Rusty Argosy?

[teelamaria]

We are starting in the process of our first RV renovation. We have been
looking around for a little while and found a couple we liked in our range.
We were about to purchase a 26' 1973 Argosy for what we think is a really
good price, when we noticed the rings of rust around the from and back
window seams. Also some pitting/spots on the front roof area. Does any one
have any experience with rust on these and are we getting in to something
that will lead to a nightmare of problems that need to be dealt with when we
get underneath the skin of it... The rest of it looks like mildew stains
which seem to be workable. The interior is in good shape from what we can
see in the photos.
Thanks for your time.

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums.
The rust is a common thing with Argosy trailers and motor homes. They have galvanised steel end caps, instead of aluminum on a true Airstream. The paint does not adhere well to the galvanised stell, and will peel off if given a chance. If there are no rust holes, you can sand, prep, and repaint the end caps.

[teelamaria]

If we do find holes (the Argosy is 1000 miles away) can we use bondo to fill after we sand & prep the area with pore15 or naval grease?

Thank you for your lighting fast reply! In your opinon, is the rust pictured a deal breaker? Any specific products we should get if we go forward?

[overlander64]

Greetings teelamaria!

Welcome to the Forums!

From the photos, the rust doesn't appear to be exceptionally heavy. The area of greatest concern would be along the seams where the galvanized panel meets the aluminum -- the galvanic reactions of dissimilar metals. I haven't run across an Argosy with rust perforations, but that may be because most that I see have spent the majority of their time in the Midwest where exposure to salt air is minimal.

There are several threads here on the Forums that discuss painting our coaches, and at least two that discuss the issue of preparing and painting the galvanized end caps. Other than a slight difference in the preparation of the galvanized panels, painting the Argosy isn't greatly different than painting an automobile. Painting the end caps is something that needs to be done on a somewhat regular basis -- the original owner of my Minuet indicated that it was something that he had been in the habit of doing about once every five years -- I know that it is a job that I will be taking on in a few days as I get the coach ready for our trip to the Vintage Airstream Club Rally in Breckenridge, CO.

Another issue that could be related to the lack of recent maintenance of the end cap paint is the possibility that the seals around the clearance marker lights and windows may not have been maintained allowing leak(s) to develop. It would probably be wise to carefully check the floor condition in the vicinity of these areas -- the paint condition is not a definite indicator, but it does raise the suspicion.

Good luck with your deliberations!

Kevin

[raebaker06]

I too have had rust on my Argosy, I applied OSPHO which turns the rust into phosphoric iron and neutralizes the rust . you must then apply a primer and then paint. OH! first sand the area.
My Argosy is a 1974.
Rust must be attended to immediately.

Rae

[raebaker06]

How do I make a new post to the repair forums. Please

rbaker@nas.net

[Silvertwinkie]

Yea, not a real big concern. Sand, prime, paint and any steps suggested so far and it'd be as good as new.