windows

[joydiane]

We are "field rescue" specialists, having discovered our gem in an Illinois cornfield just one week ago. Time has stood still for our Sovereign except for the sun's effects on its windows. Where can we go for repairs?

[uwe]

What's up with the windows? What's the damage? Maybe if you're specific, someone can help you.
A warm welcome to the forum!!

[joydiane]

Dear Uwe,

Thank you for the welcome. My husband, Joe, and I are learning the A/S lingo.

The Vista View windows are foggy and some of the side windows show bubbles apparently caused by an interior film delamination. I read a helpful thread last night, Vista windows "filmy" 4983. The foggy windows are the main cosmetic flaw in our "new" trailer. We still think she's a real beauty!

Thank you for the reply & getting us started on the right track.

[uwe]

I believe there are many posts in regards to this problem.
some of the models had double pane windows, which can be a bear to deal with, I hear. My tailer has the single pane glass, so i am not familiar with tis problem. If it's as easy as a bad window tint, then it should come off with a razor bald and some soapy water.
Good luck!

[bucksliaison]

Seems as if I may have a cracked frame on the left side.31' Soverign rear bath. I do need some imput as to how to make repairs?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by bucksliaison

Seems as if I may have a cracked frame on the left side.31' Soverign rear bath. I do need some imput as to how to make repairs?

Hi Buck,
Welcome to the forums

What do you mean by cracked frame...got pictures? They are really a big help in determining the best course of action. Do you have a cracked window frame? The frames, both the one that holds the glass and the one mounted on the body are made from aluminum extrusions and have joint(s) in them. If you have breaks in the frame anywhere else I would love to see pictures...I have never seen one crack before...not that it couldn't happen

Aaron

[bucksliaison]

Aron:
I asume the frame is broken, using a floor jack on the exposed area the rear section to close the gap,it goes into position with out lifting the coach. I feel it may be cracked.

[bucksliaison]

Aron
sorry not pix

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by bucksliaison

Aron:
I asume the frame is broken, using a floor jack on the exposed area the rear section to close the gap,it goes into position with out lifting the coach. I feel it may be cracked.

Buck,
What you may have is rear end separation, not an unusual occurence on the rear bath 70's models. Run a search on the photos section of the board for members "Pizzachop" or "Jalina" they both had this issue and documented it very well with pictures. Do you have any bulges behind the wheel openings when you sight down the sides? That is a good indicator of a broken frame at the axle mounting point. If you just have a gap between the body and the bumper area you defintely have rear end separation. It typically involves rotted wood and a rusted out frame. It is repairable. Mine is doing it, but I haven't gotten that far along yet

Aaron

[bucksliaison]

Aron:
No pix this for tail sag. We are hoping not to lose the black water tank along the highway. Thinking of sliding a smaller (higher tensil strength) box frame into the present frame.
Since tail sag in this length wih rear bath seems to have been addresed at one point. Some one must have had this problem prior.

[dwightdi]

Pretty common problem with the model you have. Not cheap to fix but if the rest is in good shape and you have somebody who works at a reasonable price and understands how to do it, it may be worth it. You need to take down the belly pan and really look at the frame. If it is broke it needs to be welded by a professional and then the stiffener plates (available from Airstream) attached to reinforce the area where they always bend or break. There are some good pictures available in the search section of this site. If you are not a mechanic with welding skills, find a pro to do it for you.

[Chaplain Kent]

Originally Posted by joydiane

We are "field rescue" specialists, having discovered our gem in an Illinois cornfield just one week ago. Time has stood still for our Sovereign except for the sun's effects on its windows. Where can we go for repairs?

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your "rescue." I am your neighbor from across the border in Milwaukee and hopefully someday we will meet up in a campground. My wife and I rescued a Tradewind which sat in a field for twenty some years and have quite a bit of experience in bringing back to life a beauty. The current owner is Balrgn, who has gone back and re-done what we did not do correctly or not not up to his standards. His work and his ideas are really to be admired and I encourage you to search out his threads and web page. You will find the answer to the window question as well as some other problems I bet you have yet to discover.
One thing we quickly learned is that an Airstream is meant to be used and not meant to sit unused.
Good luck on your project and please do not hesitate to ask any questions.

A moderator needs to separate these threads between the broken frame and the window problem.