|
|
10-05-2019, 06:38 AM
|
#1
|
1 Rivet Member
1956 30' Sovereign of the Road
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 6
|
Help! Axle info needed for rebuild quote
Hi All,
I am sending my 30' 1958 Sovereign to get the trailer totally rebuilt. I have no experience whatsoever about these kinds of things. I am being asked what are probably basic questions in order for them to give me a cost but I don't feel confident giving these answers.
Can anyone help out?
They want to know:
What the hub face to hub face measurement is with the tires off or the spring centers
I need a recommendation about the best type of axles to ask them for, spring or torsion. I've heard pros and cons for each of them. This trailer will likely sit as a bunky for a few years while renovations happen and then after that get used just a few times a year being towed.
They have asked me for pictures of the shackles. Where might I find these?
Fingers crossed someone sees this and feels generous with their time!
Linda
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 07:26 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,322
|
If you are going to replace axles, I would modernize and replace with torsion axles. If you go this route, I don't see why they need pictures of the shackles. Similarly, the price of a torsion axle isn't going to vary greatly, so I don't see why they need a hub face measurement just to give you an estimate.
These seem like oddly specific questions for them to be asking for the sake of an estimate. Is this a company that does Airstream rennovations routinely? If so I would think that they would have their own recommendation for type of axles to use in the rebuild...
good luck!
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 07:38 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
|
IMO, someone who is qualified to do this remodel would not have to ask you these questions about dimension or ask for photos. If you provide dimensions then YOU accept responsibility to purchase another axel if the new axel does not fit.
The "best axle" means different things to different people. "Best" is an opinion based on the goal set by the individual. Some people try to keep the trailer original (leaf spring axle). Some people try to "smooth" the ride (torsion axle). It's a choice you have to make based on your goal.
If the original leaf spring is replaced with a torsion axle, the frame will have to be modified, at additional cost.
ps:
If you are going to park it for a few years after the renovation, this is not good for torsion axles. The rubber inside the axle needs to be exercised (towed) regularly to keep them flexible.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 07:49 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
|
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 08:11 AM
|
#5
|
1 Rivet Member
1956 30' Sovereign of the Road
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 6
|
Thanks! They build utility and custom trailers as main business. But they haven't done an Airstream before. My interest in having them do it is so that it can be rated and plated with a new VIN number to make it totally legal. Not sure if this will make it all legit yet though. I need to talk to DMV and see.
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 08:25 AM
|
#6
|
1 Rivet Member
1956 30' Sovereign of the Road
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 6
|
Thanks for the replies back!
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 10:22 AM
|
#7
|
3 Rivet Member
2018 26' Flying Cloud
WARNER ROBINS
, GA
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 133
|
Hi,
If you want to see lots of axle prices, pop over here. https://highskyrvparts.com/
Withholding my comments on having someone restore an airstream that has never done it before.
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 11:07 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
|
I think the hub face and spring shackle measurements are important for an estimate. If the axles can be off the shelf stock axles they will be cheaper than if you need custom axles built.
So I understand why they want to know these dimensions before they give you an estimate.
I think you need to discuss more details with the trailer builder before you finalize the design. For example:
1. These trailers used bias truck tires. If you plan to replace with modern truck radial tires they will be wider and may rub on the shock absorbers or frame.
2. Likewise, if you plan to replace the wheels make sure you check that the wheel width and offset works with the new hub face, and again that you don't have an interference problem.
3. Both of these possible problems are dependent on the hub face measurement. If you mount new tires and wheels they may require that you add width to the existing axle hub face dimension.
These issues apply to both leaf spring and torsion axles.
|
|
|
10-05-2019, 01:09 PM
|
#9
|
Moderator dude
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,510
|
If cost is a factor, stick with the original leaf springs. Only the springs need to be replaced and leaf springs are very easy to have made to order.
Installing a torsion axle means re-designing the suspension system and some fabrication. Both of which will drive up the cost dramatically. Then buying a torsion axle parts is more expensive versus a leaf spring.
>>>>>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
|
|
|
10-06-2019, 06:04 AM
|
#10
|
3 Rivet Member
2005 31' Classic
Venice
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 187
|
You may be making a BIG mistake...your trailer needs a Airstream restoration specialist.
|
|
|
10-06-2019, 10:20 AM
|
#11
|
1 Rivet Member
1956 30' Sovereign of the Road
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 6
|
I’m hesitant about this too. Does anyone have any recommendations for a southern Ontario lead to get this work done?
|
|
|
10-06-2019, 11:03 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,092
|
Airstream Restoration
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lindav
Hi All,
I am sending my 30' 1958 Sovereign to get the trailer totally rebuilt. I have no experience whatsoever about these kinds of things. I am being asked what are probably basic questions in order for them to give me a cost but I don't feel confident giving these answers.
Can anyone help out?
They want to know:
What the hub face to hub face measurement is with the tires off or the spring centers
I need a recommendation about the best type of axles to ask them for, spring or torsion. I've heard pros and cons for each of them. This trailer will likely sit as a bunky for a few years while renovations happen and then after that get used just a few times a year being towed.
They have asked me for pictures of the shackles. Where might I find these?
Fingers crossed someone sees this and feels generous with their time!
Linda
|
Please take the time to call Can Am RV Airstream in London, Ontario. 807-937-5538. Possibly they can direct you to a proper Airstream Restoration business. Do not make a mistake by taking it to someone that has never done AS work and wants to learn on yours.
|
|
|
10-06-2019, 12:34 PM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,850
|
Lindav,
Another option is to contact Colin Hyde in Peru, NY.
Bill
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lindav
I’m hesitant about this too. Does anyone have any recommendations for a southern Ontario lead to get this work done?
|
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
10-11-2019, 08:28 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,226
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uraljohn
Please take the time to call Can Am RV Airstream in London, Ontario. 807-937-5538. Possibly they can direct you to a proper Airstream Restoration business. Do not make a mistake by taking it to someone that has never done AS work and wants to learn on yours.
|
I completely agree. You want an experienced Airstream shop to renovate your vintage Airstream. I would talk to both Can Am and Colin Hyde.
Dan
|
|
|
10-15-2019, 05:11 PM
|
#15
|
2 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Lexington
, Kentucky
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 76
|
Call Colin Hyde.....he knows what to do about the axles. 5 stars.
|
|
|
10-16-2019, 10:22 AM
|
#16
|
4 Rivet Member
1961 22' Spaceliner
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 270
|
Be careful
In restoring my '61 Spaceliner, I asked my local "experts" at Airstream NW to order my axle from Dexter and use their "expertise" to order the right one.
They blew it.
This resulted in them having to jerry weld on some 2" spacers which they said they would cover for free since it was their mistake, but my total bill ended up being higher than expected anyway.
What hurts worse is the 2" offset resulted in doubled up rows of rivets to attach the wheel well covers.
|
|
|
10-16-2019, 10:48 AM
|
#17
|
1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Helena
, Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 10
|
Pioneer Vintage Trailer in Ohio specializes in vintage Airstreams. Bing or Google will find them.
__________________
JohnBob
'I want a Whale Tail for Christmas!'
|
|
|
10-16-2019, 11:05 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1955 22' Safari
Laredo
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,342
|
Not complicated
While much of the work involved in restoring a vintage AS is complex, the axles are pretty straightforward. 50's trailers generally have leaf spring axles (like boat and utility trailers) and most any competent axle shop can repair or replace them. I had the axle on my 55 replaced by ordering one from Dexter axle and having a shop install it. Measuring hub face to hub face or between spring centers is not hard if you have access under the trailer. There is a helpful diagram on the Dexter website. If you still have the original drop axle you might consider raising the trailer by swapping it for a straight axle. This is a no cost upgrade that will give you much improved ground clearance.
|
|
|
10-18-2019, 06:18 PM
|
#19
|
1 Rivet Member
1963 30' Sovereign
Brockville
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 16
|
Similar project, DIY
Hi Linda,
I'm just a little east of you in Brockville, and am deep into a frame-up rebuild of a 1963 Sovereign (inner panels are off for frame repairs, floor replacement, new wiring, modernized plumbing, leak-proofing, etc.). As part of the work I will also be replacing the axles, however mine are the torsion suspension type. I believe 1963 was the first year for those. I intend to replace them with Dexter axles, which are handled by a couple of shops in your area. The dimensions being requested make sense to me, but there should be many other questions and dimensions needed - I agree with others on that score.
Sadly I don't know of a shop in Ontario specializing in Airstream work, but am looking forward to hearing more about your progress.
Best of luck with your Sovereign!
Rob
|
|
|
10-18-2019, 07:45 PM
|
#20
|
Moderator dude
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,510
|
1961 was the first year for torsion spring axles on a Airstream
https://vintageairstreamclub.com/wp-...orque-axle.pdf
That first year (or so) the torsion axle(s) was welded onto the trailer. It was soon realized that replacement would be an issue. The next model year Airstream welded mounting plates and the axles could be unbolted and bolted in.
Prior to 1961 all Airstream trailers had leaf springs. Typically only the leaf springs and brake drums need to be replaced because of wear or age. The rest of the axle can be reused if not damaged or not maintained.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|