I asked in another topic, but seems that nobody had posted his/her experience about dealing with build-in toilets failures in older Airstreams.
The toilet in my trailer was porcelain bowl, but cast aluminum base, that over the time turned into dust. Since no replacement toilets are available I had to figure out how to install new toilet in the old bench, that was in excellent condition.
So to start. This is the old toilet. It had to be serviced under rear bench thru the 12" high access door and I believe that forced the design, that allows the installation in parts. So the porcelain bowl has a plastic sleeve that connects it with flange mounted on the top of the tank and the cast base, that has 2 halves is supporting the weight, as well as holding the plumbing. Unfortunatelly the base turned into the dust and became unserviceable. The plastic sleeve in my toilet was not only deformed, but had a crack what leads to suspicion of factory mishaps that lead to the failure.
This script doesn't allow me to write between pictures, so I will have to make new reply with each one.
For a replacement I had to cut bigger hole on the top of fiberglass bench, so I chose a toilet with rim at the top, that would cover imperfections.
Here is the picture of Thetford Aqua Magic V that has the rim at the level close to the top of fiberglass bench.
I asked in another topic, but seems that nobody had posted his/her experience about dealing with build-in toilets failures in older Airstreams.
The toilet in my trailer was porcelain bowl, but cast aluminum base, that over the time turned into dust. Since no replacement toilets are available I had to figure out how to install new toilet in the old bench, that was in excellent condition.
So to start. This is the old toilet. It had to be serviced under rear bench thru the 12" high access door and I believe that forced the design, that allows the installation in parts. So the porcelain bowl has a plastic sleeve that connects it with flange mounted on the top of the tank and the cast base, that has 2 halves is supporting the weight, as well as holding the plumbing. Unfortunatelly the base turned into the dust and became unserviceable. The plastic sleeve in my toilet was not only deformed, but had a crack what leads to suspicion of factory mishaps that lead to the failure.
This script doesn't allow me to write between pictures, so I will have to make new reply with each one.
You experienced what many thousands of Airstream owners did, starting back in the late 60's.
You can replace the toilet.
To do so, you must be very careful which brand and/or model you choose.
You will have to carefully open the hole in the bench, as well as build a platform for the new toilet to set on.
Usually, a plastic toilet will be better for you, in your case.
While your at it, make sure the rear end does not have any separation, and that the axles are OK. Balanced running gear is another plus.
I level the trailer perfectly and then using construction level transfered center lines of the flange to the bench top. Than having the new toilet sitting on the center lines, I used the level again to transfer the oval shape of the toilet to the bench.
GENTLEMEN, THE TOILET IS IN
It has level control on the top, so no worry about the pedals. It even come with the shower that I don't need since I have a shower in the sink next to it. But too much is better than too little. The World would be too perfect if the toilet height would match the distance from the bench to the rim. I have to add about 1" spacer to the flange, but raising the toilet makes it more convenient.
Will also have to loose the factory cover shown on the picture to the right, since higher toilet top will not allow it to close flat.
With a bit of imagination, the cover can still be used (raised). Modifications seem to always be in order as we update the beautiful, classic designed, trailers.
I was actually thinking about it. I believe original idea for installing the big cover was to use the bathroom as changing room. I might save the cover, but IMHO it takes to much elbow room when it is up. Maybe I make it removable and keep it in the closet, or bathtub?
Hi Kajtek1,
Thanks for this post, it has been really helpful to us with our 64 GT as we have to find a new toilet to fit and it looks as though this model will do fine. We will research a little more but this is great!
Dan and Lisa
Retro Trailers
If you guys are cutting holes in a ’64-65 fiberglass bench or replacing the front panel the pedals pass through, I’d like to have a piece of the fiberglass about 6”x4” to patch a hole in mine and get a close color match.
I realize I can just use fiberglass cloth and resin but would like to “blend” in a proper patch for color match.
I'm not sure that we need to cut anything that big out as there is already a large hole there (also we are a long way off putting the toilet in as we are still replacing the floor at the moment), but the biggest hurdle is that we are in the UK! If none of this is a prob though you are of course welcome should we end up with a piece that large,
Thanks Retrotrailer, If you end up with scraps or the front panel please keep me in mind. I figured if I didn't ask they will end up in the rubbish bin.
Thank you, Walter
thanks for the info have toilet and pex tubing on hand to replumb my 1966 26 ft. airstream. waiting for a day without rain here in okla. will have pics later just found this forum lately. am injoying it. stoney1939
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