Clipper, Land Yacht, Exterior Graphics

[masseyfarm]

Applies to the Clipper, but some information may be applicable to other models.
The Clipper is finished in gelcoat and the graphics are decals and are not painted as was standard on later series of other models.
Athough the decals do fade over time if not protected with wax, they last quite well if normal twice a year wax protectant is applied to the unit. The decals can be replaced if necessary, but this can get expensive also. ( not as expensive as paint! )
The gelcoat, if kept washed and waxed, will last and look good indefinitely.
Later models were completely painted with the base and graphics overlaid and clear coated. The result was all units that were exposed to the hot sun, had clear coat peel, that is difficult and very expensive to repair.

The original graphics on the Clipper represented: the sea, the land, and the sky, and the simple design was, in my mind, superior to the busy bling paint schems of todays Class A units.





Another decal scheme that may have looked good on the Clipper might have represented the: desert sand, the mairage of gold, and the southern sun.
Unfortunately, Airstream abandoned the Clipper production after the short anniversary 65 year production.

I wish Airstream, or some other OEM would re-introduce a similar unit, possibly 37 to 38' with WB/length ratio remaining at 53%, with some upgrade on the construction technique, (no luan) but simple enough that the average "farmboy" could maintain, leaving lots of area for owner upgrades. It would have the midmount entrance door, be HD raised rail chassis, similar water and waste storage to the Clipper, (possibly integreating the basement floor with fresh water storage), have improved space age insulation, with similar window layout, (more large windows are not necessary and are an energy consumer).
If it was reasonably priced, it would be a great transportation tool for the next generation to also enjoy the thrill of travelling North America.
Dave

[masseyfarm]

Weather was perfect today to start a wax job on the Clipper.

Just did the rear as I was tied up on other priorities mid-day.

The rear cap was needing attention as we had a fuel line break last Sept. on the road and the rear cap lost most of the wax from that incident.

Washed in the morning and then 2 hours of hand polish, on the rear cap only, in the evening and it is looking a lot better. It will never shine like a polished aluminum trailer will, but the water beads on it now.

Weather is supposed to change to rain tomorrow so doubt if any more gets done for a few days.

Dave

[bnsonger47]

I'm "late" to the party as far as this post in concerned. I just took ownership of a 2000 Land Yacht XC -- not like the graphics scheme of your Clipper -- however, not like the big swooshes and dark colors of today's Class A. In fact, what attracted me to this coach, and three others similar to it, was the tasteful design. It wasn't heavy with stripes and swooshes but it did have color. It had full body paint but not with dark colors.

Since there are relatively few flat-nosed Airstreams I wasn't familiar with the Clipper patterns you posted. I'm glad you did that. I'll know what to watch for when on the road this summer.

By the way, I'm not new to the Freightliner/Caterpillar combination that my coach is based on but I am new to the Airstream experience.

[masseyfarm]

Welcome to the world of Airstream.

Good looking unit, and looks like you have a good inside storage facility.

We need more experiences/input on this "Flat Front" forum and especially from anyone with Cat experience, as few have posted to this point. Many of the other systems are similar to other Airstream units.

Keep those pictures coming.

Dave

Originally Posted by bnsonger47

By the way, I'm not new to the Freightliner/Caterpillar combination that my coach is based on but I am new to the Airstream experience.

[bnsonger47]

Originally Posted by masseyfarm

Welcome to the world of Airstream.
We need more experiences/input on this "Flat Front" forum and especially from anyone with Cat experience, as few have posted to this point. Many of the other systems are similar to other Airstream units.

Dave

That's not my hanger. That belongs to the PO.

I'm on the CAT forum sine I'm a member of that FMCA-based club. For the engine, I'm impressed with the mileage I got in the Rambler. I hope I do as well or better sine this unit is shorter by two feet and lighter by 1,250 pounds. I also tend to not carry full tanks to save weight. I got 11.2 without tow in the Rambler @ 275 hp. The As is rated at 300 but that can be tuned down.

[masseyfarm]

Got the Clipper waxed over the last 3 days and finished the Alcoa's this evening. I just need to do some detail around the hard to get at stud/nut caps and also detail the tires to remove the excess wax.

That will have to wait a day or so as we go camping tomorrow.

Dave

[masseyfarm]

I think I have every detail covered for our 2013 tour est. to be close on 9,000 miles.

I got the 'good luck horse' cleaned up and remounted in a more prominent position.

Hope to see lots of 'Streamers' on route.

Dave

[Schools Out]

That's a lot of driving...how long will you be on the road and, where are your choice destinations?
Have a wonderful trip!

[masseyfarm]

Thanks.
Our route is flexible but generally we expect to stay in Canada going east, but may swing across thru N Michigan and hit the Bad River Casino about the 21st Aug.
http://goo.gl/maps/KtcAG
and back into Canada at the Sault. On the return we may swing south as far as Las Vegas before returning north.

We will be sightseeing at selected stops, spending some extended time in the Paradise of the Ottawa Valley

(

Big Joe Mufferaw - YouTube

and also the Mohawk Valley.

( Good movie -- Drums Along The Mohawk Review 1939 | Movie Contactmusic.com )

Movie clip here. http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/3...f-A-Widow.html


Expect to be back at home base early November.

Originally Posted by Schools Out

That's a lot of driving...how long will you be on the road and, where are your choice destinations?
Have a wonderful trip!

[masseyfarm]

This is an 'airstream flow influencing device' to reduce the boundary friction which is created when fast moving air encounters an abrupt change of direction. This device results in air being pushed downwardly along the vertical rear wall.



This helps to reduce drag and also maximize a cleaning effect to push the water and road grime away from the rear cap.


This works in conjunction with the other air flow altering devices mounted in the vicinity of the outer contour rear vertical surfaces of the Class A CLIPPER which introduce stationary ring vortexes into the tailstream.


The upper aerodynamic component generates a slight lifting force at cruising speed resulting in a decrease of the vehicle weight to achieve lower fuel consumption, faster acceleration, a more responsive braking system and increased directional stability.


The "AIRSTREAM FLOW INFLUENCING DEVICE" combined with the VORTEX GENERATORS allow the Clipper to experience:


1: Cleaner surfaces on the rear cap and toad.


2: Very limited push from passing large trucks.


3: Excellent handling even with heavy crosswinds.


4: Increased fuel mileage.


5: Increased radiator cooling.


6: Public interest in AIRSTREAM products.


Look at this video of the rear of the CLIPPER on day 54 and approx. 6600 miles. The rear has not been washed since our departure and we have traveled a lot of secondary highways, some in very poor weather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeSSwyE6rGI

See
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f313...ml#post1343067




Dave