I'm on Cloud 55 - Page 6

BarryIowa · 07-05-2009, 11:20 AM

Hi Shari,
Slippery slopes can be fun if you're skiing - I'm not sure about Airstreams

Thanks for the advice. I have a bucking rivet gun on the way and since I'm going to be removing the lower inside skins to replace the floor, I may wait and do the gaskets and screens at that time and only restore the outer windows now.

InsideOut · 07-05-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62-Lander

After reading a post this morning, I found out to install new window screen, I may need to remove the entire window frame and drip caps. Has anyone successfully installed new screen without removing the window frame? I don't mind doing it if required but don't want to go to the trouble if not necessary. I also have ordered (it's on back order at VTS) the new black window seal that goes between the trailer shell and the window frames but I was only planning on doing the bottom piece as is the most likely to be shot. Ideas?

I have heard of a couple people figuring out a way to replace the screens in place...but for the life of me, I couldn't see how it could be done - stretching & crimping - in place. I've never seen (that I know of) a trailer that did it in place though. Also, to replace the riveted-in-place-gaskets the frames have to be removed - some people have replaced with other gasket types to keep from doing this also. However, with our wanting to keep things "original" and combined with the fact that we were going to be replacing the street side panel - meant we were going to be removing a good portion of the rivets there anyways. We came to the conclusion we could do a better job with the windows in the garage.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do...looks like you have a trailer with great bones to get you started ~ be careful, it's a slippery slope!

Shari

Sugarfoot · 07-05-2009, 11:50 AM

Barry, your '55 is the first I've seen with stationary picture windows built like my '56. I'm sure there are others, I've just not seen them. Mine need complete reworking, all 5 of them. Old gaskets are squeezing out under and over frames. Some are original glass and some replaced with plexi, and a mix of rivets and screws holding on the frames.

I wish I could be watching over your shoulder with your rebuild. And I didn't realize replacing screens would be such a deal for these models.

slvrlng · 07-05-2009, 01:59 PM

Hey sugarfoot mines got them too!

Really nice find! I might have missed it but what is the serial#?

Sugarfoot · 07-06-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slvrlng

Hey sugarfoot mines got them too!

. . .

You and Urbanfood! I learn something everyday. I guess these windows were a California thing for '55 and '56.

Unfortunately I'm at work and Urbanfood's video is blocked by some stupid software. I'll check it ASAP.

62-lander, it's looking great!

BarryIowa · 07-05-2009, 04:28 PM

7945

urbanfood · 07-05-2009, 05:03 PM

hi barry,

i'm not on the forums much these days but i just saw this. your number is about 80 before mine, so maybe yours is a '55. anyway, the layout is the exact same as mine and i did gut it. i also had the green zolatone paint on mine as well.

you can see my thread here, boy oh boy! my new '56 flying cloud!

i also recently rebuilt all of the windows which was very time consuming. you can see the step by step video of that at my blog here; reside architecture | modern design for the residential lifestyle » airstream

good luck!

BarryIowa · 07-05-2009, 05:39 PM

I've read your thread, David, and it's great and loaded with useful information. I just finished another polishing session and my arm feel like lead weights.

urbanfood · 07-05-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62-Lander

I've read your thread, David, and it's great and loaded with useful information. I just finished another polishing session and my arm feel like lead weights.

i'll make a deal. i'll rebuild your windows and you polish my trailer

BarryIowa · 07-05-2009, 06:51 PM

Necessity is the mother of invention so......

My 1lb can of Nuvite F7 is on back order at VTS so I went to the local Lowes and picked up 3 bottles of Diamond Brite. It is located right next to the aluminum truck tool boxes and at only $12 a bottle, not a bad deal. I had decent results but prefer the Nuvite. I borrowed a neighbor's scaffold and was able to reach much higher and you'll notice that I worked all the way back to the whale tail. The Diamond Brite spatters much more than the Nuvite too so I'm covered in gray, white, black specks.

BarryIowa · 07-06-2009, 06:46 AM

Seriously, I'm not sure who would be getting the better deal on that one

Hodag · 07-06-2009, 12:16 PM

lookin good

BarryIowa · 07-06-2009, 10:55 PM

I try to learn something new every day but at my age, that means somethings got to go and I'm afraid I'll start missing the kid's birthdays, my anniversary, etc. Oh well.

NorCal Bambi · 07-24-2009, 07:38 AM

BarryIowa, once again I sure like that shinny trailer. This is NorCalBambi I need two windows for my 55 Flying Cloud. The small bottom one next to the door and the roll out one that fits inside the emergency escape in the back of the trailer. Don't know if you might have or know of some windows that are out there. Maybe someone else who is following your thread might notice and be able to fill my needs.
On Cloud 9 Don