Greetings glarue!
Welcome to the world of Vintage Minuet ownership!
Quote:
Originally Posted by glarue
hello all, ive pulled to austin a '78, 20' argosy, serial # 20D8V1720. im assuming this means 20', double, 1978, V-?, unit #1720.
the airstream service manual pictured with this unit is for 1972. what to do....
i need a copy of the owners manual for my '78, 20' argosy. does anyone know where this can be obtained....
i have for the first request the '72 service manual, for free.
thanks
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As has already been noted, your Minuet 6.0 Metre is a 1978 and the title lists it as 20-feet even though it is a bit shorter if my memory of actual measurements is correct. My impression based upon VINs that I have seen for 1978 6.0 Metre Minuets is that yours as is mine (54 units prior to yours) was produced after the middle of the model year, but I am not certain whether the sequential production number resets to zero each year of if it continues from where the prior year left off.
You can purchase a copy of the owners' manual from Airstream at this
link. It doesn't have a great deal of Minuet specific information, but it does cover the major systems rather well. You can also obtain the 1978 Airstream service manual that doesn't make specific mention of Argosy, but since they share the same basic structures and building methods it does help in making specific repairs. You can find information about purchasing a copy from Airstream at this
link.
Some information about your Minuet if you haven't already discovered:
- There is a very high probability that it will have composite aluminum floors. Many, but not all, Minuet 6.0 Metres have the composite aluminum floors . . . they are an advantage in that they are not subject to rot, but they do pose some restrictions in the floor coverings that may be selected.
- Yours is a second year Minue 6.0 Metre.
- The floor width is 8" narrower than the standard coaches at 7.0'.
- The empty weight was stated at 2,450 pounds with a GVWR of 3,200 pounds. It is difficult to stay within the GVWR, but it is important to try as it doesn't take much to surpass the axle's carrying capacity. My '78 6.0 Metre Minuet typically weighs a bit more than 3,100 pounds with a hitch weight of around 575 pounds (I always travel with the water tank full).
- The front Vista View windows are a wonderful source of light, but they are not replacable in the marketplace (other than from a salvaged Argosy coach). It is possible to get new deep-wrap-wing-windows, but they will be Solar Gray Tinted as they are what is being used in current Airstreams. Protecting original clear glass deep-wrap-wing-windows can become quite important . . . the three-piece Airstream rock guard can be modified to fit a Minuet . . . the side panel are identical, but the center section will require modification (narrow by about 8").
- The interior cabinetry is all constructed of vinyl-clad aluminum with plastic tambour for the cabinet doors.
- The side windows were some type of Acrylic, but some owners have replaced the acrylic with glass. Care of the acrylic can be a little more involved, but it isn't difficult. It is important to avoid using amonia-based cleaners on the acrylic . . . I have always used plain white vinegar on mine . . . when there is hazing or scratching, I utilize polishing/cleaning preparations for aircraft acrylic windows. I generally purchase thes chemicals from Aircraft Spruce.
Good luck with your Minuet!
I am sure that you will enjoy it for many years!
Kevin
P.S.: You will also likely discover that your Minuet's gray water tank only collect waste water from the kitchen sink and bathroom vanity. The gray water tank from the factory was mounted on the floor of the rear-most wardrobe so was above the level of the shower's drain so it is necessary to make provision for collecting the waste water from the shower when camped where it isn't permissible to drain on the ground (very few places today).
help with getting to know 1978 six meter
Linear Mode
