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coloradoup · 06-15-2022, 09:42 PM

https://youtu.be/yRdprhoVAO4

Here is a video with a guy using this method. He's pretty good at it, although he starts off with a different type of polisher. He makes it look easy. This guy is called Millers Garage or something like that.

dbj216 · 06-16-2022, 06:35 PM

Thanks for the video: I've not seen a polisher like that before. It does look faster. The trailer looks to be a 70s like mine, which as a different aluminum than your alclad. The process looks similar to the buffing wheels I used.

David

coloradoup · 10-10-2022, 06:24 PM

Finally getting some of the exterior items wrapped up. It's been a busy summer; progress has been slow. Installed my new Zippdee awning. Actually, I installed the brackets and arms. Then removed the arms until I am actually getting close to camping. I don't want that awning sitting out in the elements, so it remains in a cardboard tube in my garage.

coloradoup · 10-10-2022, 06:34 PM

In addition to the awning install I re installed the antenna mount, which I Replaced the grommets in as well as took the turning mechanism apart and cleaned and greased it, hoping to use for some type of cell booster in the future. I installed new rub rail from vintage trailer supply.

dbj216 · 10-12-2022, 06:35 PM

Coming together. That new awning will add value to your Trade Wind, and so with the exterior polish. Won't be long before you will be traveling with your vintage Airstream.

David

coloradoup · 10-25-2022, 05:26 AM

With the installation of new window seals, I thought for sure I wouldn't have any leaking windows. Not so. Funny but my 66 has two different types of windows on it. They look the same for the most part, but the hinge system is a bit different. It was harder to get the new seal up under the hinge on one style and I am thinking that those are the ones that are leaking. The leak seems to start from the uphill corner and work its way down until it hits the arm that is attached to the hinge, dripping off of that. Any one figure this out yet?

A few rivets also leaked but those are easy. I am planning on using Bus Kote on the roof so hoping that will take care of any leaking rivets in the future. Has anyone stuck the solar panel brackets directly to the Bus Kote with that VHB tape? The buckets are all the new rage in decor

dbj216 · 10-25-2022, 06:48 PM

Welcome to the world of Corning curved glass leaking windows. There are several threads on some techniques to seal them up. Find aluminuminum (or something like that). He knows these windows inside and out and has techniques for improving their sealing ability.

The 66 to 68 trailers are the only years Airstream did not use a drip cap over the windows. Airstream wanted the "sleek" look. I think drip caps would help keep them from leaking some. I actually purchased a set of vintage Herr drip caps from VTS, but never installed them.

Here is a photo of the 69 Globetrotter. Notice the drip caps, or eyebrows, over the windows. These windows don't leak with good gaskets and proper adjustment.

David

coloradoup · 10-25-2022, 08:22 PM

I did find those posts from Aluminium and Inland Andy. I think I will try the silicone between the hinges method from Andy. Lots of good information out there for sure. I'd prefer to not put the drip caps on unless I just can't get them to stop leaking.

Mike.

coloradoup · 11-10-2022, 07:22 PM

Finally getting to the insulation. I'm going with two layers of the 1/2 foam from HD and wool on the end caps. The electrical is in, at least anything that goes in the walls. Hoping to start with the interior skins next week.

steinVT · 11-11-2022, 06:05 AM

I'm just finishing my insulation as well. Very similar ideas only I went with the 1/2" foil faced and a double PRODEX layer in the end caps. One thing I am doing differently than my last build is adding a layer of foam between the ribs and the skin as a thermal break. The foam I used was sill plate gasket which I split in four strips. Goes together fine, we'll see how it works. - Mark

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coloradoup · 11-11-2022, 08:47 PM

Mark that looks pretty good. Looks like you are spending more time making your foam fit tight. I'm kind of trying to speed through it and I guess I will need to come in with some foam or some of the extra wool and fill in my gaps. I will install another layer of the 1/2 inch foam. I bought some of that 1/4 inch foam to install between the layers, it's the same pink stuff. I'm just not sure I have the room to fit it all in.

steinVT · 11-12-2022, 03:58 AM

That's funny, when I saw the pictures of your foam installation, I thought exactly the same thing. I think its a trick of the camera. I also used a couple of rolls of the aluminum duct tape to tie the pieces together.

I don't think I am going to add the second layer of foam. Back in July I performed an experiment (see post #133 in my Ambassador blog) and I didn't see much difference between 1" of foam with 1/2" air space and 1/2" of foam with two 1/2" air spaces. With simple heat transfer, more is always better, but this is a complex system with multiple heat transport mechanisms. Hence the experiment. I do know aluminum is a great conductor and that is why I am adding the foam to the ribs. - Mark

coloradoup · 11-17-2022, 08:22 PM

Made a few samples for my interior end caps. Looks like it's pretty strait forward. I was harder to cut through the wool to install the foam spacer blocks then to make the patterns. It's quite cold here in Kansas so I installed a heater to keep me warm. Heats the trailer in about three minutes with the door wide open.

Bubba L · 11-17-2022, 08:38 PM

Looking good. The cavity between the outside and inside shell at the end caps of our 55 varied from 3/4” to 1-3/4”. That made it more of a challenge to fill the cavity with Fomular. Those salamander heaters work great to warm areas. I can just imagine how effective they are blowing in the door opening. I hate miserably cold weather. Keep us posted and stay warm.

coloradoup · 11-17-2022, 09:23 PM

We bought that heater to heat the garge while we built the frame. It would heat that two car garage in about five minutes. The thing really puts out some heat.

coloradoup · 11-18-2022, 06:05 PM

Getting ready to start skinning the TW, I needed to swing by Airparts Inc. to pick up some supplies. It certainly is convenient to have them 15 minutes away. They have so many more things than just aluminum sheeting, it's my favorite place to go. The company is run by a mom and daughter combo with a small staff to help out. They have nuts and bolts and screws and tools and bits and rivets and on and on and on. They should probably take photos of their inventory and advertise on the forum. I can't wait to get this thing skinned.

LLninja · 11-25-2022, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steinVT

That's funny, when I saw the pictures of your foam installation, I thought exactly the same thing. I think its a trick of the camera. I also used a couple of rolls of the aluminum duct tape to tie the pieces together.

I don't think I am going to add the second layer of foam. Back in July I performed an experiment (see post #133 in my Ambassador blog) and I didn't see much difference between 1" of foam with 1/2" air space and 1/2" of foam with two 1/2" air spaces. With simple heat transfer, more is always better, but this is a complex system with multiple heat transport mechanisms. Hence the experiment. I do know aluminum is a great conductor and that is why I am adding the foam to the ribs. - Mark

My plan is to add a thin layer of insulating tape between the ribs and the inner skins to help add a thermal break, so only the rivet would be transferring cold (or heat). I will be using ArmaFlex AP with spray on adhesive to make it a bit less messy than spray on foam, but this stuff is pricey.

LLninja · 11-25-2022, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradoup

Getting ready to start skinning the TW, I needed to swing by Airparts Inc. to pick up some supplies. It certainly is convenient to have them 15 minutes away. They have so many more things than just aluminum sheeting, it's my favorite place to go. The company is run by a mom and daughter combo with a small staff to help out. They have nuts and bolts and screws and tools and bits and rivets and on and on and on. They should probably take photos of their inventory and advertise on the forum. I can't wait to get this thing skinned.

Also my favorite place to get parts, even though I’m hundreds of miles away. Shipping is definitely cheaper than me driving there.

coloradoup · 11-25-2022, 09:38 PM

I was thinking of going with the Armaflex but couldn't find anyone selling it. Ok, I didn't look really hard but the places I called didn't have it. I do like that idea though and would have liked to use it. I think it is a bit heavier but I wasn't worried about that with my frame.

LLninja · 11-26-2022, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradoup

I was thinking of going with the Armaflex but couldn't find anyone selling it. Ok, I didn't look really hard but the places I called didn't have it. I do like that idea though and would have liked to use it. I think it is a bit heavier but I wasn't worried about that with my frame.

I’m getting mine from this place in Indy. They have many locations across the US

https://bayinsulationsupply.com/