Found Mine!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by funkill

Thanks Andy. I looked that sheet over previously and just couldn't "see" where the torsion arm was in reference to the axle and wheel.

But, I finally found this on your Inland RV site (by googling images for Henschen Axles) ... now this really shows me where the torsion arm is!!! And I found it really informative. I didn't initially notice this link on your site --- as "tour" is not intuitive --- I thought it would be pictures of the plant.

Making Henschen Axles Tour

Sooooo, my axles also have shocks. I'm assuming that's correct since I see pictures of others' axles and there's shocks on them too... looking at the drawing linked above, where do the OEM shocks go? And, why do you need additional shocks with the shock absorbing airstream axles? Thanks for helping me to understand this system!

We've got some pictures of the axle replacement on our Sovereign, yours will be similar.
What usually happens to pre-1974 axles (they changed the rubber compound for 1974) is one of two things (sometimes both) 1-the rubber gets stiff from non-use, and even though they look good, they are in fact beating up your trailer while you tow, or 2-the rubber deteriorates to the point the axles will bottom out going over bumps in the road, which will also beat up your trailer when towing.
This is not the end of the world for your trailer, you just need to factor in the fact you will need to get them replaced sooner or later (preferably sooner).
Here are a couple of pictures from our thread, and the axle replacement, before and after:

[richinny]

Originally Posted by funkill

Sooooo, my axles also have shocks. why do you need additional shocks with the shock absorbing airstream axles?

think of the "shocks" as motion dampeners, which they are. they slow the oscillation of the spring action.

[funkill]

I visited Ophelia last weekend. And, unfortunately, verified the torsion arms are in the position indicating replacement is necessary. I've found a couple people who will help me with this job in the near future. I took a few shots of the interior. Most is original. I spent a few bucks at TJMaxx, getting some decoritive items and even a couple bedcovers that I think I can use to recover the gaucho's. I have some experience in upholstery so it doesn't seem to difficult. Though I probably won't embark on trying to repliate the original curtains.... I do have some samples of new flooring too - the Trafficmaster planks. I tried them over an old furnace cover in my house to see how they held up with my dogs and so far, so good!

Course, nothing gets done till she's cleaned up!

[wannaroam]

It is lovely! And nice to have a good looking original interior. Ours was mostly torn out in the front, but that did leave me free to redo things at will and not feel bad about alterations.

It looks like it was well taken care of.

[warbler5]

You found yourself a lovely, well-maintained trailer! I can imagine you will do some wonderful things to update and personalize it....keep posting pics. It's great to hear that you have found some folks to help you with the axle work.

[Mikethefixit]

FunKill
I have to agree U have found a well maintained Trailer. If U have found some friends with an ashpalt drive, air impacts, floor jack, wheel dollys, and 4 to 6 pieces of 2x6 U can do the change. I did I'm 70 yrs old. Please don't let anyone scare U into think'n u can't do it.
If you want, PM me I will be glad to tell ya how I did it.
If you were closer Id do it for ya.
Roger

[NatchezBear]

Liquid Nitrogen ....Yikes I'm scared of that!







"Sometimes when you open a box of cracker Jacks you get a real shi**y prize"


An Airstream is well worth it .............

[McLogger]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Torsion axles "cannot" be rebuilt by an individual.

The shafts must be removed with a 50 ton puller, minimum. Then new rubber rods of the correct length and composition must be deformed and frozen with liquid Nitrogen, then very quickly reinstalled in the axle tube, along with the shaft.

Well, I have to agree with Andy I do not think any individual can personally rebuild the axle.

My father and I have done some research, watched videos, spoke to Henschen and it would take some serious equipment to rebuild them and if you could find the right rubber. Also, why risk it. BUT, have have to disagree that you can not remove the shafts because we have removed them. A sludge and 2 4 lb steel wedges. They do come apart and yes mine surely were shot.

[juel]

Another nice Airstream. Happy to see one in very good hands and I'm sure it will be used for some great camping trips. I know we love ours. You did good.

[sd90mac]

Funkill,

Beautiful coach Much of the original interior is still intact. Yes, cleaning and some work is required.

We are on our 3rd coach, and all 3 had to have new axles when we got then. All 3 sets came from Inland in Corona CA. never had a problem with service or delivery. My husband, overlander 63, put all the axles on our coaches and no problems doing it.

Yes, buying a used coach will cost some green to get it in tip top shape, but when you go camping in it, you don't have to worry about all systems failing. Usually something will need attention when you get home.

All of the information you will need for repairs and or restoration can be found on the forum. Many of us have "spare parts" and can get them to you. We try to help each other out.

Just take it one step at a time and you will do fine. All advice is offered with nothing but good intentions, and if some sounds strange, condescending or you are not sure, ask for clarification. As in any endeavor, some people like one vendor and have no problems and other people will have problems with other vendors.

What one man swears by another man swears at.

Marie

[wannaroam]

Check around if you decide to redo the axles. A few miles from us is a place where they build all types of trailers and we ordered the correct axles for our unit from Dexter. My husband put them on and it cost us about $900.

And as you already know the people on the forum are the best. Someone (I am ashamed to say that I don't remember who) mailed us a CD copy of the manual for our unit and wouldn't even take postage for doing so.

[funkill]

Well, I brought her home over the weekend. My first tow! I bought the McKesh mirrors and put them on - NICE. Though it took quite a bit of time to assemble and adjust. I reset my w/d hitch (hadn't followed the adjusment instructions correctly the first time). The 50 mile trip was uneventful other than my own worries. No rivets popped, no shelves or doors open - guess the worn axles did okay on this short and slow trip. I managed to back it into my spare parking space along the side of my home. Course, I nailed the mailbox with my truck while doing so ... I was looking over my shoulder to back her in place and totally forgot that you need to look and see where your TV is positioned while moving! But I couldn't have maneuvered her into place without the mirrors. I was really slow making right hand turns - those are a bit nerve-wracking for a beginner!
I was able to power her up and verify that the A/C, micro and refer work. I didn't delve into any of the propane powered items - nor did I hook into city water. I'll do that during the week.... but it's pretty cool to have her along side the house. I am sure that some neighbors will soon complain - then I'll take her to the storage site about 10 miles up the road. Got a good deal for $25/mo - outside w/8' fence and 24-hr human security. But it's in a fairly good area and easily accessible for me. The nicer places go for about $80 (outside but with camera security systems).

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by funkill

then I'll take her to the storage site about 10 miles up the road. Got a good deal for $25/mo - outside w/8' fence and 24-hr human security. But it's in a fairly good area and easily accessible for me. The nicer places go for about $80 (outside but with camera security systems).

Security cameras are great??????

They confirm a break-in, but don't stop it.

A human guard is best, as long as they don't fall asleep, on the job, or have a friendly thief.

Andy

[azflycaster]

The owners of my storage facility live at the site. They do regular patrols during the open hours and always stop and say Hi when we are picking up or dropping off. There is a security gate which logs you in and out as well. During the closed hours they have a team of 4 legged guards that are not as friendly as the owners.

[hampstead38]

First of all, congratulations. No matter what kind of axles you have under your girl, you are now a member of the few, the proud, the vintage Airstream owners. You would be hard pressed to find a group of more enthusiastic and supportive vehicle owners. You can post any question--no matter how silly--and get answers here.

As you have already noticed, the forums have some, err, well, strong personalities. You might be surprised (or you might not) with the level of passion surrounding something as mundane as an axle. Dexter versus Henschen might as well be the American Civil War versus the War of Northern Aggression.

As for work, any older vehicle demands a certain level of attention. You can look at this as a pain... or as a "learning opportunity." Doing the work on a older trailer really teaches a person how systems function. I think the same principle is true whether we're talking about a car, a home or a trailer. The more you know, the more you feel in control of your own destiny. There is some measure in pride in being able to say, "Look what I bought," but it pales in comparison to being able to say, "Look what I built."

Good luck.

[Airboss]

Looks like a nice unit Funhill. Glad to hear you have it home safe and sound!! You will have many good camping trips in it as I have with all the ones I have had.. Lookin good!!!