1966 Caravel Rock Guard Replacement

[clancy_boy]

Ok, to give you an idea of my background, I am an Oceanographer for the Navy. My job is to operate deep diving AUV (autonomus underwater vehicles) for the Navy and interpret the data they collect. What I am getting at is this, I have at my disposal an entire crew of over educated engineers and machinists and a machine shop that would make anyone with an AS glow with envy. I cannot use this place for my repairs but advice is free. They have come up with an idea for a replacement for the front rock guard and all the stuff is available at HD. I will pick up the items in the morning (for me the HD is on the way to/from work) and will post a picture this weekend. It will use the existing frame and struts and will install using a pop-rivit gun with a drill. Hope this works or I will eat my words, but I have a feeling we have all made repairs/replacements of things on 60's AS models from aftermarket stuff.

Mike

[till]

Mike,
I will be watching. I have what is left of the original one form one of my trailers. I have talked to a couple of shops about forming a new on. Not cheep by anyones standards!!

[clancy_boy]

Ok, I made the new rock guard yesterday from parts I bought from HD. One sheet of 36"X42" LEXAN ($49.00) and several lengths of 1"X1" aluminum angle. I carefully removed the rivets holding the old guard plastic in place (after I removed the whole assembly from the trailer) and cleaned up the frame. I made a Z with two pieces of the aluminum rivited together and attached that to the old frame - then cut the LEXAN to fit. I then used rivets to hold the lexan to the new Z extension to the frame. I had to put the Z aluninum on the old frame so the original prop supports would still tuck into the frame when the guard was in the stowed position. Looks fine but I need to road test. I am worried abot the wind stress on the lexan and on the rivets holding it in. I may place a piece of foam between the guard and window to give additional support while towing. Pictures will follow soon. Total cost was about $60.

[till]

Would it be possable to post a photo of the "Z" attachment?? I can follow the rest but ge a little triped up on the "Z" part of it.