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08-06-2009, 02:16 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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Looking for Axle help in New england 61 safari
hey guys,
i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...
i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay
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08-06-2009, 02:58 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
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The only two I can help with.
Dexter Dist within 100 miles Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - FIND A DISTRIBUTOR
Inland RV (Henschen) Dura Torque. I think he ships from the factory in the mid-west.
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
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08-06-2009, 03:19 PM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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great, thanks for the links... your safari looks great, silver. do you know what i'd be looking for for a replacement? i'm not sure how to look it up.
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08-06-2009, 03:25 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
1960 24' Tradewind
Riverside
, United States
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 111
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Your 1961 Safari had a 3600# rated axle as original equipment, Airstream stayed with this rating until 1964 when it went to 4000#, then 5000# in 1965 and subsiquent years. Your's was the first year for the torsion axle so they hadn't yet developed the bolt on method....it's welded on, so some cutting to do to replace it and the new one can also be welded in place.
Greg
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08-06-2009, 03:28 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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Call Andy of Inlandrv..
He will have the part required..and info for you
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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08-06-2009, 03:30 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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hey greg... thanks, maybe i'm not remembering right but, i think there are two bolts on each side holding it to the mount plates. i'll check as soon as i get home.
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08-06-2009, 03:31 PM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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i'll contact andy as well, but, afraid shipping will be too steap.
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08-06-2009, 03:36 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
1969 23' Safari
Port Angeles
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 26
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experience taught me
now that i have new axles, i am not that sure it was necessary after all. But if you do decide to get them i highly reccommend ordering from dexter. $400 shipping aside i had a VERY BAD experience with a vendor and wish that i had ordered from the factory myself. i am not supposed to go into detail here, but i VERY much wish i had skipped the vendor i used and have spend ALL of my resoration money at other places like vintage trailer supply, ppl motorhomes adventure rv and big discount rv. My axles arrived mismatched and missing parts i had paid for. at least if i had ordered from the factory i would have paid half as much and got support for the mismatched problem that i fear could lead me to wear out tires faster as well as opening the potaential for catastrophic damage. The vendor i worked with called me names and refused to address either issue.
my 2 cents
anami
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasoncase
hey guys,
i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...
i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay
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08-06-2009, 03:56 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jasoncase
great, thanks for the links... your safari looks great, silver. do you know what i'd be looking for for a replacement? i'm not sure how to look it up.
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Sorry! I don't know what axle you would need. Thanks, the safari was a fun project. Do your homework and ask questions. Prices and experiences will vary. Look here http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437/.
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
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08-06-2009, 07:22 PM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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here's a pic...
does that look like a familiar axle to anyone?
you can see what i was saying about being bolted on with two bolts on either side.
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08-07-2009, 06:23 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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curious mind
jasoncase,
I just wondered, age aside, how did you arrive at the decision you needed to replace the axle on the Airstream?
Could post a side picture of your unit (to share with us) with the tire on the ground?
Granted, given the unit's age, it woul certainly be a huge step ahead for all future trips to have the running gear replaced and, in top form.
I don't think the cost for shipping will be as steep as you might think.. have you asked yet?
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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08-07-2009, 07:26 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
1963 22' Safari
warwick
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 17
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there was no real reason aside from age and the fact that i was about to do the backing plates and bearings. i just figured it'd make sense to do all at once.
i bought this airstream from a friend and i haven't taken it on the road yet and i'd feel better knowing all the important stuff was solid. the arms still point slightly downward which is a good sign.
i haven't found a good tow vehicle for it yet, going to try and move it the 4 miles home with my v8 land rover but, i'm weary about it.
i'll get a couple good pics today.
are most AS dexter axles, special order, or are they stock sizes?
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08-07-2009, 07:49 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
1965 20' Globetrotter
1956 22' Caravanner
Mendon
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 468
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Cheaper and easier
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasoncase
hey guys,
i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...
i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay
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Jay,
I used Truck and Trailer world in Mendon recently to replace the axle on my 56 Caravanner. He did a good job and it cost around $500 installed. The dealer is close to the RI border.
PM me if you want to chat.
D
__________________
56' Caravanner 'The Broomstick'
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08-07-2009, 08:01 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
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Pulling your trailer 4 miles at low speeds should be OK. Please be careful.
Your axle is possible 48 years old. If it was me a new axle would be on the top of my wish list. Considering the age I'll bet the axle will be special order no matter what company you choose.
Take a look at this thread here http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...nts-34646.html Lots of good info here. Warning! Axle threads get heated sometimes so try to look past that.
P.S. If your taking more pictures, can we see the rest of the trailer?
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
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08-07-2009, 08:08 AM
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#15
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Patriotic
1973 23' Safari
North of Boston
, Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 4,546
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Hey, Doug: is that the place that is also a Dexter dealer?
assuming you put a "conventionally" sprung axle on the '56. wonder if a torsion axle would cost similarly...
__________________
Air:291
Wbcci: 3752
'73 Safari 23'
'00 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 QC
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08-07-2009, 08:18 AM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
1965 20' Globetrotter
1956 22' Caravanner
Mendon
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 468
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Axles
I took my 56 caravanner all the way from boston to Platsburgh NY and back again and at the time it was the original.
Grease it up well, make sure your tires are inflated well and cross your fingers as you take it over to the man who will replace it for you. Take it slow over bumps.
Go check out some of the wrecks that Rob Baker has pulled out of backyards and ones that have been buried in the dirt. For a one-way mission, grease up and be cautious.
__________________
56' Caravanner 'The Broomstick'
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08-07-2009, 08:20 AM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
1965 20' Globetrotter
1956 22' Caravanner
Mendon
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 468
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Yep
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck
Hey, Doug: is that the place that is also a Dexter dealer?
assuming you put a "conventionally" sprung axle on the '56. wonder if a torsion axle would cost similarly...
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I've got a dexter on mine. He's got a whole catalog of options. The owners name is Evin, good guy.
There's also a horse trailer guy in Medfield, but he was nearly three times as expensive for the same job....
__________________
56' Caravanner 'The Broomstick'
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08-07-2009, 08:23 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1972 27' Overlander
Longmont
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 951
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Definitely- replace the axle, don't bother upgrading certain parts on the old one. It will be a custom order, which is what Dexter expects. Get your measurements right and the axle will be right. -tim
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08-07-2009, 09:04 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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In 61 the California trailers had a welded axle, The Ohio trailers had a bolt on axle.
My axles are original on my 61 and I am in no hurry to replace them.. My test for trailer vibration etc is how long the mantle stays on the gas light and it usually several thousand miles. The brake assemblies have been replaced.. I have found complete assemblies for as little as $42.00
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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08-19-2009, 06:28 PM
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#20
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4 Rivet Member
1963 28' Ambassador
Vintage Kin Owner
Northern VT
, Vermont
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 360
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Jason, your X looks same as my '64. Just the 4 bolts, + shocks, and they drop out. Only problem I had was one swing arm was up so high it blocked a bolt from comming out, had to cut the bolt. Had to pull my X to replace the floor, just put it back in tonight. 2 guys 1 hr. I took the measurements to order a new one. As far as I can tell we have to buy all new right out to the wheels, none of our original equp. will interchange with a new X. Real bummer, all my brake/drum equip. looks as new.
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