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ddstech · 10-18-2011, 03:06 PM

I had my coupler and jack replaced. Just wanted the assurance of having something more modern and possibly safer.

nmbosa · 10-18-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontanaAIR

Still working out the axle details here locally and have been torn with torsion vs. original springs.

I'm very happy with my conversion to torsion axle from the original springs. A buddy of mine who did the conversion on his '59 Flying Cloud did all the welding on mine. Check out his blog entries on the frame and axle. Might have some helpful tips since you have the same trailer.

Frame work

Axle

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontanaAIR

Help me here - the tongue worked flawlessly while towing the trailer back home 450+ miles. Should I replace it? The jack lift works great too but I have tried everything to get the wheel off the bottom and fear that cutting it off is the only way to remove it. So a new lift is in the future too?

I kind of regretted replacing the toungue jack before it had failed. I really like the look of the original jacks with the rivets, and the heavy duty steel wheel. However, if it fails and drops the trailer on its nose, that would really suck. Probably better to replace it.

Norm

MontanaAIR · 11-17-2011, 01:26 PM

Until I can get my trailer indoors to work on it I have been fixing and polishing up the windows. It definately is a process but the results are fun and fantastic! I started on the bathroom window just in case I messed something up, it wouldn't be a main viewed window and it's smaller than most of the other windows. Devil in the details, original screws from the main center brace are not immune to some polishing! Also cleaned up the window hardware and loved the idea of hammered steel paint as seen in other posts. Now just waiting on VTS to get galvanized screen back in stock to put everything back together.

flyfshr · 11-17-2011, 01:38 PM

WOW!!! Those look great. You should go into business just doing windows.

Brad
FF

MontanaAIR · 11-17-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyfshr

WOW!!! Those look great. You should go into business just doing windows.

Brad
FF

Thanks Brad! My wife says the same thing! Really enjoy fabrication and working on the trailer, who knows what the future may hold! Speaking of windows, I have you on my list to get in touch with. I would like to re-create the front window caravan sticker I posted about months ago and you mentioned you could help out, I will message you.

MontanaAIR · 11-17-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmbosa

I'm very happy with my conversion to torsion axle from the original springs ....

I kind of regretted replacing the toungue jack before it had failed. I really like the look of the original jacks with the rivets, ... Probably better to replace it.

Norm

Thanks Norm, definately some great info you provided on the axle issue. Your buddy's blog is great! Really enjoyed the material and info, I've bookmarked it for future reference!

MontanaAIR · 11-17-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddstech

I had my coupler and jack replaced. Just wanted the assurance of having something more modern and possibly safer.

Love your '58 and I've taken your advice. New coupler and jack on its way. I have to cut the sweet old wheel off the jack to remove the jack but the wheel will stay with the trailer.

Jeremy

ddstech · 11-20-2011, 09:51 PM

What tool did you use to polish the window frames? They look perfect.

rumrunner · 01-19-2012, 06:43 PM

Just FYI I bought the flying cloud from Jason in Sept. It is now down to the frame and shell and believe me the extra parts are much appreciated.
I also saw his other caravelle project and it is very nice indeed!
Tim

MontanaAIR · 01-23-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Just FYI I bought the flying cloud from Jason in Sept. It is now down to the frame and shell and believe me the extra parts are much appreciated.
I also saw his other caravelle project and it is very nice indeed!
Tim

Hi Tim, That is great to hear! Jason is really a great guy and has a true passion for Airstream restoration. He came all the way from Utah to Montana for those parts, I was happy to see them go to a good home! Keep me posted on your Cloud project.

Jeremy

MontanaAIR · 01-23-2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddstech

What tool did you use to polish the window frames? They look perfect.

I've been using a bench buffer with incredible results. Takes steady hands and good movement to make sure the frames don't zip off into space or my face! Gloves and eyewear protection are a must. I'm going to post a video soon on a blog I started of the process.