Awnings

[dog7703]

Hello,
I'm Rick, new to Airstreams just bought a 1972 ambassador international and I am looking for the awnings a big one for the curb side and little ones for other windows. I don't have anything but the mounts where they went. Can any one help me out? I am also looking for user manuals, wiring diagrams and such.
Semper Fi
Rick

[falcon-N-Air]

Welcome to the Forums Rick. If you click on the forums tab at the top of the page and go to exterior restoration, and then Awnings you should find plenty of info. I would suggest looking for info on the ZipDee Awning. You may also be able to find some wiring help in the electrical section of the forums,a wealth of information can be found here @ Air Forums! A great group of people.

[Belegedhel]

Dog7703--If you could post a picture of the awning mounts, it may help us to determine who the manufacturer was. If they are original, then they are likely "Carefree A&E" awnings, but you might not want to (or be able to) replace them with Carefree, you might just want to go with Zipdee once you do some research.

I found a maintenance manual on disk on Ebay for about $20 as I remember. It has wiring diagrams, plumbing, disassembly instructions, the whole shooting match.

[overlander64]

Greetings Rick!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreams!

Originally Posted by dog7703

Hello,
I'm Rick, new to Airstreams just bought a 1972 ambassador international and I am looking for the awnings a big one for the curb side and little ones for other windows. I don't have anything but the mounts where they went. Can any one help me out? I am also looking for user manuals, wiring diagrams and such.
Semper Fi
Rick

While there were a number of manufacturers who offered awnings for our Vintage Airstreams when they were new, there is only one that has consistently answered "yes" when the subject of new awnings for our Vintage Airstreams comes up today and that is Zip Dee. The hardware that remains on your Ambassador could be Zip Dee, but it could also be Carefree of Colorado, A & E, or any one of several others of the time. I had a curbside Zip Dee awning as well as two Zip Dee window awnings installed on my Overlander nearly ten years ago and have no regrets . . . but they totaled nearly $1,500 back then.

You can find copies of the original owners' manuals and service manuals via the Airstream Store .. see:

• 1970s Airstream Travel Trailer Owners' Manuals
• 1970s Airstream Travel Trailer Service Manuals

Good luck with your Ambassador!

Kevin

[dog7703]

Thanks for all the great info. I purchased the trailer at what I considered reasonable and what I thought everything works, but have about 72 hours in it 1003.00 dollars but it is still fun and every improvement makes me happy happy happy!
Rick

[featherbedder]

Carefree no longer makes curved arm awnings for A.S. A&E I don't no about. Care free lag bolted arms into edge of floor thru rub rail eventually pulling out, if you have insert rub rails fill in holes then install new vinyl inserts. Old mount holes can be filled w olympic rivets or small patches riveted over spots using scrap A.S. aluminum using olympic rivets, A.S. metal easy to find from repair jobs. I would not replace any awnings w any thing but ZipDee, little expensive but well worth the money. Bill