Help....Quick and Dirty

[Melody Ranch]

Need some advice on getting the new acquisition ready for a move from Chicago to Dallas. Its been sitting a while, PO says bearings are O.K. (whats that mean) Tires are two years old and thats all I know so far. It has a Reese. I want to get on the road and move it to where I can do the right kind of inspection and fix up here at home. 1000 miles. I am concerned about the axel horror stories on the Vintage site. How about an Airstream type facility that I can call and set up a quick get ready (South of Chicago?)
I'd like to do this all ASAP. Thanks. I'm trying to post a picture for you...it is a 1960 Pacer.

[norbert]

there is a camping world in bolingbrook, and an airstream dealership there also( dont know if its open yet)....i would have the bearings inspected and repacked...they can also inspect the brakes at the same time....but with a teeny tiny unit like that i personally wouldnt worry about the brakes.....
happy trails.....
norby

[Zeppelinium]

if you're mechanically inclined (or even all thumbs and don't mind grease) just repack the bearings and make sure you've got tail lights. I agree you don't need brakes, just some care in maintaining reasonable speed and spacing. I think you could be good to go in a few hours, worst case. (except for the trip(s) back and forth to get the right connectors--I recommend you go with the commercial round 7-pin connector on your TV and whatever makes you happy on the trailer end).

The only other thing I'd assure myself of is that the door lock is solid. You don't want that sucker flinging open at highway speeds--big repair to skin. I can't see the door and I know some of the 60s were hinged on their leading edge, but most are the other way around--the bad way.

Darn! Cool get. Where/how do you find such jewels?

[bill benton]

Check the date code on the tires or see if the PO has the receipt for the tires. Two years to some people varies from person to person. I wouldn't worry about the brakes but check the bearings an the connections of the axle to the frame for any stress cracks in the metal. Make sure you have lights that work and stop every few miles when you start to check for anything that doesn't look or feel rite. I would suggest towing only in the daytime until you have had it checked professionally. Watch your speed and congratulations. Keep us posted. Good luck, have a safe trip, and take plenty of pictures. You'll want to have something to look back at while everyone you know thinks the aluminum has gone to your head.

[Melody Ranch]

Thanks for the advice. I plan to replace all three (spare) tires, have the bearings checked, greased or replaced, check the lights...reported to working,
( the truck is F-250 Super Duty) wiring is already set for the seven pin connector with brakes, ( I use on all the ranch trailers) ..here I go.....Fat, Dumb and Happy.

[scottanlily]

Hello Melody Ranch,

Is the pacer ,the airstream you have? The horror stories were only for the 65 caravel . never heard of any other airstream model having a problem,so put yor concerns to rest ,no need to worry . It appeared that you had a caravel from your posts on the vintage threads it seemed .What a fantastic little airstream , It wont have the torsion axle either so no problem there. Have a great time with that pacer ,really cool!


Scott of scottanlily

[scottanlily]

Hello Melody Ranch,

Is the pacer ,the airstream you have? The horror stories were only for the 65 caravel . never heard of any other airstream model having a problem,so put yor concerns to rest ,no need to worry . It appeared that you had a caravel from your posts on the vintage threads it seemed .What a fantastic little airstream , It wont have the torsion axle either so no problem there. Have a great time with that pacer ,really cool!


Scott of scottanlily