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Rick F · 09-09-2011, 12:58 PM

I'm pondering the purchase of a semi-local to me 78 Argosy 28' MH.. The majority of the paint is in good shape but some spots over the rear window area, up on the roof (not sure how much) and the spots over the windshield appear to have worn off or similar showing bare metal (or what looks like bare metal). What sort of cost is involved with doing that sort of repair whether by myself or at a shop? Is the paint easily matched color-wise?

Interestingly enough, the paint peeling issue appears to be confined to specific panels.. I believe I've seen people repaint parts of their Argosy's in the driveway -- the brown stripes on this particular rig appear a bit faded so...

Comments?

SteveH · 09-09-2011, 01:13 PM

Not certain about the top front of an Argosy MH, but the top back, and top front of the Argosy trailers were galvanized steel, and that's why the paint peeled so bad in those areas.

If it's peeling already, it must be completely striped, etched, and primed with a special primer before painting.

I repainted a 24' Argosy in my driveway, and the materials weren't too expensive then ( I used acylic enamel auto paint), but it was LOTS of work preping it, lots of work painting, and then it kinda looked like I painted it in my driveway.

Think painting something as big as a house, that you want to look as good as a new car.

Rick F · 09-09-2011, 03:09 PM

Thanks Steve.. I realize I'm not after perfection but would prefer to ensure the rig (if bought) looks half decent.. Take a look at the pics I was given.. Perhaps this might ring a bell with your trailer experience..?

By the way.. Why Galvanized Steel? Is that a structural strength feature or was it for some other reason?

By the way.. In the 2nd image for the rear of the rig, what is the handle in the right bottom corner of the image for? It almost looks like the back opens but I'm thinking that's probably not the case. Unfortunately I do not have a complete picture of the rear-end of this particular unit.

SteveH · 09-09-2011, 03:24 PM

Yep, those are the galvanized steel sections. If left unprotected too long, they can rust, and that's hard to stop.

I'm not too sure why they used the galvanized steel, but suspect either for cost, or for the fact they were large compound curve sections that may not have been possible in aluminum. I was told the aluminum parts of the Argosys were of a lesser quality than an Airstream, but don't know that to be a fact.

I believe the "handle" is the fresh water fill, at least it looks like the fresh water fill door that was used on the older units.

Sorry I don't remember the color of the paint (I used to but it's been many years), but I do remember it was made by Dupont. I think it was a standard color, so you might be able to go to a paint store that handles Dupont and look at a color chart and find it.

SteveH · 09-09-2011, 03:29 PM

Did a search, and it was Dupont CENTARI.

Rick F · 09-09-2011, 06:08 PM

Thanks!! I'll keep that in the back of my head.. I'll be taking a look at the rig tomorrow AM.. Need to deduct some $$ for new tires -- my local tire shop quoted me $1518 for a set of 6 Sumitomo tires ($232 ea + mounting/balancing) -- ouch!.

**DKB_SATX** · 09-09-2011, 07:59 PM

I can confirm that the silver metal thingo is the fresh-water fill door, it's identical to the one on the front of my Argosy trailer. It uses a key to which most locksmiths seem to be allergic, but you can get it from Out Of Doors Mart if the Argosy doesn't come with one. They're all keyed the same for trailers, I assume it would be keyed the same for the moho.

Rick F · 09-09-2011, 08:14 PM

Thanks.. I'll see if they've got the keys..

CanoeStream · 09-09-2011, 08:15 PM

Here is an affordable DYI option -- http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...ml#post1015341

Thanks boatdoc!

vswingfield · 09-09-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I can confirm that the silver metal thingo is the fresh-water fill door, it's identical to the one on the front of my Argosy trailer.
...

I agree with the water fill.

What I want to know is, above the center marker lights is says "'Bed-" but the rest is cut of at the hyphen by the right edge of the photo. What does the rest say?

Rick F · 09-09-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vswingfield

I agree with the water fill.

What I want to know is, above the center marker lights is says "'Bed-" but the rest is cut of at the hyphen by the right edge of the photo. What does the rest say?

I'm not sure about what the phrase is -- it was cut-off in the photo I've got too.. I'll fill you in tomorrow when I see it in person..

Rick F · 09-10-2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vswingfield

What I want to know is, above the center marker lights is says "'Bed-" but the rest is cut of at the hyphen by the right edge of the photo. What does the rest say?

Ok.. Saw the rig today -- the answer to the above question is "Bed Zeppelin"..

We decided this was not the rig for us -- or any Argosy for that matter -- too small for our family of 5. Might look into the slightly newer 80's Airstream's and other brands as well (Revcon's, LazyDaze,etc) and see what will fit our family without causing people to be too cramped.

vswingfield · 09-11-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick F

Ok.. Saw the rig today -- the answer to the above question is "Bed Zeppelin"..

I like it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick F

We decided this was not the rig for us -- or any Argosy for that matter -- too small for our family of 5. Might look into the slightly newer 80's Airstream's and other brands as well (Revcon's, LazyDaze,etc) and see what will fit our family without causing people to be too cramped.

Keep looking. I sure like my '83 Excella. The right one will pop up eventually.