1984 Airstream 345 owner (Newbie) need advice!

[Keyair]

I think the bases look the same Dave, with a nut..
I would like to extend the rotation release arm on the swivel to be easier to reach, and maybe even add a length of steel so it can be released from the doghouse side.

After a few hours looking at the wiring diagram for the RR, and the seat pigtail...
I ID'd the power feeds for each operation/motor but using my PowerProbe 3 and a battery, the only function I have been able to get working is the pneumatic lumber support. I suspect that the CPU that is located under the seat(called the "Seat Outstation") that all the seat functions plug into, is looking for some input from the RR body computer... The lumbar support is the only function not tied to a seat memory position switch. I am trying to figure out if applying power to one of the "extra wires" not supplying power to a function will release this issue...
Failing that, I will bypass the cpu...

I am planning to swap the seats into my GF's RR next week as a test, to be sure they are fully functional..
She loves her Range, and I have to admit, every time I drive it, there is just something about it I like... its got presence!
Hers is "Oxford Blue with cream interior..


We puts some nice 20" wheels on...

[Isuzusweet]

I'm chuckling now as every time I look at a RR I think of the Top Gear episode; the one where JC asked Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) to make faces of drivers of various makes and models. The snooty hoytie toytie face Rowan made for the RR was epic.

Nice rig but it does leave one question......has it ever seen dirt????

[Keyair]

Not seen that episode... but will have to look for it now!
We bought the RR just over 3 years ago and have not used it in the dirt yet... but hope to! The family 5.9 Grand Cherokee has been tested offroad but it is my understanding that the RR is far more capable. The GF calls the Jeep the beast because it feels half the size but the torque output is huge... it scares her everytime she drives it!

[Isuzusweet]

Rowan Atkinson (Series 17, Episode 4) - BBC Top Gear

[Keyair]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Rowan Atkinson (Series 17, Episode 4) - BBC Top Gear

TOO Funny!

[DaveFL]

Amazing thing is besides MR. Bean's expressive face and sounds, they mention Land Yachting in that episode. Will you be able to duplicate now that you have the seats and the Land Yacht

[tommyt]

We are getting an 85 345 next week. Inside we have a dinette where you have closets. Our first motor home. Also 454. It's in good shape for an 84. Good luck. Maybe see you at a Rally.

[Keyair]

Well, welcome and congrats Tommy!


Thanks to Brad, I found a replacement exterior handle... mine was MIA!

I am pretty sure its the right one...




The lock is a Schlage... but not sure if it is the correct one because the back of the lock cylinder does not have the square peg..
Opinions please?



I blew the whole assembly apart...


The clearcoat was bad... and also I dislike the way it looks and feels... all square/sharp edges.
An hour with a file/sander...
I still have some more fettling to do, but feels better and more tactile...

[bkahler]

Steve, I'm pretty sure that is the correct handle for the Classic motorhome. It's not really a square peg that sticks out of the lock, it's more like a flat piece of steel that is twisted with a round flat plate on the end that goes into the lock. I'll see if I can find a picture of what it looks like.

I'm not sure if that peg is a standard lockset item or if Airstream custom made it. I'll do some research and let you know.

Brad

[bkahler]

Oops, my description of the peg was slightly off

It actually is a square peg although the end that connects to the lock cylinder is flattened with a round disc at the end. I tried taking some pictures this morning before heading to work but the camera didn't focus any better than my eyes do this early in the day



I'll get some pictures this evening and if I get a chance tomorrow I'll run by the local lock smith and see if he has one available or can provide a source.

I'll let you know...

Almost forgot, do you have the parts that are located inside the wall?

Brad

[Keyair]

Thanks Brad,

I found this interesting PDF...
http://professional.schlage.com/pdfs...ntrol_2007.pdf

[tommyt]

We are in the process of buying one now. It' has a couple dents but in fair shape on the outside. Inside is in good condition looks all original. Were your dinette is we have a chair and dinette is across from the sink. Also looking to get a tow vehicle. Reading your post helps me a lot. Thanks and good luck with Yours. tommyt

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Thanks Brad,

I found this interesting PDF...
http://professional.schlage.com/pdfs...ntrol_2007.pdf

I didn't see the peg in the PDF file.

Here are some pictures of what you're looking for.



I've got to run into town tomorrow so I'll check with the local locksmith to see if he recognizes it and if he knows where to locate one.

Brad

[STstudios]

Hey Steve,

The handle looks right. I will grab some shot on my '86 345 and post them.

Sam

[bkahler]

Steve,

I dropped by the locksmith this morning and got some interesting information. The piece in question is called a "tail" and Schlage doesn't make one like the ones used on our motorhomes. What appears to have taken place is Airstream bought the Schlage locks with the standard tail piece and then modified the tail piece to suit their application. The locksmith gave me a couple of tail pieces to play with.



It's pretty obvious that all Airstream did is cut the tail piece to a suitable length, welded on an extension piece made out of 3/16" key stock (I need to verify that dimension).

So the bottom line is you won't be able to go to a lock smith and buy the tail piece that you need. However it should be easy to fabricate one. The best choice for welding would be TIG but gas welding might get it done as well.

I can generate sketch with accurate dimensions for you if you would like.


Brad

[STstudios]

Here's a few pics from my '86 345. Let me know if you need any other reference pics.

Sam

[Keyair]

Thanks for the info and pics.

I seem to recall that the tailpiece is still available from Airstream, so I will verify that with Inland RV/Andy. If I can order the OEM parts thats gotta be the easy way!

I stopped into Home Depot and looked at locks, but they dont carry the cylinders... I will try to find a local locksmith and find out if its a standard piece.

[Keyair]

Time to scare Ya'll...

I already said that my exterior handle was missing...
Torn off in a mishap somewhere in its past...
Here is what that area looks like..


Tried the handle up to the area...


It was time to brave and see what was underneath...
I drilled out the plate rivets...
Its not pretty, so those who are of a sensitive nature... look away now...



I bent the skin back to see what I have...
Looks like the deadlock solenoid is missing, but the wires are there for it and the doorbell..
Small mercies!

[Keyair]

I think I will put the plate back on for now!

Brad had kindly sent me the correct mounts, so it was time to loose the old ones.
So, now I was in the mood!
And I brought tools, and I was prepared to use them!
Grinder, Sawzall, and chisels.



Going....


Going...


GONE!




Now to clean up the remnants.




End result..

[Keyair]

Started on the drivers side mount...


But had to quit as my Sawzall Battery was toast, and I had used up the 3 cutting wheels I brought...
This was as far as I got.


So moved on the a job I got stuck on previously...
The rear fairing.
I had glued it together before, but could not remove it as the rivets were tricky to dril, si I groud off the heads with a flap wheel.