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Old 01-29-2015, 11:44 AM   #1
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Axle Panic - Need Advice - '65 Globetrotter

I ordered a new axle and it won't fit under frame properly without having to notch it out according to my installer. I ordered the correct axle according to the Vendor, but I got the "we sell it but we are not in the business of teaching shops how to install axles or other items for that matter" line when I contacted them about this issue.

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Anyone with ideas on their axle install?

You can see the oblong hole in the axle bracket that doesn't have enough real estate to bolt through the trailer frame.

That is as high as it will go without not notching out the lower portion of the inside bottom of the frame.
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Old 01-29-2015, 01:43 PM   #2
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Hang in there. We have some very knowledgeable members here who should be able to advise you.
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Old 01-29-2015, 02:01 PM   #3
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You're a gem
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Old 01-29-2015, 02:25 PM   #4
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Dont notch the frame!

Here is a solution since its already at the welders:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...ml#post1441335

and a follow up

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...ml#post1451932
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Old 01-29-2015, 02:31 PM   #5
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A reputable welder in your area can extend whatever is needed so that it will work safely. From the pic it looks like the track width is correct, and that the mounting flange abbuts the inside frame chanel. If that wasn't the case I would have the vendor re-double check the fitment. Should take about 5-6 hours to do both sides from what I see.
Hope it is easier than you expected. Nice GT too.
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Old 01-29-2015, 03:02 PM   #6
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I had a similar prob w/ my 65 overlander . I was told by the vendor to notch the mounting flange on frame, in my case about 3/4" upwards to bottom of frame. This made sense b/ c original axle didn't rest on bottom of frame, rather the weight of trailer was supported by the axle bolts!
So , I notched the frame plates& axle went in,BUT.... The trailer say lower than before the axles swap! This was a major PITA to remedy. I had to make extension plates & hire a welder, etc. Apperently, 65s were a transition year. Nothing like having to do the job twice! Click image for larger version

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Old 01-29-2015, 06:35 PM   #7
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Not to panic. Be cool, calm, relaxed. We have all had modifications to do to the frame and or axle brackets to get the new ones to fit up. I used Axis axles on my 66 Trade Wind. I had to deepen the notch and drill new holes. At least no welding. But welding is a basic process that a lot of folks can do. I think it is important that the axle bracket rests on the frame rail. The bolts just keep the axle tight to the frame in case your Airstream starts to fly or something. And it's important the shock mount bracket and bolt allow shock assembly and removal with the axle bolted up.

Here is what I had to do on my Trade Wind. I made a template and started grinding away. You can see sparks in my photo! Nose to the grindstone. My trailer also got about 3/4" lower, but the new axle recovered most of this ride height loss. I used 22 degree starting angle like the original. I think I would have prefered something a little higher had i known I needed this modification. But I knew I didn't want 32 degrees. That's too high for me. I didn't want to use a step ladder to get into my Trade Wind!

David
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Old 01-29-2015, 06:59 PM   #8
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I also used a 22.5 axis axle, but the trailer was almost an inch & half lower! A 26' A /S can become a real tail dragger if it sits too low! Now I almost forgotten about having to do the axle job twice ! Just remember , restoring an Airstream is a hobby!


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Old 01-29-2015, 07:01 PM   #9
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It's a hobby. It's a hobby. It's a hobby. Ok. I think I have three good ideas. Will be at the shop checking it out tomorrow. Too bad I didn't know better. But not I can write a lesson up for someone else. I had the welder her all last week and could have done that work less expensively. Love you airstream Angels. Dena
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Old 01-31-2015, 06:32 PM   #10
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Axle is great. Work was superb by my GREAT technician. Still irritated the vendor told me in email to go find someone else because she thought from one five minute phone call the company was not going to work. I'm getting lots of private messages on the poor service from the axle provider. With that said this thread is done. Thanks all for the awesome support.
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Old 01-31-2015, 07:05 PM   #11
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Glad to hear that things ended well DJ.
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Old 02-01-2015, 07:39 AM   #12
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Awesome. So what was the fix? I have to replace my 2 axles, who is this vendor that I should avoid? PM if you care to.
Thanks
Clayton
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Old 02-01-2015, 11:42 AM   #13
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The fix was several things. Not to mention correct bolts. Removing a welded part on the frame that blocked the motion of the shock. Adding a plate to bolt it on. I'll get photos after I recover from watching the Seahawks win the Super Bowl today
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Old 02-01-2015, 11:52 AM   #14
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Glad to hear it all worked out. I remember replacing my axle was a pretty stressful time (and I had a shop do it), but the good news is that for the last ten years I haven't had to think about it at all Check that one off your list and move on!
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Old 02-01-2015, 12:12 PM   #15
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The cost for good work vs not doing the work right is high. It all balances out in the end. That is why I chose to do a lot of the labor on my own.

I actually had people ask me why I was going to replace the axle. It's fifty years old! Logic vs trying to find someone to rebuild or whatever.

Now what to do with the old rotors and axle....
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Old 02-01-2015, 06:59 PM   #16
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The old axle can be recycled. It's worth about .08 a pound as scrap metal. In a big city, you can put a FREE sign on it and place it in the ally. Otherwise you haul it to a metal recycler. They will melt it down and make a new Toyota out of it.

Glad the panic is over. Just get ready for the next attack. I had one yesterday when I thought my new holding tank dump valves were sticking. I used the wrong lube on the seals. I thought I was going to have to tear it all apart to replace the seals in the valves. But I was able to spray a little RV antifreeze in there and they freed right up. Whew, panic over.

Your youth is showing. Them is "drums" not rotors. You may never have owned a car with drum brakes! Disc brakes have rotors, drum brakes have, well drums. Our old Airstreams have drums brakes. Even most of the new ones still have drum brakes. Disc brakes on trailers are a lot more complex as you need hydraulic power to operate them.

David
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Old 02-11-2015, 11:02 PM   #17
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220lbs. Dinner money
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Old 02-13-2015, 06:48 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thumbelinadj View Post
220lbs. Dinner money
Wow. I have 6 of them in the back yard...

Dinner, drinks and a movie!!!
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Old 02-13-2015, 10:28 PM   #19
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For real!! Garden art
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