Argosy 26'

[TG Twinkie]

Any others out there with a '74 Argosy 26'?

[Argosy Heir]

I have a 76 Argosy 26 currently undergoing a renovation.

[mnmhays]

...ours is a '73 26 footer.

[prob]

I've got a '73 26 footer also; reno is started (it's stripped), but on hold for another 9-10 months.

[Arrowstream]

Got a 1977 26'.

[cfsunnyworld]

We just aquired a '76 Argosy 26! Tearing out now! Rot in the deck at the door. Don't know whether we're in for an entire deck replacement or some patch. But it's a '76 right? Starting to think hey, if you're going to go that far it makes little sense to do anything but a complete replacement. Anyway I'm glad we're all here and excited for each other. This kind of support is what I've been told for years, that Airstream folks are just plain awesome!

[mnmhays]

I have patched in subfloor sections of our '73...it seems like the way to go so far. I have the front end and the bath out of it at the moment. They will be put back together in the next week or so...

[my3sonsdad]

Yet another Argosy 26 owner (1975)...newly so.

75 Argosy 26 - a set on Flickr

Haven't got her home yet. Needs new tires before making the trip and going to the Dr's (JC Airstrem Service Center) for a long overdue checkup. The service center happened to be on the way so why pass up the chance as I'm not sure I'll ever be back that way.

Any recommendations on essential Argosy repair/restoration items to pickup/purchase at JC specifically?

Something tells me that center window upper calk line and I are going to get to know each other really well....

[Glang227]

I have a 1976 Argosy 26', middle twin, rear bath

I recommend checking the rear of the trailer, (if it is a rear bath pull the toilet, vanity, etc and check the plywood, mine was totally rotten. The water would creep along the frame rails at the rear bumper and go right to the wood. There was holes in the frame rails because of the water. Remove the rivet/fasteners at the plumbing cover and put as much caulking in there that you can. Also make sure the bottom trim is caulked along the top because the banana wrap is installed backwards, so the water again goes into the trailer. Get all the water issues fixed before you move on (this could take a while). I've had my trailer inside out, so ask me anything. I also recommend replacing all the fresh water plumbing with pex, you never know who did what to your trailer(mine froze)!!

Greg

2006 Dodge Mega Cab

[DIYGuy]

We have a 1974 Argosy 26 for about 11 years now. A/C (original) died in Pigeon Forge, Tn, in 90's weather last month. Had to come home. Looking to replace the unit and have done a little research. Probably not until Spring. What will I run into as a "DIY job?"

[scrapiron]

Proud owner of possibly the 2nd oldest known Argosy. I have the 25th one made in 1972. (26') Replaced the step, and the floor in the front half so far. Kitchen is next, then bathroom.
I lucked out and was given a nice camper with a hole in the roof. All appliances, heaters, bathroom, ect are all nice and working. I am going to use everything to fix up the Argosy.
LOOK OUT next Spring! We are going to hit everything from Savanna to Gatlinburg!

[cfsunnyworld]

Ended up taking up the sub floor in the front. Rotted straight through in the front where the fresh water tank lives (gee do ya think?!). Had a tussle with it for sure since the channel that takes the plywood was bent in a few places. But it's in now. Cutting the bolts that keep the shell in place was a bear. Hardened steel was giggling at a saws all! So as soon as we can secure it our plan is to deck the entire floor again. Gotta check out the bathroom 1st though. Really intimidated by the bathroom. Not sure at all what it's about, not sure about how to replace the toilet or re-paint shower or basin. Thank goodness I got peeps who do know about this stuff!

[Bex]

Originally Posted by cfsunnyworld

Cutting the bolts that keep the shell in place was a bear. Hardened steel was giggling at a saws all

I had the same issue, and the deck screws holding the floor to the chassis were all rusted in so bad I had to beat on them with a lump hammer the with the biggest driver I had that would fit clamped in a vise grip, I just managed to get them to turn, and thats after digging out the head of the screw and flooding the area with penetrating oil. A couple of hours takes two days.
Welcome to the world of Airstream reno's!!
Still, what a great feeling when you get the new floor in place and everything put back together.

[Phrunes]

Thought we could all use a pick me up! Here are some pics after front and rear subfloor replacement and new flooring and toilet shelf installed in the 76 Argy. There is hope!

[my3sonsdad]

Originally Posted by Phrunes

Thought we could all use a pick me up! Here are some pics after front and rear subfloor replacement and new flooring and toilet shelf installed in the 76 Argy. There is hope!

Looks great! I like the color of the flooring...what's your plan for cabinets?

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by my3sonsdad

Looks great! I like the color of the flooring...what's your plan for cabinets?

THANKS! Me too...but, it now defy's the hillbilly exterior! Hahaha I guess now I'll have to paint the exterior?

Cabinets...I'm working on that. I def. want to use SOMETHING AS specific, like the overheads ( updated of course). The bulkheads are next on the list, Im gonna make them out of pecan 1/4" (doubled up) with a core of insulating panels for some sound deadining.

[Glang227]

Originally Posted by cfsunnyworld

Ended up taking up the sub floor in the front. Rotted straight through in the front where the fresh water tank lives (gee do ya think?!). Had a tussle with it for sure since the channel that takes the plywood was bent in a few places. But it's in now. Cutting the bolts that keep the shell in place was a bear. Hardened steel was giggling at a saws all! So as soon as we can secure it our plan is to deck the entire floor again. Gotta check out the bathroom 1st though. Really intimidated by the bathroom. Not sure at all what it's about, not sure about how to replace the toilet or re-paint shower or basin. Thank goodness I got peeps who do know about this stuff!

Take all the banding off first, then each piece comes apart pretty easy, take pictures as to how they fit originally. Take height measurement of the toilet platform, for when you build a new one (so everything goes back together where it should). My floor was pretty soft so I added some steel L-channel and a layer of 3/8 ply w/ PL Premium to stiffen it up. I painted all the fixtures with Rustoleum Plastic spray paint, it worked really well. The bathroon was the most work, be patient.

Good Luck
Greg

[Phrunes]

Measure the current distance from the floor to the top of the toilet surround (or base of the screw on or outer toilet flange). Get it and save it! When and if you install new flooring under the toilet/sink basin surround it will throw the whole thing off unless you adjust to accomodate the increased height. In simpler terms: make sure your final installed toilet surround is the same height it is now. If you get it wrong, the toilet flange will not have enough thread showing to properly screw into the black tank. The closet or toilet flange used with threads (4x3) is hard enough to find, you will never find a longer one! Don't ask how I know this. blush.

[Bex]

Beautiful work!

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by Bex

Beautiful work!

Thank you Bex!