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Old 10-11-2014, 02:20 PM   #221
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So here is the new outrigger mentioned earlier:
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And the boxed in c channel:
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And that 5x5 box tubing is to support the new axle system I'm going to try out. As far as I can tell, no one has put these on an AS yet. So consider me your test dummy. And if they don't work, I'll put a more traditional axle on there. But figured someone had to try these sooner or later:

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It's the Timbren axle-less suspension.

Okay fellas, rip me a new one! I'm ready for it!




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Old 10-11-2014, 08:23 PM   #222
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Hey, your trailer! Your work!!! Good luck!

Btw. Welds appear to have good stick.. I suggest you move your "heat" (the really bright part of the arc) more onto each side. That will push heat out as well as give you more "hang time" over a spot.

Next, where you "boxed", you want to seP the gap where the pieces come together. Just touching will allow water to stay in there and rust unseen.
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Old 10-11-2014, 10:10 PM   #223
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I tried replacing the shower pan. Please help.

Have you considered how hard your axle solution is going to be to initially align properly?

It is also going to want to twist the frame rail. You are going to need to account for that by really beefing up the frame. I think you are going to need to run a stout crossmember from rail to rail at each axle center.

I am not saying they wont work, I am saying you really need to think it through.

That solution is really going to place a strong torsion load on that frame rail that was not present when the old axles were in place.

The welds on these cross members are going to need to be very good, ESPECIALLY the welds on the bottom of the rail. The old axles transferred the torsion load to the opposite mount and the ground through the axle beam.

It is also my observation that the old axles simply added structure to the frame itself. Their part in making the frame solid should not be underestimated.

I have done lots of swaps in chassis, one thing to remember, as a rule of thumb, one change might mean four more changes are needed. Stuff like this begins to snowball and create problems exponentially, and quickly.

Does this mean I stop swapping stuff because it is too much trouble? Nope, but I have learned to really, really, really think things through before becoming committed to a certain direction.

My thoughts are that when all is said and done you will have found it easier, faster, and better to just go back with torsion axles. I wasn't in love with the notion of torsion axles at first look, but once I really looked at how well the work on Airstreams as an integral part of the trailer I have come to respect them. The only downside to this setup is that they wear out in twenty or thirty years... That is a long time for an axle system that is pretty cheap.
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Old 10-12-2014, 03:32 AM   #224
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I noticed a square hole is that for a rod of some sort and yes I believe you have learned not to bleed when swimming with the Sharks! What I am asking is if there is a stability rod from one side to the other? Looks interesting I wonder how it will look!
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Old 10-12-2014, 08:22 AM   #225
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Don't want to hijack your thread, but I have a quick question about the shower pan and thought you or your many followers would see it best here. We had to gut (ONLY) the bathroom, buy are having difficulty finding a replacement the shower pan. We have found plenty of 24"x 28" pans, but the drains are all in the upper right corner. Our shower drain (1982 Excella center bath) is in the upper left. We are not experienced plumbers or DIYers, plus we're working on a limited budget, so moving the plumbing is not an option. I'm wondering if the solution is obvious and we're missing it.
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Old 10-12-2014, 11:07 AM   #226
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Hi mwernke; I think Airstream service center may have a replacement shower pan that fits your Excella. Since you are not as California Crazy as The Marco, you might find a replacement shower pan is much, much easier than what Marco has done. I'll bet Jackson Center would do an excellent job of replacing it for you while you enjoyed the many amenities of Jackson Center, especially the convenience store that sells pizza by the slice. Imagine that!

Another option is to advertise in the Airstream Classifieds on this forum asking for a used shower pan. There are other Marcos out there who rebuild their Airstreams and may save you the shower pan.

Lastly, many folks have repaired and repainted their plastic shower pans to look as good as new.

The Marco, back to work! A lot of us are enjoying sitting with our favorite beverage watching you learn to weld.

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Old 10-12-2014, 03:42 PM   #227
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Okay guys, I think I may have alleviated many concerns with my work this morning and yes, there will even be a tube running between the axles. And that hole in the boxes is an access hole to bolt the axles in. And so I can paint in there.

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Old 10-12-2014, 03:52 PM   #228
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put that bar in and measure from trailer ball center to same point left and right before you mount the other suspension device.
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Old 10-12-2014, 04:34 PM   #229
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Yeah, I'm being pretty careful with these measurements, they said to do that in the manual for the axles too. It's good advice!


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Old 10-18-2014, 05:19 PM   #230
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Prepped the frame with the POR-15 de-greaser and metal prep, spraying it down with a pressure washer in between.

It did end up with a white residue and I'm hoping that is normal?

My plan is to pain with the POR-15 first thing in the morning. Hopefully someone can tell me about the white stuff before then

Attachment 224629
(White stuff is not in the pictures)


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Old 10-18-2014, 06:31 PM   #231
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The white stuff is normal. The metal prep is a caustic chemical I believe to etch the "rust" for good paint adhesion.

David
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Old 10-18-2014, 06:51 PM   #232
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Okay perfect, looks like I have plenty of it. Well for anyone using this thread as reference for their shower pan removal. When you use the POR 15 prep, this is what it will look like after you wash it off and it dries:
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Old 10-18-2014, 10:57 PM   #233
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Given the average shower pan replacement leads to a total demolition and rebuild of the average Airstream, I'll do my best to avoid that one for a while.

Go Marco!
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Old 10-19-2014, 02:24 PM   #234
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First coat done! Only took 4 hours. And make sure you rubber band the sleeves of your tyvek suit over your rubber gloves. Scrubbing the first layer of your skin off is no fun.
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Old 10-19-2014, 02:34 PM   #235
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Originally Posted by The-Marco View Post
First coat done! Only took 4 hours. And make sure you rubber band the sleeves of your tyvek suit over your rubber gloves. Scrubbing the first layer of your skin off is no fun.
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Not the first time a restorer has made that observation. That POR 15 stuff is EVIL. Perhaps you should merely think of it as a temporary tattoo!

Paula
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Old 10-19-2014, 03:27 PM   #236
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The POR-15 application is a messy job that is well worth the expense and effort. I can see your frame smiling. It will protect it from future rust for a long time. You can add it to your trailer's resume.

But you need to live in cold, wet Minnesota to really appreciate POR-15. The stains on your arm are badges of honor. I did mine laying on my back. Imagine how I looked! No, don't, it will upset your stomach.

David
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Old 10-19-2014, 07:13 PM   #237
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Hahaha, these badges/tattoos look stupid! I got most of it off, leaving the small stuff so my skin can heal a little bit before the next scrubbing.


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Old 10-20-2014, 03:22 PM   #238
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Lucy- I think you got some 'splaining to do...
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Old 10-23-2014, 11:30 AM   #239
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I installed the axles and everything is square and symmetrical... Thank God. And I welded the bar across the axles so the won't buckle.

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Old 10-23-2014, 12:14 PM   #240
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You're a pioneer! The first one that I know of to use this type of axle. We want a full report after your first tow.

David
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