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dbj216 · 10-02-2021, 07:03 PM

Wally Byam Airstreams had trouble with their leaf spring axles while on brutal caravans in Africa and the like. Leaf springs to wear out with time, especially ones made in the early 1050s. When Airstream learned about, and then switch to the "Dura Torque" axles they found reliability improved, and handling improved. They never looked back.

Good job getting the old girl new legs.

David

Disco Stu · 10-02-2021, 09:24 PM

Wouldn't be D for Q, it just means life is good!

I'm happy with the leaf springs under the Clipper, but didn't trust the old 4" drop axle, I still have it though.
I'll have to replace the Caravel Axle some time, a few of us in Oz are thinking of doing a bulk order for a couple of Caravels, a Bambi and others, we'd share the freight cost on a big pallet full.

Disco Stu · 11-02-2021, 10:45 PM

I haven't done much to the Clipper lately, just some glass in the dunny door, I've been busy with some other projects.
I'm starting to think more about starting work on the Caravel too.......

dbj216 · 11-03-2021, 06:48 PM

Nice to have a window on the bathroom door so folks can see what you are doing in there. "Dear, are you dunny in there yet?"

I wonder if you have to move the door on the Caravel project. Maybe it will be less of a rebuild than the clipper.

Good idea on a bulk axle order to reduce freight cost. It will take a good long while to take delivery I bet. We ordered new axles for a 78 Trade Wind project and got delivery in a surprising 5 weeks.

David

coloradoup · 11-03-2021, 08:46 PM

Looking forward to watching that Caravel build!

Justinhb · 11-07-2021, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradoup

Looking forward to watching that Caravel build!

I'm w/ Colorado...This thread is also fantastic... great work!

66Overlander · 11-19-2021, 03:03 PM

Disco Stu,
I an updating a list of still existing pipe frame Airstreams. Would you be willing to share the serial number of your Trailwind with me and maybe a photo of the original SN tag (not the reproduction you made). Thanks in advance.

Disco Stu · 11-19-2021, 10:05 PM

Joe, thanks for all that you're doing.
The serial is 5064, the seller didn't deliver the original plate as agreed but I have plenty of photos, it's definitely the same trailer. Maybe someone lost the key and only had a shotgun?
Stu

66Overlander · 11-19-2021, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Stu

Joe, thanks for all that you're doing.
The serial is 5064, the seller didn't deliver the original plate as agreed but I have plenty of photos, it's definitely the same trailer. Maybe someone lost the key and only had a shotgun?
Stu

Thank You!!!

Disco Stu · 12-17-2021, 08:20 PM

I spent the morning getting a few things done before the next Australian Airstream Rally next month. The water tank, pump and dunny are mostly fitted. Wiring to Dunny and pump all run, just need to hook it up to the fuse box.
I fitted a dunny light and couple of 12V fans too, we're a month into summer here.
Still wouldn't be D for Q.

dbj216 · 12-18-2021, 06:16 PM

Your Liner/Tailwind/Clipper will be the star of the rally. Thanks for the photos, it really looks nice and very "live-able. We have winter here, so no rallies planned.

David

coloradoup · 12-18-2021, 08:40 PM

Very cool! I just love the smooth lines!

docflyboy · 12-19-2021, 10:45 AM

Stu- very nice in every way. Jerry

Disco Stu · 02-03-2022, 08:22 PM

Thanks peeps!

Nothing much done lately, just a little storage shelf for the dunny. 1mm Alu, very light, looks the part I think.
I've gotta make time to have a go at the upholstery, can't wait to see that done...

dbj216 · 02-04-2022, 06:31 PM

Another masterpiece for your super vintage Airstream. David

Disco Stu · 02-24-2022, 10:55 PM

Another little chore off the list. I picked up some reclaimed cedar from a demo yard and made up the bench top. It's a bit lighter in colour than the rest of the cabinetry, I don't mind that at all. It's also more dense so hopefully it resists damage well enough.

The foam for the upholstery has been ordered too....

dbj216 · 02-25-2022, 06:15 PM

Hello from one of your favorite peeps here. The counter top looks great to me. It is all ready for you to clean and pack the wheel bearings, gut and clean the fish, drill a hole pattern in some aluminum, braze a new handle on the drawer, and other shop jobs.

David

Disco Stu · 03-18-2022, 12:25 AM

Thanks David, it's still dent free!

More little jobs. The VTS repro catches are finally in stock so I fitted those today, happy with the result.

dbj216 · 03-18-2022, 06:32 PM

Looks nice, and period correct. I'm sure you got them located in the center of the cabinet door. Not the easiest thing for me, but I'm no DiscoStu.

David

Disco Stu · 04-22-2022, 11:44 PM

I'm taking my time now as the Clipper is totally up to the job of going camping as is, but I really want to get this upholstery job done.
This morning I made another set of seat bases, 3" deeper, and cut the foam with my old lightning vertical fabric cutter.
Tomorrow I aim to make the patterns and then have a lazy Sunday arvo.....