Gaucho extension-any success stories??

Creampuff · 08-31-2003, 11:11 AM

O.K.-we all agree that the old gauchos could have been wider.I always get the wall side and dream of more space to be able to truly be able to enjoy the A/S night experience as well as the daytime ones!
Any suggestions on the best and least invasive surgury to extend a gaucho?

overlander63 · 08-31-2003, 06:29 PM

How about a futon mattress? You could make the wood strips the bottom of the goucho rides on a few inches longer, so the mattress would fit. As a plus, with a little creativity, you could have a taller-backed couch when it is in the "upright & locked" position. A piece of plywood cut so it would fold in the right place could be inserted into the cover, so you don't fall through the cracks. Let me know if you use this idea, how it works out, as I am going to try something like it on mine when I get the time.
Terry
(in Florida)

thenewkid64 · 08-31-2003, 07:57 PM

Another option would be to get one of the "fifth ave" lounges from a late 70's model Airstream. The pad is one piece and it is double bed size. Should bolt in and your done.

Tom Nugler · 09-15-2003, 09:57 AM

My 64 Globetrotter had 3 slides, consisting of two pieces each. When I rebuilt it I changed the configuration to 4 slides of 3 pieces each. In my case I adjusted the stops so the front edge would pull out to 54" leaving 8" between the edge of the bed and the galley cabinets. This made the bed stronger and wider and now holds a pair of old widebodies quite comfortably. Good luck.

COArgosy78 · 09-15-2003, 10:10 AM

We are looking into this situation also. Almost had a futon from a garage sale this weekend to try, but were outbid. Oh, well.

Has anyone posted pictures of their changes in progress? Seems like I saw someone post that they were going to, but never saw what happened. Leigh

59toaster · 09-15-2003, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Nugler
My 64 Globetrotter had 3 slides, consisting of two pieces each. When I rebuilt it I changed the configuration to 4 slides of 3 pieces each. In my case I adjusted the stops so the front edge would pull out to 54" leaving 8" between the edge of the bed and the galley cabinets. This made the bed stronger and wider and now holds a pair of old widebodies quite comfortably. Good luck.

Any pictures?

I am one of the folks that plan to modify the goucho. I'm going with a Futon materess. I'm looking at some modified slides simmular to a drawer slide and a set of legs at the corners. I'm a couple months out before I get to that part.

InsideOut · 09-15-2003, 11:27 AM

Actually it was kinda a happy accident, the new foam cushions we had made ended up being too big by about 3". The cushion fit, it was just tight. So we just moved the stops out about 3" and the result is a wider bed and it's easier to make & maniulate.

The 3" isn't that much in an aisle, it's still very passable when the bed is made down....but it sure seems like it added a lot to the bed.

Shari

pinebenny · 09-15-2003, 09:54 PM

Hello All

Arlen manning did this to his 1964 Globetrotter. It can be seen here
http://globetrotter64.home.att.net/gouchol.htm
When I put my GT back together I will need to rebuild my Gaucho and this is probably what I will do.

Good luck
Ben

oops I guess I need to change my sig to somthing like Airstreamer newbie. Owner of 1964 Globetrotter since 9-2-03

59toaster · 09-21-2003, 08:21 PM

I find something new every time I work on our 59.

Some backgorund. This coach has been in my wifes family since 1980. We are in the procces of replacing the floor. I was removing the last of the furnature including the dinnette and Goucho. It has a fold up dinnette.....Well today I found out it's not original. I know it's not original because today I also found out that our Goucho already slides out but the dinnette was in the way. My wife never knew and it had been in her family for 23 years.

Well we want to keep the fold up table. So I will need to remove about 4.5 inches off the end to clear the dinnette. Other then that we are set. Time to pick out a Futon.

Here is the pictures.
Closed. Note the paint lines where the Dinnette mounted on the left.

59toaster · 09-21-2003, 08:22 PM

And extended.

Creampuff · 09-21-2003, 09:49 PM

Thanks to all for your posts on this.I was holding back on posting my solution as I wanted to 'test drive (sleep') it first.Well since my camera is down, you'll have to visualize -sorry!
I discovered that the front 1x6" trim rail on the (front) gaucho is attached with screws to the front structural framework that ties the extensions together (with me so far?). I removed that and then first made up an 8" 'H'-shape extension out of 1x3",1x2" and plywood, thinking bigger was better.I then, using original screw holes on the framework fastened that and re-installed the trim rail to it.
GREAT-Lots more room! Well- it WAS great until I discovered that it was really hard to get the folding table up -so back I went and cut the extension back to
5 1/4 " and it now works fine.The whole unit is that much forward when folded up but aside from making bigger cushions, it works great.You need to reach a little further to access the storage cabinets but who cares-the extra sleep area is worth it BIGTIME.We did a 3-day test trip and the wife gave it rave reviews.
I wouldn't recommend the same for the roadside unit as it would cut down the aisle space,but it could be done .I'll try to post some pics soon or you can pm me as I can email but not upload.

JodynJeep · 09-21-2003, 09:56 PM

On my '79 - instead of modifying it, I simply tossed out the old cushions. From Futon Factory I bought their best Full Size mattress and put it in as the replacement for the old foam. Disadvanatage was that it sat a tad higher for the back rest when folded - and getting it folded was a bit a of a challenge - however - once I worked it a few dozen times - I gained a bit more sleeping area (the mattress would actually hit the front wall so all possible space was used). It adds additional weight on the front. But it was a way more comfortable to sleep on and sit on actually. Mattress with cover ran about $275.

smily · 09-22-2003, 06:38 AM

I have done the extension successfully to a 1971 Overlander.
It was a piece of cake.

I removed the "stopper" from each slide, (little plastic C looking thing) and added a support that folds up and down on the front of the frame.
I added new pieces of thin plywood to span the frame when n th open position.
I also bought a new piece of foam but changed it to a futon mattress that folded very easily.
I will post some photos

smily · 09-22-2003, 06:41 AM

You can see the supports folded up in the closed possition