Re: [VAC] Hi/axle costs

[JamesArakaki@xxxxxxx]

I replaced the Hadco axle on my '61 Safari in 1996. Cost for the parts was 
$760.00 which included all electric braking components, and $130 in labor for 
a certified welder to cut out and reweld the axle to the frame.

I noticed when I bought the trailer that there were no visible shock 
absorbers or mounts for them. The Hadco axle has a cloverleaf cross section 
internal torsion member with rubber bars in the corners of the square section 
housing. All this is internal and not serviceable. The service life is 
supposed to be about 30 years. 

If you look under your trailer and see a square section axle welded to the 
frame, and the wheel spindles are on trailing arms,  this is probably one of 
these axles. Expensive, supposedly superior.

The axle is sold complete with brakes, hubs, bearings, and all. The dealer 
who did the work (Manteca Trailer in California) said that they were unable 
to get Hadco to sell a short unit (without hubs, brakes, etc) which was 
UNFORTUNATE since I had just installed new electric brakes!

This is what I ran into, I don't think all Airstreams are like this. 

I am thinking about another 60's trailer, preferably a Bambi. If I locate one 
I will assume that I will have to drop $1000 into a new axle from the start 
unless I can confirm that the original had been replaced. Having worked on my 
Safari for 4 years now I would do things very differently. My wife and I 
tried to preserve as much of the original as possible and this was a waste of 
time.  In the end I had to replace the countertop, the stove, and 
refrigerator. The amount of fussing required to retrofit modern RV appliances 
into the spaces for '60's vintage stuff was surprising. 

The next Airstream will be gutted. I will not use any old wood except as 
patterns, and will probably use Baltic Birch ply and composite honeycomb 
panels. The way I see it the major aesthetic component in this is the 
streamlined, riveted aluminum bodyshell and the lightweight, quality 
construction.  Sorry if I am offending the purists out there! You guys have 
more patience than I!
 :) 

Jimmy Arakaki
'61 Safari
Campbell, CA