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PeterH-350LE · 01-27-2013, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Ok,
So shower replacement didn't happen after all. To be honest, at this point, I'll take all of the overtime I can get just so I can keep buying parts for and possibly paying off motorhome quicker!
Anyone out there know what size rivets I need to purchase? Know that BKahler has told me about a 5/8" head rivet, no idea where to go looking for these. Just looked at the Airstream website, jeez, do they really like their stuff or what?
Already have a nice pivot head rivet gun, but would really like to have what I need on hand.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks, Derek

PS -shower is held in with what looks to be like about 100 or so rivets.....

Not sure exactly where you will be using the rivets, but you don't have to buy the expensive Olympic rivets for most interior repairs. Home Depot and Lowes sell $6.- boxes of 50 or 100 aluminum rivets that may work for your project. If you need a bigger head and the rivet is hidden, you can always use a washer. I have used hundreds of those rivets and they work just fine. Remember longer is not always better, since you want the rivet to expand just behind the material you are fastening, i.e.if you use a 1/2" long rivet on material that is combined only 1/8" thick, the rivet may not be able to expand in the right spot to hold the 2 material tight. A little practice and soon you will be a Rivet Master

crazeevw · 02-03-2013, 07:40 PM

Peter,
I'll go buy the washers and use them instead of the 5/8 rivets. Those are used in the upper cabinets, where they are attached to the ceiling. Still, I'm heading to Fastenall tomorrow after work to see if they possibly have them!
Thanks, Derek

PeterH-350LE · 02-07-2013, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Peter,
I'll go buy the washers and use them instead of the 5/8 rivets. Those are used in the upper cabinets, where they are attached to the ceiling. Still, I'm heading to Fastenall tomorrow after work to see if they possibly have them!
Thanks, Derek

I checked the inventory at Home Depot yesterday and they now have a nice selection of aluminum blind rivets, some with a bigger head. Since you drilled out existing, you probably have to go back with the next bigger size for a tight fit.

crazeevw · 02-07-2013, 08:26 AM

Peter,

Must be LOTS more Airstream's in your area of TX. Was just at HD this past weekend, and bought 3 different sized rivets, that's all they had.....

crazeevw · 02-20-2013, 08:27 AM

Tire quote this morning. 8R19.5 Hercules brand, $183. Plus installation. Anyone ever heard of Hercules?
Thanks, Derek

PeterH-350LE · 02-20-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Tire quote this morning. 8R19.5 Hercules brand, $183. Plus installation. Anyone ever heard of Hercules?
Thanks, Derek

No, but I never buy cheap tires again. Thread separation can tear your rig apart.

ScrapIrony-2 · 02-20-2013, 05:16 PM

Ya know, Derek, I put Michelins on my rig, and I will have to do so, again, like soon...yeah, it hurts at the register, but I really like the extra safety factor...

crazeevw · 02-20-2013, 06:14 PM

To be honest, I'm buying tires since what I have are all over 10 years old. For the most part, what I'm buying now will only hold up the Airstream off the ground for the next 7 years or so. Purchasing Michelins or Goodyear for only that purpose seems to be a waste of $. Doubt that I'll be doing much of any traveling until I retire in another 8 to 10 years. Don't see what I have at the moment lasting that long. Still, wanting something that will at least take me for an a couple of hours drive to a remote camping ground.
But, if cheap tires are going to fail.....
Thanks, Derek

ScrapIrony-2 · 02-20-2013, 06:46 PM

Hey Derek,
Check with Mike Leary...he's been on the road for a long time, and I seem to remember that he had a favorite

Smartstream · 02-20-2013, 09:22 PM

Here is one guys opinion of Hercules tires.

Hercules operates wholesale warehouses in the United States, Canada, and China. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. But, does Hercules make the right tires for you?

Is Hercules Right for You?

by Drew Gill

My day job would have to be one of the toughest on vehicles and tires (working in an open cut coal mine)in the world. A vehicle is purchased brand new and usually lasts about a year. The life of a set of tires can vary depending on the season, but many don’t last more than 10,000 miles. We’ve had many different brands and types of tires over the years and the ones my boss seems to keep going back to are Hercules. Now, I don’t exactly know why that is, he could just be getting them cheap. However, the Hercules tires seem to do fine and, if they are cheaper than most options, I can see why he does it.

Probably the most common tire killers at work are screws and nails that are left lying around, but also worth a mention are some of the sharp rocks and other debris that get uncovered or fall off vehicles. Chunks of coal or rock often fall out of dump trucks and can instantly punch a hole into a tire that can’t be repaired no matter how good the repairer thinks he is.

On the Road

On the road surface, our Hercules tires seem like a good choice, although I’ve noticed wet weather driving can be a little slippery. We generally cruise along a same section of highway each day to get to a remote area of the mine and it means driving highway speeds for around an hour each way. There is some feedback through the suspension compared to some of the tires we’ve used in the past, but I think those Hercules are a good compromise for the road and the unsealed road surfaces we have to navigate.
It’s important to be able to maintain communications at all time, whether that is via radio or phone, so road noise can be a clincher when it comes to making tire decisions. The Hercules Tires do make a bit more noise than some of the other tires we’ve had in the past, but it’s not surprising given their appearance. They have that real off-road look with a very pronounced tread.

On the Dirt

Throughout the mine, there is a lot of different surfaces and each one presents a different challenge for a vehicle. For the majority of the time, we are driving over a surface that is a combination of coal and dirt, but there are unsealed roads that are a heavy red soil and others that are rock. When the surface is wet, it can be either slushy and boggy or extremely slimey and slippery.
In the mud, the Hercules tends to cope with the slippery situations we encounter a lot better than some of the other brands of tires. Open cut coal mines rely on water trucks that disperse a steady spray of water over the roads in order to control dust. This means that many of the road surfaces are quite boggy and slippery- even in the searing heat of summer. In fact, it isn’t entirely uncommon to drive through thick mud, followed by dry sand-like dust and then over rock before finally travelling a paved section, all in a matter of a very short distance.
Hercules' Range of Tires for Light Trucks and SUVs

Terra Trac A/T

Hercules describes the Terra Trac A/T as a premium all terrain tire that performs at its best in challenging driving conditions. It has an advanced tread pattern and an aggressive sidewall to combine strength and durability, but with a smooth and quiet ride when cruising.
All Trac A/T

This is a light truck tire with on/off road capability. While being an all terrain tire it still is able to give high mileage and even wear. Its aggressive tread design ensures the tire is able to perform in all types of elements.
Terra Trac SUV

This Hercules tire is aimed at the SUV and light truck markets. The tire has been engineered with a solid center rib for enhanced steering response and sipped to maneuver in wet and dry conditions. Terra Trac gives a smooth, peaceful ride when cruising on highway or town road surfaces.
MR IV SUV

This tire is specifically designed for SUV and CUV fitments. The tire features a smooth and quiet “car-like” ride with excellent wet and dry traction. It’s a tire that can go the distance as well as perform with the best.
Terra Trac Radial Rib

This tire has a 5-rib design for smooth running performance and exceptionally long mileage. The tire’s aggressive center rib gives great all weather performance and outstanding road traction. The tire’s wide tread arc provides traction and long, even tread wear.
Terra Trac H/T

Hercules says that this tire has a strong rib design so that it can provide all-season traction with long even tread wear. It provides a smooth and quiet ride for highway cruising and the tire comes with M and S ratings.
Trail Digger M/T

This Hercules tire is designed with stone “blockers” to increase puncture resistance. The XXL scooping tread lugs give the Trail Digger maximum traction in mud, gravel, and sand. Pinned for studs.
Terra Trac A/W

This is a versatile truck tire that offers peak performance for the person that wants to go on or off road. The tire has two steel belts plus two nylon cap piles under the tread to offer puncture protection. The tire also has advanced sidewall contruction that protects against impacts. The tire's advanced tread design offers longer tread and a quiet ride while cruising on the highway.
Loads of Hercules Tires Available

Hercules Tires also make performance tires, truck tires and regular family sedan tires. Whether you're travelling through a coal mine, driving a truck load of cattle or just travelling to work in city traffic, Hercules Tires have something for every application.

Read more: Hercules Tires

They might be fine for what you are looking for.

bkahler · 02-21-2013, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Tire quote this morning. 8R19.5 Hercules brand, $183. Plus installation. Anyone ever heard of Hercules?
Thanks, Derek

The Greek god?!

This is all I could find on Hercules Tires.

Brad

stfennema · 02-21-2013, 07:15 PM

I had the same problem with fresh water tank. I fixed the leak with 3m 5200 fast cure caulk. Sand the area first spread a layer of 5200 on tank then press a thin piece of aluminum over the crack. 5200 is moisture cured you will probably have to purchase it from a marine store. 5200 is a adhesive/sealer. I have used it for years in boat repair.
Steve Fennema

crazeevw · 03-19-2013, 09:31 PM

BUT,
Just for S**Ts and giggles, decided that the rear of my Airstream was the perfect place for a select collection of bumper stickers. Not as if I'll be using that rear-view mirror up front, to look out the back much, right?
After reading the forum update from Andy about Airstream not stocking the windshield gaskets any longer, I did order a 16oz bottle of 303 Protectant today. Let's see if I can't keep this gasket forever!

Oh, here's the collection of stickers. Last one is one I'm looking for anywhere!

crazeevw · 04-03-2013, 08:34 PM

Finally!
Back at the motorhome. Able to get inside, drilled out gosh knows how many rivets, removed phillips screws, and the upper cabinet behind drivers seat is finally down!

Trying to figure out the best way to disassemble this without any damage. Did discover that the lower section had rivets drilled out at some point. Will go through all upper cabinets next to make sure that those rivets are there. Certain that I'll need the support for my items.

Did go and splurge today. Found a 1988 Airstream Motorhome Dealer's brochure on eBay. Paid MUCH too MUCH for it, but I've always wanted one, and even though mine is a 1989, figure one year off, I may never find another...

dadstoy · 04-03-2013, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Finally!
Back at the motorhome. Able to get inside, drilled out gosh knows how many rivets, removed phillips screws, and the upper cabinet behind drivers seat is finally down!

Trying to figure out the best way to disassemble this without any damage. Did discover that the lower section had rivets drilled out at some point. Will go through all upper cabinets next to make sure that those rivets are there. Certain that I'll need the support for my items.

Did go and splurge today. Found a 1988 Airstream Motorhome Dealer's brochure on eBay. Paid MUCH too MUCH for it, but I've always wanted one, and even though mine is a 1989, figure one year off, I may never find another...

Hi Derek,

I've been wondering what you have been up to. Glad to see you in the mh doing some work!

wxbuoy · 04-07-2013, 02:44 AM

Derek,

What are you going to do with the cabinets that you need to disassemble them? Unfortunately, looking at mine they all appear to be joined with dowels and glued at the joints. You can cut yours with a very fine and redo, but not worth the effort and you may see it in the end product. If you are just looking to fix the joint try some solvent to loosen the glue a bit. clean it real well and re-glue and clamp. Than on the backside or top you can put a screw, dowel or bisket across the joint.

You are definitely making more progress than me! Please keep us posted!!

raveson · 04-07-2013, 03:38 PM

Derek,
If you want copies of my 1989 brochures giv me a call or PM.
Richard

crazeevw · 04-17-2013, 08:41 PM

Ok,

So I keep buying stuff for Airstream, all which means more work on my end. My only problem is that I never seem to finish anything.

Tips from Brad

1) make a list of everything that needs to be done, down to the last screw that has to be removed.

So, I'm out in the Airstream, WOW do I have lots to do. Anyone know if ALL gas plumbing is reverse thread?

All of my kitchen work is to gain access to shower to replace shower pan. Along the way, I'm planning some changes in counter-top (I truly hate Corian) as well as doing repairs in sub-floor that I know will be needed.

Will post my progress.

Thanks, Derek

ScrapIrony-2 · 04-17-2013, 11:18 PM

Derek,
Yepper, all gas threads SHOULD be reverse...it's one of the ways that prevents folks like me from running a water line to the stove...don't forget to use the yellow teflon tape for gas connections.
Seeing the work you're putting in for the shower...WHEW!!! I have made the decision that if I ever have to replace my shower, I'm gonna come park next to you and use yours!

crazeevw · 04-26-2013, 07:02 PM

A few items purchased lately. Belt line trim piece for entry door on Airstream. Plus found this NEAT clock since original Hamilton click was MIA at time of purchase.
Found out that insurance settlement from accident with drunk driver is arriving SOON, so 8 new tires and 2 new A/C's are on horizon! Read today in Motorhome magazine about a system Raveson has that allows running both A/C's is available. Maybe that is a purchase as well.
Thanks Derek