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bwaysteve · 12-08-2009, 10:28 PM

Drove 8hrs. to pick her up yesterday.Got a great motel for $41.I was awake every hour all night I suppose with excitment( and not much excites me at 62,been there done that).
Headed over to pick her up at 7:00 am in the rain.My first Airstream,so my little brother made the trip to tow her home with his Dodge Cummins deisel.

Got there and she was a beauty.Shell great with one deep scratch on side rear panel.(fixable) Interior like walking into 1965 with even original brackets for bunks!Wood was super.Floor will need the usual,though not bad.
Refer will be replaced with a 110/lp.I was afraid the shroud had been tossed, but it was in the closet.They thought someone might need it! I do!

We drove 500 miles back in pouring rain!! I know where the leaks are now.(2 windows and 1 vent) considering the force of the rain the leaks were minimal.
Here is a peek as I found her. Start planning the resto on Mon.keeping her as original as possible.
I am a commercial photographer so more pics to follow as I move forward..

These are PO pics.This is exciting stuff.
Steve

Blue Pearl · 12-08-2009, 10:43 PM

Welcome to the Ambassador club. We love ours, enough room to move around but easy to tow and park. Have fun.

Inland RV Center, In · 12-09-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

I am a commercial photographer so more pics to follow as I move forward..

These are PO pics.This is exciting stuff.
Steve

Steve.

Check to see if the furnace brand name is "International Oil Burner".

If it is, DO NOT attempt to light it as it has a great tendancy to explode.

There was a bunch of recalls on it, when it was new.

The problem with it, is the "burner log" in time, rusts and falls apart. That should have happened years ago.

Andy

bwaysteve · 12-09-2009, 08:42 PM

Thanks Andy,
This is great safety advice.Would not have known this.Any problems with the ovens?
I am beginning by addressing the leaks.Two windows and a vent.
The front window leaked quite a bit on the way home.I have read about the D channel you sell and will probably do all windows anyway.What do I use for the front window seal?Same thing? Or is it fixed with glazing.

I am also planning to get 4 new AS wheels from Inland.(to get rid of these spilt rims)Are these just balanced with weights as usual and add Centramatix to the hub or does the hub need balance as in the Inland site pics.I would like to use baby moons with these wheels and I think I have found a source that will fit rims with no clips.
Thanks ,Steve

vswingfield · 12-09-2009, 08:46 PM

Sweet!

That is a nice looking Airstream!

**Kevin245** · 12-09-2009, 09:50 PM

Congrats... Looks like it's in pretty good shape.

Kevin

Roadrunner · 12-10-2009, 04:03 AM

Welcome to the Ambassador club...we love our "78".

Bob

Ambie '64 · 12-10-2009, 07:51 AM

Hey! I didn't know there was an Ambassador club! Congrats, Steve. You've got a really nice trailer, there. So, let the fun begin!

Inland RV Center, In · 12-10-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Thanks Andy,
This is great safety advice.Would not have known this.Any problems with the ovens?
I am beginning by addressing the leaks.Two windows and a vent.
The front window leaked quite a bit on the way home.I have read about the D channel you sell and will probably do all windows anyway.What do I use for the front window seal?Same thing? Or is it fixed with glazing.

I am also planning to get 4 new AS wheels from Inland.(to get rid of these spilt rims)Are these just balanced with weights as usual and add Centramatix to the hub or does the hub need balance as in the Inland site pics.I would like to use baby moons with these wheels and I think I have found a source that will fit rims with no clips.
Thanks ,Steve

Steve.

The "D" gasket is good for all your windows, access doors and entrance door.

Which vent is leaking?

Andy

Blue Pearl · 12-10-2009, 09:55 AM

There is no real club, it's just that we all have the same trailer and each style has there own thread under the name (Ambassador, Bambi, Safari, etc.) here on the forum . Maybe we should start one.

bwaysteve · 12-10-2009, 04:36 PM

Andy,
The leaking vent is the front next to the Astro.Just a drop every minute or so.Hit me on the head but hard to see.
The main concern though is the front window.I have not researched yet because of work.On the trip in pouring rain, the bottom sill was really wet and the curtains(sheet) wicked it up about half way.
I also have some moisture on one of the rear ss windows.Other than that, the back vent fan would open after I tightened each time.The vent fans will probably be replaced,but the windows especially the front are of concern.
Thanks,Steve

airdreamers · 12-10-2009, 04:55 PM

Welcome to the Airstream family. We are new to Airstreaming also and love it, the older ones need TLC, I know it will be worth the effort. Good luck with yours!

Bill

soldiermedic · 12-10-2009, 04:55 PM

Looks great Steve. Hope to see it in person this February.

bwaysteve · 12-21-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Steve.

Check to see if the furnace brand name is "International Oil Burner".

If it is, DO NOT attempt to light it as it has a great tendancy to explode.

There was a bunch of recalls on it, when it was new.

The problem with it, is the "burner log" in time, rusts and falls apart. That should have happened years ago.

Andy

Yes Andy it is an International! What is out there that wold be a good fit for a replacement? Is a furnace necessary? Could I go tankless on the hot water and use a low profile Carrier with a heat strip? Steve

Jezzbell76 · 04-22-2010, 10:32 AM

theres an ambassador club! i wanna be in an ambi club...........
luv your AS,i just bought a 1966 28ft ambassador.....so as you find stuff out~lemme know...this is alot to take in

Airstreamdmb · 10-17-2010, 06:39 PM

I have located my first Airstream and pick it up on Saturday. Looking forward to restoring with my two son's and becoming obsessed as I have for these. Am looking forward to reading this 1965 forum. (The closest I found was this 1966 one???)

Airstreamdmb · 10-17-2010, 07:15 PM

Andy;

You and I spoke a couple weeks back and you had me start reading about axles and the abuse people have put on their Airstreams traveling down the road. I have my fingers crossed but am hoping to pick up a 1965 Ambassador 28 ft. it is supposed to be in great shape in terms of frame and no separation sagging etc. I want to do things right and starting with contacting you as to whether I need to do anything with wheels, axles, rims, etc. I saw your tip about the furnace. I'll have to take a look at it when I get it home.

Inland RV Center, In · 10-17-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airstreamdmb

Andy;

You and I spoke a couple weeks back and you had me start reading about axles and the abuse people have put on their Airstreams traveling down the road. I have my fingers crossed but am hoping to pick up a 1965 Ambassador 28 ft. it is supposed to be in great shape in terms of frame and no separation sagging etc. I want to do things right and starting with contacting you as to whether I need to do anything with wheels, axles, rims, etc. I saw your tip about the furnace. I'll have to take a look at it when I get it home.

Make sure the bearings are lubed and that the trailer has operable brakes and decent tires.

Make sure a good load equalizing hitch will be used.

I don't know how far you will be pulling the trailer. If it's not very far, take your time. If it's real far, take your sweet time.

After the trailer is home, and you have time to check it out, let me know if you have any questions.

Andy

bwaysteve · 10-18-2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airstreamdmb

I have located my first Airstream and pick it up on Saturday. Looking forward to restoring with my two son's and becoming obsessed as I have for these. Am looking forward to reading this 1965 forum. (The closest I found was this 1966 one???)

Great another 65 Ambie!! Best wishes!

I am in the process of restoring a 65 Ambassador I bought last Dec.My thread "Gutting the 65"goes thru tear out and frame resto,gray and black tank install and a little polishing.I still have several pics to post .I am installing the new floor this weekend.You should also check the thread Ambassador Redux.It is a 64 resto but great detail and tips and basically the same coach.There is a great example of a restored 65 on Vintage Trailer Archives

Airstreamdmb · 10-19-2010, 07:03 PM

I'm picking up the 65 Ambassador this weekend. only about a 2 hour drive. Am looking for advice as to what distribution hitch is best for this one, and also wanted to know what everyone does if wnating to use the older tanks when considering new regulations for propane tanks to be filled. Are there replacement tanks????? I was hoping to be able to somehow use the older original tanks if they are safe.