Tradewind Rockguard Installation

[qjktx]

I have a new rock guard sitting in my garage waiting to be installed on our '71 Tradewind. Our trailer apparently had a rock guard installed at one point - guessing from the aluminum extrusion above the window and the hold-downs below (hopefully the photos will post....).

So, the questions for you folks who have done this install before...

I assume the old extrusion above the window needs to be removed (the upper curl with the unshaven rivet)?

How/where did you position your rock guard vertically?

Finally, any recommendations on how to remove the old latches since they don't look like they will work with the new guard?

Thanks!
- Mark
Austin, TX

[balrgn]

I installed one on my '75 Trade Wind last fall. It went on with out a hitch. Just had to level it up and screw (and seal) it above the front window.

http://home.comcast.net/~balrgn/Airstream/DSC02279.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~balrgn/Airstream/DSC02280.jpg

I did have to do some hand bending to get it to the shape of the front. It was off a bit. I did not have to remove any former hold downs as one was not previously installed.

[tinman7]

balrgn, Just wondering where you purchased your guard and what kinda money it was?

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by tinman7

balrgn, Just wondering where you purchased your guard and what kinda money it was?

I'll send ya a PM with details.

[Sav'h Steve]

Balrgn,

I would like to have some details too!!

Perhaps others would as well...

So a PM would be fine, or just post here.

TIA.
Sav'h Steve

[Safari Tim]

Me too, me too please....

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

Me too, me too please....

I located a dealer not too far from me,

AIRSTREAM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
717 Rt. 101 A
Merrimack
NH, 03054
United States
Telephone 603-579-0700
Or their new parts dept.
Steve 603-673-3333

I got in touch with Vern for a price quote, he came in at or lower than 3 other quotes that I got. Also, I asked to have it drop shipped to my address. It came in UPS. The box had some damage to it, nothing serious.
I installed it by myself, so it wasn't too tough. I lined it up with the center section of the window, drilled and screwed in the center fastener. From there I found that the shape did not conform to the shape of the Airstream. I removed it and worked the shape back into it as best I could with out it being mounted. (It bends real easy) I mounted it back on and installed the farthest right and left fasteners (Screws that came with it) After a few more tweaks to get it to the propper shape I installed that reaining fasteners.

The cost was around $400, I’d have to look to see if that included shipping?

[Safari Tim]

Thanks for the info.

Do you have any pictures of the actual mounting and hardware used?

Thanks!

[Inland RV Center, In]

You can see that rockguard and hold down hardware on our web site.

inlandrv.com

Click on parts and scroll to part # 34943.

Click on "view part" tp see it.

Perhaps that will answer your questions.

Andy

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

Thanks for the info.

Do you have any pictures of the actual mounting and hardware used?

Thanks!

It's a bit frozen out there, does this pic help?

[Safari Tim]

Being in CA I didn't realize it was too cold to go outside! ;-)

Thanks for the picture.

[balrgn]

Finally got the AS into a garage to work on the exterior. Here is the pic I promised to show the hold down of the Rock Shield. I did not get instructions with mine when I unpacked, SO I saw a Bambi nearby and stopped to see how they had mounted the hardware

[aluminauts]

A word of advice.
Once I had Armor All protected the rubber, mine would NEVER stay in the little metal indents, they were too slippery (protected I guess)

I now use small wire ties to hold the rubber tabs to the metal rest and cut them each time I want to open the guard.

The wire ties certainly keep the guard closed securely

[balrgn]

Ooooo Good point, I'll remember that! SOmetimes I can't help myself spiffing things up!

[qjktx]

Don (Gunnyusmc) offered to give me a hand yesterday...

In 4 and a half hours (including lunch!) we installed my rockguard and two axles.

The rockguard installation made a lot more sense once I received the hardware kit! When I first posted all I had was the rockguard itself. Thanks to balrgn for the photo showing the hold downs and other pointers.

The axles were easy once we figured out right from left and which end of the shock mounts where. Just jack them up and bolt them down. Had to jack up the trailer quite a bit higher to remount the wheels.

Don, call me when you are ready to install your awning.

(First photo is Don drilling out old rivets.)

[balrgn]

Nice job! Hey, too funny I just installed the level you have on mine!

[qjktx]

The level came handy. We slid the level lower so the rockguard would clear it. Then we were able to use it as a support while we positioned the rockguard left to right.

- Mark

[Ferroequine]

We are just about to install this same rockguard on our '75 Safari. Just finished removing and cleaning behind the Zip-Dee that was there for 20+ years.

Could anyone elaborate on where exactly the brackets should attach? (The ones that prop the rockguard open as an awning).