Noob with an Argosy

[Fujak]

Hi ya'll! I just bought a 73 Argosy about a month and a half ago thinking I would buy something cheap that works. I'd been dying for a travel trailer and and couldn't stomach paying too much for just a plain old run of the mill white box). After a month of work its almost campable and ready to start playing while I continue to fix it up. I've already ordered new axles (its way too low for my comfort) and after that the basket on the back is gonna have to go! Then of course paint, bodywork and flooring as money permits. I've been reading the forums since I got it and figured I should join instead of just being an "info stalker" Anyway thanks to you all for all the tips so far and I'll share all that I figure out along the way!

Fujak

[Lance M]

Well, Welcome! Glad you are enjoying your Argosy. This is the place to find out what you need to know for sure!

[overlander64]

Greetings Fujak!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Argosy ownership!

I am certain that your Argosy will provide many miles of memorable travels!

One suggestion . . . . . you might want to add a rock guard to your restoration plans. The front panorama windows are quite expensive to replace and the clear deep-wrap-wing-windows are no longer available (the new wing windows are only available with solar tinting). Even if the thought of a new replacement wing window with solar tint doesn't bother you, the price might -- one replacement wing window can cost in the vicinity of $750. A three-piece rock guard for the modern "narrow-body" Airstreams will fit your standard Argosy coach (the center section must be modified for Minuet models).

Good luck with your coach!

Kevin

[DKB_SATX]

Welcome from another Texas Argosy newbie! I just got mine in April.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. That's a nice looking Argosy. We'd love to see some pictures of the interior.

[mnmhays]

Very nice! We have a '73 Argosy26 that we are in the midst of fixing up.

[Fujak]

Thanks All! And thanks for the rock guard suggestion, Overlander. I cringe at the thought of having to pay so much for new glass that wouldn't even match the other side.... Oh yeah and here are a few pics of the inside. The top two are right after I got it so you can see I've got lotsa work to do.....

[Splitrock]

New axles, new paint, cleaned up inside . . . that'll be a nice trailer. Thanks for posting.

[DKB_SATX]

So was the fresh-water tank under the dinette and you removed it? Is something wrong with it, or you're just restructuring that part of the interior?

[Fujak]

I removed the freshwater tank, cleaned it out and replaced all the hoses to it and to the water pump. I did'nt like the dinette cause it was so small so I bought a futon and attached to a custom sliding frame I built over the top of the water tank. Replaced the raised table support in the floor with a countersunk one so it didn't stick up. I'm not a big stickler for keeping it all original so I thought I would go with the better use of space. Still need to replace the flooring and add the oak and beech cabinet doors before it looks good but at least its functional now.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by Fujak

I removed the freshwater tank, cleaned it out and replaced all the hoses to it and to the water pump. I did'nt like the dinette cause it was so small so I bought a futon and attached to a custom sliding frame I built over the top of the water tank. Replaced the raised table support in the floor with a countersunk one so it didn't stick up. I'm not a big stickler for keeping it all original so I thought I would go with the better use of space. Still need to replace the flooring and add the oak and beech cabinet doors before it looks good but at least its functional now.

Well, sounds like you're way behind on posting updated interior pictures then.

My dinette is different, it's not a wraparound. Unfortunately, the water tank is in the same place, so for 4 ppl to sit at the dinette, the forward 2 have to have 1 leg each on top of the water tank. Oh, and there's a nice sharp metal edge on the box that covers the water tank, I discovered that the first time I slid way in to open the front window.

[ArgosyGypsy]

We are new Argosy owners as well. Upgraded from a casita so we REALLY appreciate the extra space! Looks like you've got a great find! Are you planning to do your axles yourself? We are in for axles as well, and I'm contemplating it, so just wondering what your experience was. Welcome and that's a great looking Argosy!

[Fujak]

Originally Posted by ArgosyGypsy

We are new Argosy owners as well. Upgraded from a casita so we REALLY appreciate the extra space! Looks like you've got a great find! Are you planning to do your axles yourself? We are in for axles as well, and I'm contemplating it, so just wondering what your experience was. Welcome and that's a great looking Argosy!

Gypsy, I am going to do the axles myself, Right now I'm praying that they come in next week so I can put them on and go play since I have the first week of August off.... If not looks like I'll put it back together (I've taken one of them off already) until they do. I am going camping one way or another! As far as replacement goes, I found the info in this thread by TOP most helpful. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ead-74177.html He goes all the way though the quotes he got, why he went with Colin Hyde (one of the nicest, most helpful guys ever I've ever dealt with) for his axles and loads of photos and info on how he installed them. As many have said there are plenty of DIY types who have installed their own axles with no issues. I would read Tops' thread and the many others on here before proceeding and that will give you a good idea of what's involved. IMHO not a whole lot to it and if you run into trouble there are plenty of folks here that will have the right kind of advice to help to get you out of a jam.