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FrankR · 12-02-2002, 10:16 AM

A broken window clamp nut required some research.... Pashasa mentioned in a post he had a broken nut too.....
Well, after some research and measuring, the large nut seems to be [5/8] .625 X 28 threads per inch. This is a special thread pitch available only as a special order. The small nuts are standard [5/16] .312 X 28 threads per inch. I had considered making some thick strong nuts from some aluminium hex bar stock, but alas the tap is too pricey..... Anyone have a 5/8 X 28 tap laying around??
This seems to be a special thread just for Airstream.... The factory window clamp nuts are a very poor material called "pot" metal where as the part is cast instead of machined. Cost saving is paramount....
for Airstream.

Gordon Watt · 12-02-2002, 10:25 AM

Those latches are available at Can Am RV Sales in London, Ontario
Canada. I have replaced a lot of mine through them.

j54mark · 12-02-2002, 11:08 AM

I have dealt with more of those latches than I would have liked. It is easy to critisize the metal use, but what would be a better choice? Steel will rust, brass is no stronger, and whatever you use, it must not promote electrolysis in the aluminum frame.

Also, the charge that "cost saving is paramount" is scarcely justified given the high cost to produce a part that has such a simple function. No, I can't help but think the promblem here is an engineering one: given the challange of keeping a window shut, someone got too clever by half.

But we have what we have. To make the most of it, it seems important to me to adjust the latches properly. Get them too tight on a bright summer afternoon, and something is going to break some cold winter night. I adjust mine so the will just, and I mean JUST, latch snugly.

Mark

Pahaska · 12-02-2002, 11:50 AM

Glad you solved the size problem. I'll pass the info on to my local dealer. His head tech had no idea what the thread was and nothing in their shop would fit. They ordered a complete latch from A/S just to get me a nut.

niftypkg · 12-02-2002, 02:22 PM

Now that we are on the subject.... The problem I am having with the window clamps is with the cam itself. When I tighten the clamp the cam strikes the window screen. Why I don't know! I did replace the the seals. Only solution I can think of is to put a gasket between the window frame and the screen to hold the screen away from the frame??? Any other solutions??
Tom