 20ft Argosy motorhome for awhile. I was thinking the other day about the two caps that aren't made of aluminium and was wondering if anyone has or if one could replace them with new aluminum ones? Is there any structural reasons the steel cap needs to remain or was it just because Airstream was looking to cut cost at the time?

Sorry if this has been answered before. I tried searching but my results haven't yielded anyone talking about replacing them. One day maybe I can take that journey and post my results.

Thanks!
Dane

[bkahler]

Dane,

I don't know of anyone that has actually replaced the galvanized end caps on an Argosy before. With that being said, for the rear I'm not sure why you couldn't use the same 3 aluminum segments that were used on the Classic motorhomes. The shape of the Classic may have a little more slope to the curve where the Argosy seems to be slightly more rounded. However I don't think there are any ribs in that area so I don't think the slight shape difference would make a difference.

The front cap of the Classic is made of aluminum but I believe it is the same shape as the Argosy. What I don't know is if Airstream has the Classic end caps available or if the are now made of unobtainium.

Sorry I couldn't help any more than that.

Brad

[Danec020]

No need to apologize about not being enough help. I was just wondering if the panels were the same shape and layout of some of the other trailers they made. If it was, then I thought someone might have swapped out the steel and fiberglass end caps. I can see the front end cap being different than other airstreams of that era but the back seems logical they would use the same panel/technique.

Anyhow, back to hunting for a 20ft Argosy motorhome!

-Dane

[bkahler]

Dane,

I believe the problem with trying to use trailer panels is they are not as long as the ones on motorhomes.

Bottom line is if you decide you want to try and replace the galvanized steel or fiberglass end caps you need to look closely at the donor trailer or vehicle to ensure the panels are long enough.

Good luck on your quest for a 20 footer!

Brad

[Schu]

Yes the galvanized panels can be removed and the aluminum panels will fit in there place.call Airstream Service for more info

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Schu

Yes the galvanized panels can be removed and the aluminum panels will fit in there place.call Airstream Service for more info

Schu,

Good information. I'm assuming you're only referring to the rear panels between the later Classic motorhomes and the Argosy motorhomes.

Brad

[robwok]

I talked to Colin Hyde about replacing an argosy end cape with a 13 panel segment from the 50's. No one has done it yet.... but that would be one funky awesome setup.

He has the parts and could ship them to you.

[Schu]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Schu,

Good information. I'm assuming you're only referring to the rear panels between the later Classic motorhomes and the Argosy motorhomes.

Brad

MH Front cap also.
The trailer front and rear caps can be replaced with alum. segments also