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GR8DANE · 06-08-2009, 10:04 AM

What is the best way to clean up and lubricate the original parts? I have all the mechanisms off and would like to restore them to looking and operating as new.

Thanks in advance!

flyrc · 06-08-2009, 02:22 PM

For all of you that are still looking for these, Kevin Barnes in BC has some left from a 66 he parted. I think he still has them listed in the classifieds. If not he has a Craig's list add for a 59 Avion for sale and you can contact him that way. Have a great day

VintageRV · 06-15-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GR8DANE

What is the best way to clean up and lubricate the original parts? I have all the mechanisms off and would like to restore them to looking and operating as new.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Gr8dane,

You can clean them with soap and water. The two parts that fall apart the most are the spring metal latch that extends and retracts when you crank, and the cross dowel that the screw threads through. If those are both in good condition, I would probably use a light tool oil on the cross dowel. you can spray paint the spring latch, but it may wear or flake off eventually. The most important thing is to just keep them clean. Salt and/or standing water are the killers on them.

Steve

airstreamjudy · 07-31-2009, 07:37 PM

Steve, do you have the window latches yet - I need a few. Please let me know when you acquire the little buggers. Judy

VintageRV · 08-03-2009, 09:00 AM

Unfortunately, we still don't have them. Give us a couple more months. Sorry for the delay. Sometimes, doing these reproductions is slower than we expect. Lots of little things get in the way (including adding another daughter to the family!). I'll let folks know when they are finally ready.

flyrc · 11-27-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GR8DANE

What is the best way to clean up and lubricate the original parts? I have all the mechanisms off and would like to restore them to looking and operating as new.

Thanks in advance!

I soda blasted mine and then polished the top of the slide plate and the inside of the curve with my Dremel tool, so it all slides with ease. Then a light coat of white grease.
I've also tried cleaning them with the mag wheel cleaner that says "etching" on the bottle. If you use the mag wheel cleaner don't leave it on to long

The most important thing I've found is that any part of the latch that slides on another part must be shiny and clean.

I have 4 or 5 that will work but aren't excellent.

mgcarma · 08-15-2011, 08:13 PM

anyone have an update on these window mechanisms yet?
thanks
Kevin

VintageRV · 08-22-2011, 07:30 AM

Hi Kevin,

2 years ago I said "give me a couple months." I'm sorry to report this project fell apart and I will have to restart.

The company I was working with completed samples that looked pretty good but the zinc plate on the spring metal steel wasn't acceptable. Spring steel rusts very easily...even just sitting around for a short time in humid environments. It rusted just a little before plating so the zinc didn't look smooth. There were other issues with the company's reliability, too. I'm pretty picky so I pulled the plug.

I'm going to restart the project with a new manufacturer and this time do galvanized on that part. Zinc galvanization is many times thicker than a simple zinc plate. I've got a lot of faith in my new manufacturer but I'll need more time to get it all together. If anyone else makes some nice parts in the meantime, let me know so I can work on something else.

I can't give you a firm timeline right now but I'm hoping to have it done this winter.

Thanks for everyone's ongoing support,
Steve

SilverHoot · 08-22-2011, 07:55 AM

I'll be interested in purchasing some if and when somebody comes up with them.

Jimbcole · 08-25-2011, 07:32 PM

Count me in also!

IndyAnne · 08-27-2011, 12:01 PM

Thanks, Steve! I'll keep checking in.

Lance M · 11-15-2011, 02:06 PM

Steve,
We are in need of these. Please keep this iron in the fire! I'm sure you'll be able to sell all you can get made. Thanks!

VintageRV · 11-21-2011, 07:09 AM

I really do appreciate everyone's patience. I assure you we will do it. We wasted over a year with a vendor who didn't come through for us. I have been auditioning new vendors with new projects and will get to this project again soon. We've added staffing this fall and that will give me the ability to move forward more efficiently with reproductions.

BIGED52 · 05-20-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageRV

I really do appreciate everyone's patience. I assure you we will do it. We wasted over a year with a vendor who didn't come through for us. I have been auditioning new vendors with new projects and will get to this project again soon. We've added staffing this fall and that will give me the ability to move forward more efficiently with reproductions.

Steve H., Just a bump for this thread to see if you have any new information on this assembly? Hope to see these in your VTS stock real soon. I have a suggestion on the spring steel parts. After they are made just have them coated with cosmolene to hold off the rust. It will need to be removed from the assembly when installed and then the trailer owner can take over the rust prevention by lubing the parts as a part of their own window maintenance schedule. Thanks, Ed

VintageRV · 05-21-2012, 11:17 AM

Ed,

Thanks for your idea. The project is on my desk but it has not advanced. I am finishing a few 1950s parts first (taillights, license lights, lock handles, etc). I have found a wonderful company that completed the 1968 stainless glass trim for us and who also did the stainless spring-loaded door hold-back. Those projects required a lot of precision and they nailed it on both so we're going to give them this project, too. I just need to clear off the castings and chrome projects we are doing.

Thanks for the nudge. I know these are needed and I'll pass your idea on to the manufacturer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGED52

Steve H., Just a bump for this thread to see if you have any new information on this assembly? Hope to see these in your VTS stock real soon. I have a suggestion on the spring steel parts. After they are made just have them coated with cosmolene to hold off the rust. It will need to be removed from the assembly when installed and then the trailer owner can take over the rust prevention by lubing the parts as a part of their own window maintenance schedule. Thanks, Ed

eljay · 01-22-2013, 01:22 PM

Hi! It's a new year! Any progress?

(And I do wonder about the thickness of the newer A/S glass and if the current latch mechanisms would work...)

VintageRV · 10-08-2013, 02:15 PM

5 years later... project complete. Sorry we are so slow.
Sill Latch for 1966-68 Airstream Windows

Lance M · 10-08-2013, 05:54 PM

Great news! Thanks Steve.

mgcarma · 10-09-2013, 03:27 AM

Just ordered mine! Thank you so much for making the investment in having these made! I will give a full report when I install mine!!
Thanks
Kevin
68 Overlander