New Airstream Owners

[Greg Coulter]

We just got a 1974 Excella 500 and have it at our RV Shop for some check out.
Looks like new brakes, laminate flooring, beds, drapes, refridge.
Questions:
How do I fix the window hardware for opening?
Where do I get window hardware pieces - "T" handles?
Where do I find original interior lighting fixtures?
How do I fix the bubbles in the windo tint in the windows?
And many more I am sure.
We are really excited about getting this ready to go camping!
We moved from a 40' toy hauler 5th wheel to the Excella.
Thanks for any help I can get.

[rickandsandi]

Greg-
Welcome to the forum and the land of Airstreams. I hope you have safe travels and make lots of new friends. There are many sources for parts for your Airstream, many right her on the form. Check out the classifieds section and you can also post in the wanted section. Use the search function above to help find parts and salvage yards for RV's. My favorite place for stuff is Vintage Trailer Supply. Steve is always ready to help answer questions, his service is awsome and he has a very good, well organized website. Post some photos when you have a chance, we love photos around here.

[TBRich]

Greg...welcome to the forum...you'll find lots of good advice and resources here as you launch yourself into the exciting world of Airstreaming... Search through the various discussions and subforums and you'll find a wealth of information (and moral support!).... Enjoy your new toy ...

We hope you have....Many Happy Trails!

TB

[Fyrzowt]

Hi Greg,
I just wanted to welcome you to the forum.
I see you're from Houston, my wife lived in Spring for a number of years.
I hope you find your parts.
Dave

[Greg Coulter]

Thanks for your welcome! We are 1st trying to organise ourselves so as to avoid being overwhelmed!
Priority one is to get trailer operational and fix anything that will do further damage if undone.
Then go to the updationg and cosmetics.
Our goal this week is to get specific questions and photos up in the different sections of the forum.
Does this sound like the best approach to using this forum?
Thanks!
Greg & Kathryn

[ArtStream]

Hi Greg, and welcome!

Don't, I repeat, DON'T forget to look into axle replacement.

While it is not sexy, a unit of your age will most likely need it!

A search of the forum will provide all the info you need to evaluate your axles.

Michael

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by Greg Coulter

We just got a 1974 Excella 500 and have it at our RV Shop for some check out.
Looks like new brakes, laminate flooring, beds, drapes, refridge.
Questions:
How do I fix the window hardware for opening?

Do you mean the slider part? Do you have window levers that are flat stock or round rods? The rods go into three notches in a plastic fitting to hold the window at various heights. The type with the flat stock has small round detents the a post on the side of the lever clicks into--this one has a slider in a channel in the window frame. The plastic fitting for the rod type eventually breaks and I don't know of a replacement.

Where do I get window hardware pieces - "T" handles?

when you find out, let me know

Where do I find original interior lighting fixtures?

Try Vintage Trailer Supply or Inland RV

How do I fix the bubbles in the windo tint in the windows?

This is a very hard question. Several of us are working on it and there is a thread with a promise of photos "real soon now." You have to disassemble the frame and scrape it off. Some members just break the inner pane clean the outter pane, and live with a single pane solution. No one to my knowledge has yet to post a successful fix.

...We are really excited about getting this ready to go camping!
We moved from a 40' toy hauler 5th wheel to the Excella.
Thanks for any help I can get.

[Greg Coulter]

Originally Posted by Artstream

Hi Greg, and welcome!

Don't, I repeat, DON'T forget to look into axle replacement.

While it is not sexy, a unit of your age will most likely need it!

A search of the forum will provide all the info you need to evaluate your axles.

Michael

Michael;
My RV Shop has checked those and they are fine. However, everything else is being replaced.
Thanks!
Greg

[Greg Coulter]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Do you mean the slider part? Do you have window levers that are flat stock or round rods? The rods go into three notches in a plastic fitting to hold the window at various heights. The type with the flat stock has small round detents the a post on the side of the lever clicks into--this one has a slider in a channel in the window frame. The plastic fitting for the rod type eventually breaks and I don't know of a replacement.

This is a very hard question. Several of us are working on it and there is a thread with a promise of photos "real soon now." You have to disassemble the frame and scrape it off. Some members just break the inner pane clean the outter pane, and live with a single pane solution. No one to my knowledge has yet to post a successful fix.

Zeppelinium;
The levers are the flat stock and they have come loose from the pivot pin.
If I clean up the tracks and lube the mechanisims do you think that would free up the play and travel in the operations?
Do you know how to reconnect the levers to pivot pins?
I will look into those threads on the window.
Thanks!
Greg

[rmpray]

Greg,
Welcome aboard. I've been slowly working on windows on my 73. The opening windows are easiest to do (see threads) and the ammonia and black plastic does soften the old skin. What a difference! My inside windows came out easily once I removed the alum. retainers. Good to hear the axels are in good shape.
Best of luck!
Rob n Terry