Roto tool is a great help anyone tried it

[gutsgolf]

I have been using a roto tool with a cutting disk to clean up stubborn rivets and other items that i want to cut and clean up the edges. it is very handy to reach tight spots, i used it to cut some of the copper tubing.

[jerrypeterma]

great idea. thanks for the tip

[Lumatic]

Is that a brand name or a tool name? Is it a Craftsman tool? How much? I saw a tool called a Multi Tool (I think) made by a German company that may be similar for $$$ and the Craftsman seems similar maybe for less $

[Stefrobrts]

I used my Dremel quite a bit during my restoration. It's great for getting into tight spaces. Unfortunately I've burned out a couple of them working on various projects over the years.

[memgrove2000]

Oh man , I love my "Roto Zip" I used it (cut off wheel) to cut the plexi out of the Vista views. Just a small mess and a HUGE difference in our 72!

[68 TWind]

The most useful tools I have for my Airstream restoration are 1) Craftsman roto tool (aka Dremel) and 2) the Harbor Freight "multi function power tool". It is a knock of of the Fein Multi Master. Supposedly Fein had a patent on that type of tool and recently it expired. Several folks including Dremel make a similar oscillating type saw but the Harbor Freight is only $39. Best money I ever spent on a tool, and I have a bunch of tools. Only negative is the blades don't last long, but you can use the rockwell or Dremel blades on the tool.

[gutsgolf]

I didn't know if i should mention a brand but the drill is a craftsman multi speed. cost about 80 with about 50 bits. I get my cut off wheel at habor freight , you get the bit and 3 wheels for about $5. You can't twist them they will break but they cut like heck.

[gutsgolf]

Membrove2000 is that inner vista window plexiglass. wow if so that is great, mine has those soap flake looking things in it. does the glass sweat or any ill effects.
thanks

[Bowmans]

I have my trusty Dremel sitting in the empty AS as we speak. Used it countless times and we are just in de-construction phase at the moment. I just picked up another Dremel tool, not sure of the name. It has the undercut blades that go back and forth. Can't wait to use it instead of the "drill a hole, insert jigsaw, bend jigsaw blade up trying to cut right angle holes" method.

[memgrove2000]

Originally Posted by gutsgolf

Membrove2000 is that inner vista window plexiglass. wow if so that is great, mine has those soap flake looking things in it. does the glass sweat or any ill effects.
thanks

Yes, in our 72 31foot SOV. they were. I took the roto zip with the cut off wheel and carefully cut a cross in the inner window. From the top to the bottom, and side to side stopping before getting to the window frame. (just dont let the cutoff wheel touch the outer glass)

Then with a pair of regular plyers I grabbed a section and broke the plexi the rest of the way. Then just used the plyers and slid the remainning peices out.

After the plexi was gone I used a razor blade and the shop-vac to remove the solar film.

windex the rest and enjoy!!

We have not seen any ill effects, other than having to close the shades durring the day because of so much light!!!

[Roadrunner]

Memgrove 2000...we have similar problem with out "78" Ambassador. Not sure if inside pain is plexi or glass. Once you had the plexi out and window cleaned...did you put any gasket material in the window? Thanks!

Bob

[memgrove2000]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Memgrove 2000...we have similar problem with out "78" Ambassador. Not sure if inside pain is plexi or glass. Once you had the plexi out and window cleaned...did you put any gasket material in the window? Thanks!

Bob

Bob , I have not yet had to mess with any of the gaskets. I removed just the plexi only and left the rubber gasket alone. We did this early this spring and have spent many rainy nights it the trailer with no leaks between the glas and the frame.

I would try a small drill bit with very little pressure first, to make sure that you inner windows are plexi. I know that they changed to real glass but I dont know when.

Google search (vista views) and you may come up with the right answer.

[Alwhisman]

I have the Multi Master (german tool). It's marvelous! No rotation so easier to keep on target, and wont burn because of the rotation. Craftsman has one out now that will certainly be lower in cost (mine was $400). Handy to have for sure. A tool definately worth looking at....

Al

[SilverRanger]

Educational thread! I just found some possible uses for this thing that I got at an auction for $2 a few years ago.

stryker cast cutter #840 saw

[Bowmans]

Memgrove and Roadrunner,
On the Vista View windows, we have a 1979 and the inner pane is glass on ours so the 78 could be that. From what I have read, the ones with plexi on the inside have a frame that can be opened to pop out the plexi and clean between panes, putting the plexi back in. Ours was the sealed type of frame so no way to open and remove the glass in one piece.

I did remove our glass inner pane by breaking it out and used a gasket from Can-Am RV to replace the gap inside and so far, 2 windows broken and a few rains later, all is leak free. I put a little more details on my blog and photos of before during and after if you want to check them out:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...ow-broken-544/