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3Ms75Argosy · 09-18-2004, 07:25 PM

Hi! I have a 93 Astro that I put a 350 V8 into (nice and fun now). However, I did pull our 26ft Argosy with it prior to the engine swap. I have the 3.42 gears and 4.3 TBI short model. Sway wasn't an issue as long as the weight distrubution bars were set up right... I'd still get sway control though. On the flats and mild hills, it was ok as long as the trailer was empty. It just doesn't seem to have enough guts for LONG trips fully loaded... brakes are not a strong part either... but do the job. Put a tranny cooler in and tow OUT of overdrive. You should be fine for what you want to do.

Incidently, I did upgrade to a 1 ton Dodge van before our big summer trip. Cooling my Astro Beast towing in 100 degree heat became an issue, and I started to worry about braking safety. I also got a warning from a tow driver that I would be ticketed by some states for being "over grossed" on tow weight. I decided it wasn't worth the worries that I had, and started over with the Dodge. It tows beautifully without worry.
Marc

59toaster · 09-19-2004, 07:17 PM

Had the good Fortune to meet Bill and Ann today and take a look at their coaches.

They are jewels in the rough.

The Caravel has a near perfect skin. One dent in the rear that a lot of it can be pushed back out. Little damage from jack knife with the tow vheicle at the A-Frame other wise great skin.

As so many of us have had to deal with there is some floor rot in the bath area. They have been sitting for a few years and it caught up with them. Not particularly bad area's to repair but will need to disassemble the bath to repair. Otherwise its interior is in pretty good condition. All the vinyl clad walls should clean up great. Even the bins are present. Very restorable coach.

The Overlander Is also very complete. It to has some leaks and some floor problems but again, in very restorable condition. Some rot in the bath and truck and some rot under the reefer but not difficult to deal with. Most of the Corning side windows are present. Couple dented areas but nothing really bad at all.

The Loft is great. They are still building out but it really is neat. They can park 6-8 Airstreams indoors no problems and still get their cars in! Take them up on the tour if you get a chance. Bill is the gaget guy! The whole loft is wired up. There are no light switches. The whole house is controled by a remote control! The plans they have for their home are only going to make it even better. Wonderful peice of reclaimed urban realestate. The thing I couldn't get over is your right in the middle of Atlanta and it was Quiet! Wonderful open peice of land.

Really enjoyed the tour and meeing Bill and Ann today. Wonderful people.

Bill: I called on that other Airstream today. Its a 69 Overlander. It had a Oak tree fall on it and it sounds like the last 5ft are a total loss.

I am seriously concidering buying the coach to salvage the Appliances out of. I mention this because it may have a useable panels to repair what little body damage there is on yours if you do decide to restore. I should have pictures tomorow evening and will probably try to go look at it next weekend.

Tarheel · 09-19-2004, 08:32 PM

the Top of Georgia is located close to Atlanta www.topofga.com

woolygums · 09-20-2004, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 59toaster

Had the good Fortune to meet Bill and Ann today and take a look at their coaches.

Eric,

It was a great pleasure to meet with you and benefit from your wonderful knowledge and understanding of Airstreams, so feeely given!

We certainly are developing a case of "aluminitis!"

I am looking for an aluminum skinned AS MH. Had an idea about making the Overlander into a MH, but think that we will just find an AS that was built as a MH and take it from there.

Lookin forward to meeting more Airstream folks. This is a wonderful venture!

Hope to be at the TOG event in our Caravel. Looking for new tires and a few other parts like the umbilical cord that Dad probaly has salted away somewhere....

Bill and Anne
Atlanta

Tarheel · 09-20-2004, 08:29 AM

I had to replace the cord on my 74 International, its not that bad of a job and it gives you an excuse to check out all of your lights, brakes and constant power.

59toaster · 09-20-2004, 08:34 AM

Bill:

Here is Freds MH page. He has a great collection of floor plans and interior pictures. The 310 with no picture is the Coach that belongs to Kurt and Mandy that I was telling you about. That link will take you to their page and they have the coach documented there. Its a littel higher mile then most but they have gone through the coach and its in nice condition and ready to go.
http://www.airstreammotorhomes.com/