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jcferguson · 08-30-2005, 07:05 PM

I am considering removing the drip caps over my windows in tandem with polishing the skin of the trailer and replacing all my window weather stripping. They are bent and ugly and I am not sure about how to polish them.

Would I be sacrificing a lot of the waterproofy-ness of my windows to do so? I thought I would just drill them out and fill the rivet holes with the next size of rivets.

Carlos Ferguson

A-Merry-Can · 08-30-2005, 07:50 PM

i've seen replacement eyebrows that looked to be made out of C channel with one leg longer than the other (the side that riveted to the body). i was thinking about doing something similar to mine when i get to that point. smaller, more compact, and much stronger.

but not as classic looking....

tough call. i would DEFINITELY replace them with something, though. just watch the skin during a heavy rain for proof.

jordan

wkerfoot · 08-30-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcferguson

I am considering removing the drip caps over my windows in tandem with polishing the skin of the trailer and replacing all my window weather stripping. They are bent and ugly and I am not sure about how to polish them.

Would I be sacrificing a lot of the waterproofy-ness of my windows to do so? I thought I would just drill them out and fill the rivet holes with the next size of rivets.

Carlos Ferguson

Carlos,

Look here: http://www.vintageairstream.com/floy...n/windows.html
RJ Dial has information on repairing the windows and drip caps.

Bill

robandzoe · 08-30-2005, 08:04 PM

Carlos,

If you do get rid of them, I'll take them.

Rob

A-Merry-Can · 08-31-2005, 02:08 PM

how would you go about making replacements? a few of the eyebrows on my trailer are cracked, so simple straightening wouldn't work, plus, if you made them out of 032 or 040, they probably wouldn't bend as easily in the first place. there's not any kind of tool you could get that would shape them, is there? kind of like a flanger?

don't say english wheel!

actually, when i get to that stage, i'll see if the fabrication shop that did my wheel wells can make them. they did both wheel wells out of thicker guage galvanized for me for only $125/pr.

jordan

Inland RV Center, In · 08-31-2005, 04:18 PM

New eyebrows for the older trailers are very reasonable.

They run between $8.00 to $13.00, depending on size.

Andy

MarkR · 08-31-2005, 04:38 PM

Andy, where?
(I looked at the Inland site and didn't find any)

Inland RV Center, In · 08-31-2005, 04:53 PM

Mark.

Our web site parts list is a "sale list" only, that lists a little over 100 items.

We presently carry over 3100 different Airstream parts in stock.

Accordingly, almost 3000 of those parts are not listed.

If you wish to make an inquiry about a part, it's availability, or its price, you can call us, FAX us, or e-mail us. If you FAX or e-mail, please list your phone number and we will call you back.

Andy

greg176 · 08-31-2005, 05:43 PM

Funny this topic just came up.I just finished repairing the last of my drip caps.A friend told me that local RV shops had them and so off I went to Langley.The drip caps they are selling now are crap,nothing like the old Airstream ones, so many hours spent carefully reshaping and polishing the old caps.Andy, if the caps you hare are same as old 60's originals I may want a couple.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-31-2005, 05:50 PM

Greg176

The only drip caps available today, are made from a softer aluminum.

If you don't touch it it wont bend.

But, the originals were soft too.

The difference is that the originals have been in the sun for many years. They can harden from that exposure. So how do we compare the new to the old?

Andy

greg176 · 08-31-2005, 08:44 PM

Here is a photo of the old (left) and new (right) drip caps.I tried several photos and they could not do justice to the old cap.The old cap is made of 2024 alclad.The new a cheap aluminum with brushed look.The shape of new one is all wrong to match the other drip caps.I was going to replace all of them to match but ordered two to see what I would get and decided against it.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-01-2005, 10:18 AM

Greg176

The new style(??) drip caps are exactly as you show in your photo.

The originals I don't think were made with 2024 alclad. If they were, you could not get the bends in them that were necessary, as your photo shows. Also the 2024 alclad is difficult to bend with two fingers. The original drip caps could be damaged by thumping them with one finger.

I think the problem stems from the fact that many years ago, many manufacturers used drip caps. Since they are not really used anymore, a simple, cheap replacement was made available.

But, that's all there is.

Andy

greg176 · 09-01-2005, 03:31 PM

2024 alclad is available in condition O which is quite soft compared to the T3.I think it would be possible to make new gutters to match the old.

StingrayL82 · 09-01-2005, 10:54 PM

Those "new" style caps look like garbage, but you know the old saying, "They just don't make 'em like they used to". Good luck on your project, Greg. You sound very knowledgeable, when it comes to aluminum, so I'm sure you'll find success.

Frederic

Craig T · 09-02-2005, 09:39 AM

I believe the older drip caps were made of 1100 series aluminum. I did away with the old ones a made some that suite my eye out of 3003 h14. I can send pics of the fabrication progression to those interested.

flyfshr · 09-02-2005, 10:05 AM

Craig - those look great. If you're not careful, you may start getting orders.

FF

wkerfoot · 09-02-2005, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig T

I believe the older drip caps were made of 1100 series aluminum. I did away with the old ones a made some that suite my eye out of 3003 h14. I can send pics of the fabrication progression to those interested.

Craig,

Looks great, can you make old 1950's Hehr window frames also?

Bill

Craig T · 09-02-2005, 11:34 AM

Thanks for the compliments. Sorry about the typo..suit. They take a considerable amount of time to fabricate, especially when you factor in the learning curve with the new tools. There are some very good metal shaping sites with all the info needed to get started.

I believe the Hehr window frames are 1100 also as they braze very easily (PO screwed most of the windows shut for storage and the holes need to be filled and finished). They would be a pretty straight forward build with a suitable box brake.

The drip caps are a lot more touchy feely. After the major shaping and planishing is completed they need to be formed to match the curvature of the trailer over the windows. These caps are 4" not including the flange. Fitting the curve of the trailer at each end of the cap can be a great test of patience for a beginner like myself.

All that said, I really like the the clean look of the Bowlus trailers!

StingrayL82 · 09-02-2005, 12:48 PM

Nice craftsmanship on the caps, Craig....beats the heck out of that "new" cap Greg was showing us in his post....I wish I were half as talented with metal as you two are.

Frederic

A-Merry-Can · 09-03-2005, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig T

I believe the older drip caps were made of 1100 series aluminum. I did away with the old ones a made some that suite my eye out of 3003 h14. I can send pics of the fabrication progression to those interested.

hey craig, i would love to see the fabrication process you used for your drip caps. i'm restoring our '59 18 footer as well, and if everything goes smoothly, i'll be tackling those in a few weeks.

did you mess with the main drip cap over the door? mine's a little dented, but i think i can reshape it. i am tempted to make it out of something more sturdy. i guess it all depends on how many pieces of aluminum i have left over after the skin replacement.

most of my window drip caps are cracked, though so i will have to fabricate something there.

got any other pics of your trailer?

jordan