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dcroadsters · 10-03-2013, 05:09 PM

Hi new to forum. Just got this safari and gutted it. Ready to modernize and do some camping. Would like to get patterns for end caps to put 7 or 13 panel design on ends inside

dcroadsters · 10-03-2013, 05:16 PM

More pics

NJtoNC · 10-03-2013, 05:53 PM

super cool! big fan of the 62's!
any chance you kept any parts? appliances? lights? fixtures? lots of folks will want um. welcome.

Aviator · 10-03-2013, 09:01 PM

Do a search on the forum. There are several good threads about doing a multi panel Aluminum end cap

MegHighway1 · 10-06-2013, 10:39 PM

I am working on my '60 Caravanner and would appreciate hardware that you may not want.

Are you thinking of painting the interior?

RM66caravel · 10-07-2013, 02:23 AM

looks like fun in the making! Take your time and do it the way that you want it to be.
Cliff
and please keep those pictures comming

dcroadsters · 10-07-2013, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the replys I plan on stripping the paint /zolotone from the aluminum inside, I have done a couple of test spots and I think I will scotch brite it for a warm finish on the aluminum, this is why I want to make the aluminum panels to cover the plastic end caps. I have to replace a small section of the floor where the vent pipe leaked at the roof the water settled by the hot water heater and of course rotted the floor. I am looking to make it a nice open design with only the necessities like fridge, stove top, shower, toilet and beds. I have looked at this camper done by new prarie const. really nice workmanship. http://newprairieconstruction.com/airstream-ready-to-roll

MegHighway1 · 10-07-2013, 09:09 PM

You picked a good one, simple and elegant.
What will you strip the Zolotone with?
I do not know about painting but was wondering if I could paint primer on it and then paint.
The Zolotone in mine is discolored and looks grungy.

TouringDan · 10-07-2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegHighway1

You picked a good one, simple and elegant.
What will you strip the Zolotone with?
I do not know about painting but was wondering if I could paint primer on it and then paint.
The Zolotone in mine is discolored and looks grungy.

I have heard that zolotone cleans up nicely.

dcr- nice Safari. Beautiful work by New Prarie Const.

Dan

reinergirl · 10-07-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcroadsters

Thanks for the replys I plan on stripping the paint /zolotone from the aluminum inside, I have done a couple of test spots and I think I will scotch brite it for a warm finish on the aluminum, this is why I want to make the aluminum panels to cover the plastic end caps. I have to replace a small section of the floor where the vent pipe leaked at the roof the water settled by the hot water heater and of course rotted the floor. I am looking to make it a nice open design with only the necessities like fridge, stove top, shower, toilet and beds. I have looked at this camper done by new prarie const. really nice workmanship. http://newprairieconstruction.com/airstream-ready-to-roll

If you are stripping paint you may want to review my method, it really does work, and trust me I tried everything! See post below.

A 1963 Airstream Overlander named Moonraker: July 2012

dcroadsters · 10-10-2013, 05:11 AM

I am going to try the citristrip also I have ordered some of the plastic razor blades. I did notice the plastic putty knife lost its edge rather quickly! Question, how do you know if the axle is in good condition or needs to be replaced? this AS sat up on blocks for the past 25 years. Lets say the axle is good does it have brakes? I haven't even looked yet. AND are they available to buy?

robwok · 10-10-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcroadsters

I am going to try the citristrip also I have ordered some of the plastic razor blades. I did notice the plastic putty knife lost its edge rather quickly! Question, how do you know if the axle is in good condition or needs to be replaced? this AS sat up on blocks for the past 25 years. Lets say the axle is good does it have brakes? I haven't even looked yet. AND are they available to buy?

Replace the axle. Even on blocks, the constant freeze and thaw cycle will break down the rubber rods inside a torsion axle (you shouldn't have leaf springs, I can't remember the years)

The wheels have brakes. However, you'll need to pack bearings and possibly replace rims. Colin Hyde here on the forums can set you up with new axles and rotors and brakes all in one. You just bolt on your wheels. Very happy with the process. I had axles, but that stiff suspension busted cabinets and sheared rivets inside. Unless you have leaf springs, you need to replace the axles, regardless of the angle of the arm.

dcroadsters · 10-10-2013, 08:25 AM

Thanks for the info, I am an experienced fabricator and can do all the welding and installation, by chance do you know the manufacturer of the replacement axle?

robwok · 10-10-2013, 08:29 AM

Axis, Dexter, I don't know what the current name is.

RM66caravel · 10-10-2013, 09:49 AM

Dexter still and there are many distributes check with local trailer (boat or utility) dealers.
Cliff

putback · 10-13-2013, 05:58 PM

'62 should have a torsion axle. I have heard rumors that some early '62s had springs. Either way get rid of it. An old "set" torsion X will destroy your hard work. Spindles on pre '62 Xs have a history of failing and tearing up the wheel well area. $700 for a new complete exact fit X and never give it another thought. Gonna be a pretty little thing.....

reinergirl · 10-13-2013, 06:19 PM

Replace the axles, it's a upgrade that's worth it. At the very least, call Colin Hyde and get a quote. He's very competitive price wise and is a phone call away if you need help. Sometimes the early 60’s trailers aren't a direct bolt on and things need modification to fit correctly. His axles come assembled with brakes already on. He also will talk you though the process to help you choose the correct ratings.

As an extra bonus I've heard on The Vap ( The Vintage Airstream Podcast | Vintage Trailer Restoration ) that he intends to sell kits for a DIY aluminum interior endcaps, that might be something you are interested in.

His website is here;http:// colinhydetrailerrestorations.com

If you follow the link to my blog below you can see pictures of him doing the axles on my trailer last winter.

dcroadsters · 10-14-2013, 05:32 AM

I did get a quote on the axle from colin, the total with shipping is going to be 815.00 I believe you should build your house on a good foundation, I think spending the money on a good axle will give me peace of mind down the road, literally. I am going to ask about the end cap kit, it would be awesome to get. I guess if I sat down and started to measure it, I could figure it out. I own a water jet and could cut the pieces with no scratching etc..

dcroadsters · 10-18-2013, 07:38 PM

Ok, so I tried using the citri strip for cleaning the paint/zolotone off, I guess im too impatient. I am gonna order 10 pcs of 2024 144x48 and reskin the whole inside. my only thought is should I just skin over the old skin? sounds bad but really not a huge weight difference, its going to add 175 lbs if I used all 10 sheets not subtracting the cutouts. anybody have any thoughts about that?

Colin H · 10-18-2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcroadsters

Ok, so I tried using the citri strip for cleaning the paint/zolotone off, I guess im too impatient. I am gonna order 10 pcs of 2024 144x48 and reskin the whole inside. my only thought is should I just skin over the old skin? sounds bad but really not a huge weight difference, its going to add 175 lbs if I used all 10 sheets not subtracting the cutouts. anybody have any thoughts about that?

You should take all of the original skin panels out in order to remove all the mouse infested insulation, upgrade the AC & DC electrical systems & seam seal & install modern insulation. Although the weight addition may not be very significant, leaving all that funk in the walls is not the best way to restore an Airstream.
Colin