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cmadmaxman · 02-28-2021, 08:47 AM

Looking good Rob!
That's the problem with "no rules", no rules!
If you really want to see "no rules", go to slab city!

Gregsch · 02-28-2021, 02:45 PM

Love the pics of you actually traveling and enjoying your rig. Some of us only dream of such things. Keep them coming ,each one gives us hope.
The polishing job job looks pretty good in the pics!

kidjedi · 02-28-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregsch

Love the pics of you actually traveling and enjoying your rig. Some of us only dream of such things. Keep them coming ,each one gives us hope.

Agreed! Though... following this thread sometimes makes me nervous.

But I was listening to Paul Simon the other day, and when I heard "my traveling companion is nine years old..." I realized we HAVE to get to Graceland before my kid's birthday in September.

This thread also makes me wonder how much the whole "ignorance is bliss" applies to the vast majority of vintage Airstreams on the road.

And this: "average 6.8mpg..." eash. Reminded me of when I was in high school and the family was visiting one of the Space Shuttle launch sites and they were talking about the vehicle that pulls the rocket out to the launch pad getting gallons to the mile (instead of the other way around)... which seemed similar to the 1978 Cadillac I was driving at the time.

Magnet18 · 02-28-2021, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Don't forget to add that color to your tray. I left the silver leafing out on purpose.

Gotcha, thanks!

Magnet18 · 02-28-2021, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidjedi

Agreed! Though... following this thread sometimes makes me nervous.

This thread also makes me wonder how much the whole "ignorance is bliss" applies to the vast majority of vintage Airstreams on the road.

Unfortunately, the more I know about this airstream, the more scared I get every time I turn the key

I was perfectly happy with hopping in and driving 2000 miles the day I bought it... Now I'm trying not to be terrified all the time, ignorance is definitely bliss!!!

bkahler · 03-01-2021, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet18

...Now I'm trying not to be terrified all the time, ignorance is definitely bliss!!!

So true

Magnet18 · 03-02-2021, 05:41 PM

Putting this here for future reference

https://weatheredandworn.design/

Magnet18 · 03-05-2021, 09:01 PM

New neighbor, never seen one of these in person before. Quite spacious inside, much bigger than I thought.

Edit, no idea why airforums wants that to be upside down...

cmadmaxman · 03-06-2021, 02:46 AM

My Uncle had one in back of a Ford camper special! He went to Alaska, taking his mother and father with him. That was in the early 70's.
My grandfather was no small man, and it was able to sleep all three!
Avion only made them a couple of years I think.
His wasn't upside down [emoji39][emoji16]

PeterH-350LE · 03-06-2021, 05:21 AM

The Avion C-10/C-11 truck campers were available starting in the early 60's and were built very well. The over the cap sleeping quarters allowed for an amazing use of space in the rest of the camper, incl a dinette, full kitchen and a wet Bath. Some are even equipped with an awning.
I have always been intrigued by these, just have not owned a pickup to use one of them. A great solution for cross-country/mountain travel.

bobmiller1 · 03-06-2021, 05:32 AM

Pretty cool, same here....I would like to have one to rebuild but the only pick up I ever owned was a GMC Cabellero Diablo, same as a Chevy El Camino. Incidentally......we’re going to have a seminar at the “Get-Together” on how to post pictures properly on the forum......Rob ! Regards, Bob

Magnet18 · 03-06-2021, 07:39 AM

Yes, the bed over the cab means it's essentially got the space of a travel trailer of the same length. This one has a smaller two person dinette to one side and the kitchen on the other side. Had a wet bath. The unobstruction of that layout compared to the one you posted means it would be super easy to do an extended trip in one.

Like you said, throw it on the back of a modern well equiped pickup and go anywhere, with essentially a 20' travel trailer. I want one

Magnet18 · 03-12-2021, 12:49 PM

Tomorrow brings the first 6% grades since installing the EFI system. First thing in the morning will be a small pass with a couple miles of 6% to las cruces, then again getting from Phoenix to Sedona.

Realistically if I can maintain 30mph with nothing overheating I'll be quite happy. This will be an excellent test for future route planning. I can and do intend to avoid grades above 6% with careful planning, but interstates are limited to 6% so they're somewhat unavoidable.

bobmiller1 · 03-12-2021, 12:53 PM

No balls......you should try the pass I did with the 370LE towing the Volt going to Yellowstone! .......never again ! LMAO ! Regards, Bob

Magnet18 · 03-12-2021, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

No balls......you should try the pass I did with the 370LE towing the Volt going to Yellowstone! .......never again ! LMAO ! Regards, Bob

Highway 16, yea, I think that one is 7%, i think the most extreme are 10%. Really amazing how much 1% grade makes a huge difference when hauling 20,000 lbs up it

Fortunately my rig is 10' shorter and my toad weighs 1000lbs less

I will say needing to stop and drop the toad is pretty much the last thing I want to do on an interstate pass... So hopefully this goes well, or I might trade the fit for a convertible Geo

kidjedi · 03-12-2021, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet18

Realistically if I can maintain 30mph with nothing overheating I'll be quite happy. This will be an excellent test for future route planning. I can and do intend to avoid grades above 6% with careful planning, but interstates are limited to 6% so they're somewhat unavoidable.

Yesterday I went to fill up propane, and was so excited about how everything regarding the mechanics was going ...then there was a slight hill (and I do mean slight). I guess misery loves company, because it's a relief to hear you say 30mph will make you happy.

kidjedi · 03-12-2021, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet18

So hopefully this goes well, or I might trade the fit for a convertible Geo

It's funny to think there's anything smaller than a Fit, but yeah, my buddy in high school had a yellow Geo convertible, and it would probably slide into the Fit's hatch back.

Magnet18 · 03-12-2021, 05:18 PM

Speaking of keeping the mechanics going...

Checked the oil, despite droplets visible in the dust on the outside of the rig, was only 8 oz low, or one quarter of a quart. For 650 miles, that's not ideal, but not enough to make me worry terribly

Checked the differential, could probably use a couple ounces too, but at the angle I'm at, fluid was right at the fill plug and none could be added. Next campground doesn't allow working on rigs, but it should be nice and level... Will probably sneak under there anyway and make sure it doesn't need topped up.

Ran a bead of trempro all around the rub rail to keep water out

All other fluids look perfectly fine, no leaks from the brakes

I do have exhaust leaks from both of the flexible baffles that are just behind the tube headers. Doesn't sound great. But not hurting anything either, other than my pride when people ask if I have a cracked exhaust header

Not a big deal to replace, either when I get home or maybe I'll find a good shop sometime.

Magnet18 · 03-12-2021, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidjedi

Yesterday I went to fill up propane, and was so excited about how everything regarding the mechanics was going ...then there was a slight hill (and I do mean slight). I guess misery loves company, because it's a relief to hear you say 30mph will make you happy.

Expectations low = avoided disappointment