For less than $150, you could have a cheap (110v) wire feed welder which would be sufficient for any welding on an Airstream (not very heavy gauge steel). Anyone can weld with one, it is really that simple. Once you've used it, like the angle grinder and reciprocating saw, you'll wonder why you waited so long to purchase one. I have an old Lincoln stick welder (220v, 235 amp) that I picked up for $65 from a pawn shop. It has more than paid for itself.
Oh yeah David! I really look like "a star" in those shots!!!! Why I oughttta!!!!!
We may just do that Ron...still looking for a pro, structure is not something we really want to compromise on though. Where the work is required, will not be easily accessible to "re-do" later if it fails. But we are still pondering...thanks for the encouragment!
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
The bad thing is, I probably need a "cutter," too. Does acetylene come in small bottles?
Zep,
I would suggest using a Sawzall. Considering the rather thin material found in an Airstream frame there is no need to use a cutting torch... besides it can be messy with molten steel flying around.
i think i'm behind shari and zep too with the welder. i need some cross members welded and a couple of outriggers. i'm going to get the metal, get everything cut and see how much work is involved. it may just be a few hours of a welders time once i have everything cut.
zep, i used my angle grinder to cut out the crossmembers, pretty much cuts like hard butter, sawzall works great too, make sure you get a metal blade.
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david
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WooHoo! A friend of ours (75 miles away) is going to come over & take care of us this Saturday! Better make a margarita run! Hopefully, our saga will soon be over ~
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
The biggest hiccup we've run into is getting people to show up to do the things we can't! We have had a heck of a time finding a mobile welder that will come by and do a couple of things:
Add an outrigger (we already have it)
Replace the rear cross member (have this too)
Reattach step (it's sitting there ready to go)
Add strapping for gray/black tank supports (got it, just need to attach it)
All these are ready to go - just need someone to show up and do the actual attaching. We have called no less than 12 supposed mobile welders from both the yellow pages & referal. Nobody returns calls and the one that did (referal) stood us up twice. We are not cheaping out, we are willing to pay to have this done...on their timing - weekend/weekday, either on or off the books, cash or ???. Three weeks and counting...the clock is ticking. There is absolutely nothing else we can do until the welding is done.
You'd think someone would want a little extra spending money! Argh!!!
So, can it be done quickly - over a looong weekend? Maybe. If you hold your tongue just so, find no unexpected repairs you can't do yourself, wear your lucky socks and underwear, have everything you need and a few things you might need lined up just in case AND the stars align perfectly ~ maybe, then just maybe, you could get 'er done! But I wouldn't hold my count on it...you will only be disappointed.
Shari
I know what you mean...I taught myself to weld. I have been mig welding for a year now. I even went out and brought a new one...Hobart! so I can mig weld steel, stainless and aluminum.
Let me change the question slightly .Does owning a vintage airstraem mean that you need a new frame .My 66G/Tstarted in Michigan and is now in NY In other words it has not spent its life in the SW.I have removed all the original floor tiles and there is a small amount of rot near the door and some near the battery ,which is under the street side gaucho . I found some damage to the frame under the toilet that appears to be repairable without dropping the belly.I'll drop the belly and lift the body if that is the standard procedure for all old AS .By the way I have decided to replace the axle just for gp's ,tom .
the reason I ask is its gettin damn cold outside
no, you don't need a new frame unless it's rusted through or, for the long guys, has severe butt droop. Scrape off the rust and POR-15 it and it'll be almost as good as new.
Aluminati, I think we are at the same stage. I too am trying to stop the leaks before I fix the damage they have caused... here is what is keeping me from fixing my remaining leaks...
We got 4" of the white stuff yesterday and now it is real cold and real frozen outside.
WooHoo! A friend of ours (75 miles away) is going to come over & take care of us this Saturday! Better make a margarita run! Hopefully, our saga will soon be over ~
Shari
Luke drove down 75 miles for the DenCO Unit Christmas lunch...and after that, he & Fred came over and welded our bits!!!! Oh, did I mention it was dark, snowing and 16-degrees??? As my buddy Fred said, "All's weld, that ends weld!"
We owe them BIG time...how can we ever repay that? Thanks to you both!!!
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
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