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dadstoy · 03-18-2011, 01:07 AM

I thought I might share some photos and projects on my '82 280 Classic. My mom and dad owned this AS for about 20 years. They are gone now and my Dad's toy has become my toy!

Last weekend, I installed a new counter top, sink and faucet in the bath. Also installed a new cooktop and have been working on my new entertainment center.

dadstoy · 03-18-2011, 01:22 AM

A weekend in northern California...

crispyboy · 03-18-2011, 06:25 AM

Nice touch with the bathroom sink - looks very classy!

1953 Flying · 03-18-2011, 08:14 AM

very nice looking rig. thanks for sharing. come join us in April for fun and great food at Casini Ranch. See my signiture linr for more details. Hope to see you there.

NoMoSOBs · 03-18-2011, 08:20 AM

Very nice family heirloom! Keep up the good work.

tinman54 · 03-18-2011, 08:55 AM

Nice rig! Very cool to keep Mom and Dad's dream going.

FreshAir · 03-18-2011, 09:41 AM

Very special family toy.
Neil

au_ee · 03-18-2011, 12:14 PM

Very nice rig! Looks like your parents took a lot of good care. Nice to see it is staying in the family!

TouringDan · 03-18-2011, 12:28 PM

DadsToy

Your dad is quite proud of you and I can tell you that he has a perpetual smile on his face.

Nice mods too. You are carrying on the tradition.

One of my 5 kids is a candidate to do the same for me with my 66 Tradewind.

Dan

Splitrock · 03-18-2011, 12:31 PM

Wow! That's nice!

bolerama · 03-18-2011, 04:15 PM

So beautiful. What a fantastic toy. Love the new bathroom.

Lisa

Michigander · 03-18-2011, 05:15 PM

Beautiful Classic. Thanks for posting the photos. It's hard to believe it's almost 30 years old.

cmadmaxman · 03-18-2011, 10:18 PM

Great job on keeping your Dad's, & your toy alive.

Love the vessel sink in your bath. We have been thinking of doing that on our 310. Did you lower the counter top or leave it the same height? If you did keep it the same height, does it feel like it to high or just right.

Great job and look forward to more of your projects on Dad's toy.

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 01:14 AM

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments!

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 01:16 AM

Woke up to a little surprise this morning! Power was also out on the mountain all day so got to use the GenSet.

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 01:41 AM

It was a busy weekend at the MH doing some more maintenance work. Finished plumbing on the bath sink. Installed a new alternator. Motor kept eating alternator belts and had a nasty squeal. Didn't know if it was a water pump or alternator issue. After much research including Airforums, discovered folks are replacing alternators ahead of their time due to high amp loads burning out alternators. Current alternator was a 105 amp. I replaced with a 220 amp unit. Yes it was expensive. Installed heavy charge wire and fuse as well. Will also be replacing the current 95 amp isolator with a 220 amp isolator. Will need to install larger cable to auto battery as well...looks like cable to coach batts is probably ok. As with most things Airstream, it ISA bit difficult figuring out what replacement parts to use. The alternator I replaced was a CS130 type which was used around 1989. The original for '82 was supposed to be a SI type looks like at some point my AS was resided from the 2 pin SI connector to the 4 pin CS type. When replacing the alternator, make sure you understand the "clocking" of the case. Clocking is different on the new alternator, but figured that was ok...cables will still fit, but bolt hole for the bracket support was different. I had to rig up a extent ion for the bracket.

Also replaced the Q-Jet with a rebuilt. I love working on the old engines...so simple. The 454 started right up and ran great. Idle was smooth and engine rev'd up nicely.

I'm very happy with the alternator and carburetor replacements.

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmadmaxman

Great job on keeping your Dad's, & your toy alive.

Love the vessel sink in your bath. We have been thinking of doing that on our 310. Did you lower the counter top or leave it the same height? If you did keep it the same height, does it feel like it to high or just right.

Great job and look forward to more of your projects on Dad's toy.

Didn't change the height. Original sink was too low and small to be useful. With vessel sink sitting above counter top, it is now at right height to be usable. I used a 16 inch sink. I couldn't find a 14 inch. 14 inch would probably be a better fit, but I'm happy with 16 inch.

crispyboy · 03-21-2011, 06:13 AM

If you haven't figured it out already - you seem pretty handy - the alternator can be re-clocked. Just split it apart and dial it in to where you need it.

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

If you haven't figured it out already - you seem pretty handy - the alternator can be re-clocked. Just split it apart and dial it in to where you need it.

A local parts guy had said that could be done. Guess I didn't feel easy about cracking open the new (and expensive!) alternator.

dadstoy · 03-21-2011, 11:41 PM

Why? Why? Why? If you are going to fix it...fit it right! The hack job continues down the line as well. This kind of crap won't stand up to 115 degree summers and snow conditions in the winter. Bathroom carpet is flooded and of course no room to get two hands in to fix ;(