Visit our Popular Forums

Denis4x4 · 07-10-2012, 03:26 PM

I purchased from Speedway Motors a 10 pack of DZUS springs with step part #91007103 and a 10 pack of .500" Oval head fasteners part #91007151for shipping. It cost $16.98 plus $12.97 freight.

After removing the Southco receiver base, I discovered three out of four were chongered up and there was no way the pins (that looked OK) were going to hold the guard. Three out of four of the Southco bases were incorrectly drilled!

Using 1/8" pop rivits to hold the DZUS springs, I was able to use the same holes that held the Southco bases. Then removed the pins on the plexiglass guard. Used a step drill to make a 1/2" hole for the DZUS fasteners. I also used some 1/2" rubber grommets on the fasteners to take up some slack.

Again, sloppy assembly work by AS as I had to allow for the incorrect installations of window guard hinges.

In as much as DZUS fasteners are designed to hold sheet metal on race cars at 200 MPH plus, I think that they'll work just fine on my AS!

vswingfield · 07-10-2012, 03:41 PM

Nice work! I have been surprised that we don't see more Dzus fasteners on Airstreams.

On another note, I noticed that Speedway also has pop rivets in a variety of colors. (Just in case somebody is looking)

Gene · 07-10-2012, 03:52 PM

Dennis, thanks for posting this. I think I'd have to be there to really understand how this works, so drive up here and show me.

But, if you don't, the S like thing in the 1st photo does what? It looks like a spring, but what does it do? I don't get how it holds the guard closed.

Gene

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-10-2012, 03:55 PM

Hi, Dennis. Now that's the type of modifications that I like; Great job.

Denis4x4 · 07-10-2012, 04:29 PM

Gene...maybe this will help. By using the stepped springs, you can attach them to a flat or flush surface

Gene · 07-10-2012, 04:36 PM

That's make it easier to understand since I've never seen one of these before.

Thanks again.

Gene

mutcth · 07-10-2012, 04:52 PM

Another thank you. Looks like a desirable modification.

Tom

Sphere Guy · 07-10-2012, 06:08 PM

Denis, thanks a bunch! Great post!

Just what I've been needing to do. Yes, mine are buggered up and during the last wash, I got worried about them. And after a recent post of someone's flying open in high winds and causing nasty creases, I was contemplating what to do.

I just ordered my fix and will follow your details on installing mine.

Sid

crisen · 07-10-2012, 06:49 PM

I have been learning a lot about Airstreams while we are in the process of shopping for our first one. In looking at this installation I would add a couple of cautions. (If I am looking at these photos correctly and the Dzus springs are mounted on the outside of the panel.) My comments are based on my experience of using these fasteners on race cars and aircraft. The normal installation of a Dzus is for the spring to be on the back side of the lower panel as shown in the installation guide photo. If the spring is on the front side all of the stress will be on the pop rivet, trying to either break the rivet or pull it out of the panel. A stronger rivet is a CherryMax and they are also available in oversizes. The latter is especially important if you are using existing holes and they end up drilled oversize. For any quarter turn fasterner be it Dzus, Southco or Camlock it is very important to size the length correctly for the fastener to have the proper tension so that it will be easy to turn but have enough tension to hold properly.

Rick

Denis4x4 · 07-10-2012, 07:24 PM

Crisen....I used 1/2" id rubber grommets to maintain the tension on the DZUS springs and there really isn't any shear factor here.

crisen · 07-10-2012, 10:01 PM

I didn't intend to degrade your idea, I was just pointing out that this is not how the fastener is intended to be installed and the rivet now carries all the load, shear, tension or bending, and that there were stronger alternatives to a pop rivet. The CherryMax is considered a structural rivet and in aircraft can be used to replace a bucked solid structural rivet. As to the rubber, I guess if it is hard enough it would be fine, if too soft the rubber would compress before the spring, not sure on this. You could get some AN 960L washers in the appropriate diameter. These washers are only 1/32" thick, so would give small increments to adjust the tension on the spring.

Rick