VAL Digest V1 #9

VAL Digest        Wednesday, September 17 2003        Volume 01 : Number 009




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Topics in Today's Digest:

[VAL] New member
Re: [VAL] New member
[VAL] looking for window part
Re: [VAL] New member
RE: [VAL] furnace question
Re: [VAL] furnace question
Re: [VAL] furnace question
[VAL] moderation notice
Re: [VAL] furnace question
[VAL] Those stinky Valves....
[VAL] Floorcloths?
[VAL] The Long, Long Trailer
Re: [VAL] Those stinky Valves....
Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?
Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?
Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?
Re: [VAL] The Long, Long Trailer
Re: [VAL] Those stinky Valves....

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 08:39:07 -0600
From: "Jim Cooper" <jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] New member

Hi all,

I used to read the list in the digest format.  Now that I'm retired I
have time to participate and read the daily emails.  Rhonda and I have a
67 Tradewind that we purchased last spring.  It's was usable after some
work, but need further touchup -- don't they all.  We had no interest in
a SOB or a new A/S.  Part of the attraction is bringing an old A/S back
to life and being good stewards while we owned it.

So far we have repaired the brakes and wheel bearings, rebuilt the water
heater, fixed the heater, replaced the refrigerator, fixed plumbing,
fixed lights, built a new rock guard, reupholstered, and made curtains.
Now we are working on windows.

Cabinet work starts after winterizing. 

By the way, we are located in Loveland Colorado.

Best Regards,
   Jim Cooper
 
   jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 08:47:55 -0600
From: Rob Davis <rob-iod@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] New member

Welcome Jim & Rhonda!

Rob Davis
'64 GlobeTrotter
WBCCI #1824, VAC


Jim Cooper wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Now that I'm retired I have time to participate and read the daily emails.

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 08:59:35 -0600
From: "Jim Cooper" <jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] looking for window part

Hi,

I need help finding a part for our 67 Tradewind.  The windows have crank
clamps that pull the window tightly shut.  I need two of these.
Actually I need one spring that engages the window clip and two brass
threaded rods that pull the spring and hold the crank.  Any thought on
where I should look?  Inland Rv and Camper Repair in Al. couldn't help.

To clean all these parts I put them in a tumbler with a cartridge case
cleaning medium and ran it over night.  This isn't something you would
have unless you used to reload ammunition.  After this cleaning I used
Pro-15 Marine clean and Metal Ready followed by two coats of Metal Mask
paint.  All the mounting screws will be replaced with stainless screws.
The window openers got brushed on a wire wheel to remove the 36 years of
crud.  Somehow I will get the innards clean enough to operate smoothly.
I'm too concerned about breakage to try and open the window operator
cranks.

Best Regards,
   Jim

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 09:39:26 -0600
From: "Kenneth E. Johansen" <johansen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] New member

Hello Jim

Glad to see you join up here.  You will find all kinds of help here.
Please tell Rhonda the list says hello....I would imagine she is back into
the swing of school by now....

Ken J.

At 08:39 AM 9/16/03 -0600, you wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I used to read the list in the digest format.  Now that I'm retired I
>have time to participate and read the daily emails.  Rhonda and I have a
>67 Tradewind that we purchased last spring.  It's was usable after some
>work, but need further touchup -- don't they all.  We had no interest in
>a SOB or a new A/S.  Part of the attraction is bringing an old A/S back
>to life and being good stewards while we owned it.
>
>So far we have repaired the brakes and wheel bearings, rebuilt the water
>heater, fixed the heater, replaced the refrigerator, fixed plumbing,
>fixed lights, built a new rock guard, reupholstered, and made curtains.
>Now we are working on windows.
>
>Cabinet work starts after winterizing. 
>
>By the way, we are located in Loveland Colorado.
>
>Best Regards,
>   Jim Cooper
> 
>   jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
>http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 13:06:56 -0400
From: "Lynn Evans" <Earth2lynn@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] furnace question

Our furnace was removed and we'd planned on just getting a heat strip on
the ac we will install since we live in the south and don't expect to
travel in cold weather but now we are wondering if maybe we should put
one in ,....or at least leave a space for one.  We only had a big pile
of parts that looked like it used to be a furnace [gave several parts
away].  I am not even sure where or how it goes in. We expect to build
the galley base cabinet next week so I need to get an idea about how
much space to allow.

I would appreciate any suggestions as to what kind of modest heating
unit we could get just to use on the occasional venture in cooler
weather.  Someone told me that I shouldn't expect much from the heat
strip...just a little help until the real furnace kicks in.  This is
only for a 22' unit so I don't need anything huge.  When we used to stay
on our sailboat in winter we just used a small electric heater and
dressed in long underwear real fast in the AM and used a down comforter
but it never got below 40: inside. We expect to live in this A/S for
several months and some might get coolish even in spring in Maine [as
far as we ever expect to go north]!!!


Lexxy/aka/Lynn
http://flummoxed.org/lexxey/

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 11:10:47 -0700
From: Joann Wheatley <jwheatle@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] furnace question

I just purchased a portable propane (a one lb. cylinder screws into the 
back) catalytic heater which I will try out in some rather cold climes. 
I removed a floor furnace that looked leaky, rusty and tired from the 
'57 Bubble and the portable will be my main heat source. If I find that 
it doesn't do the job, I will get a small cast iron wood/pellet stove 
from Navigator but right now, I'm over budget and the little stove is 
$650!! Oh, you want the enameled version? Add about $400 to that. 
Anyway, I'm thinking I'll leave a window cracked and am also installed 
a CO2 detector, a smoke detector, a propane detector, and maybe a 
snoring detector and a pair of suspenders just to be really secure. One 
thing about the portable is I can take it out doors and be toasty 
whilst star-gazing.
Jo Ann
p.s. Cost was $99.00 even and Cabela's has one too for $90.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2003, at 10:06 AM, Lynn Evans wrote:

> Our furnace was removed and we'd planned on just getting a heat strip 
> on

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 12:08:25 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] furnace question

I've slept in Missouri in my Caravel down to 270 F outside air
temperature using a 1500 watt electric heater. That's 5118 BTU per hour.
I knew I was at the limit for the combination because the thermostat on
the heater let it run almost full time. There's a need for a little air
circulation which my portable heater gives. Probably did wear long
handles but just with cotton and wool blankets, no down.

Some like a radiant ventless LP heater with 5000 to 7000 BUT/hr output,
but the obvious place to place it, where the original furnace sat, is
poor for a radiant heater. Just heats one end of the couch/bed not the
rest of the trailer. Some air circulation would help a lot. And I'm
unwilling to share my breathing air with the combustion appliances
running for long periods of time. Venting in cold air to replenish the
oxygen costs a lot of heat too. The original furnace designs which are
still available use outside air for combustion and vent the combustion
products, but they do fail from old age and rusting heat exchangers to
pass combustion products to the living space.

There are built in electric heaters that would fill the panel space left
by the furnace and would work well on 120 volts. They'd work better with
a remote thermostat than a local thermostat. Many have quiet circulating
fans to move the heat about the trailer. Few are actually rated for an
RV though. Take a look at www.mcmaster.com and search for their catalog
numbers 2005K1 and 1725K711. I'm not a fan of kick space heaters to fit
under cabinets because its way too easy to block them with a dropped
towel or a throw rug which then causes them to overheat and that
eventually causes the internal over temperature thermostat fail with
welded contacts. Then they ignite their surroundings when so blocked.
Though its possible that since I was involved in one such failure that
burned a house, the maker Berko has gone to a more robust safety
thermostat. I don't know that is the case. I know Berko bought the house
for its new price. I also know it wasn't hard to reproduce the
overheating with the safety thermostat shorted, because I did just that.

Many campgrounds charge extra for electric heat use, and at least an
electric connection is required for electric heat, while the propane
heaters go to the boonies better. 1500 watts will run on most every
campground wiring system except the ones that should have been rewired
37 years ago.

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 14:19:20 -0400
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: [VAL] moderation notice

List members, please note that I am no longer moderating the list. Please
direct your questions and comments to one of the current monitors.

Thank You,
Scott Scheuermann

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 16:43:09 -0400
From: "Peter Huke" <ahuker@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] furnace question

If your planning on coming to Maine in the spring. you better get a furnace. 
Its cold here right up thru June. at least that's the ways its been for 
about the last 5 springs. We use a small electric heater in the motor home 
and it keeps us pretty toasty. But that was when we were in Florida. all 
winter. the heat strip doesn't do much in our unit. Good luck.
Ann & Peter Huke
92 Classic Motorhome 350LE for sale
#3571 Yarmouth, ME

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 16:39:48 -0700
From: Jeffrey & Daile Engle <eMac1@xxxxxxxxxx.US>
Subject: [VAL] Those stinky Valves....

Hi gang! it's great to be back!! (changed my email address and had a 
heck of a time getting the list)
	Just curious, (I would have asked you, Charlie but you already went 
home for the night) My 77 Soveriegn is getting new valves, both grey 
and black tanks and I'm curious if "Airstream" has always used the same 
valve for either tank? Jeff

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 20:39:46 EDT
From: MaryDotson@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Floorcloths?

Ran into fellow VALister Alex Kensington (aka Otto the Swordswallower) and 
his shiny 66 Safari this past weekend at the Mt. Vernon Craft Show (Alex, now 
you just need the tee shirt that says 'Mt. Vernon--I slept there')!  Sadly, my 
own job as "Mary the Revolutionary War Laundress" prevented me from lingering, 
but I did see blazes of fire in the distance when he got down to business! 

The fair, however, did get me thinking when I finally got a chance to see the 
craftsfolk displaying their wares.  Two tents featured floorcloth painters, 
featuring fairly conventional country/colonial designs.  But somewhere between 
then and now, I started thinking--why not paint a retro themed floorcloth for 
our airstream?  I see a couple of benefits--it would be very cheap or even 
free if I can make it from the stuff I have on hand, they are really durable, the 
gaucho drawers would clear it (they don't with the current carpeting), and I 
can feature any old design I want.  

Just went down to the public library and checked out a couple of craft books 
on floor cloths.  It looks especially promising, particularly since I will be 
able to tack it down in the trailer and paint it in situ (preferable, since it 
will keep the canvas under tension when it dries).  

So, has anyone ever tried this?  Any ideas, warnings?

Mary 

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 20:56:32 EDT
From: MaryDotson@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] The Long, Long Trailer

Oh, forgot to mention---the classic Lucy/Desi movie is on Thurs at 10 am est 
on Turner Classic Movies.

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Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 19:25:43 -0600
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Those stinky Valves....

I wish, no they have used about 6 different valves over the years.

Charlie

Jeffrey & Daile Engle wrote:

> Hi gang! it's great to be back!! (changed my email address and had a
> heck of a time getting the list)
>         Just curious, (I would have asked you, Charlie but you already went
> home for the night) My 77 Soveriegn is getting new valves, both grey
> and black tanks and I'm curious if "Airstream" has always used the same
> valve for either tank? Jeff
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 19:25:55 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?

Why not just paint the pattern on the floor? Then it won't slip and
won't interfere with the drawers. I'm thinking of doing that to the sub
floor in a new house and neglecting other floor coverings for a few
years.

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 21:50:31 -0400
From: "Nick Novia" <nnovia@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?

Hello all!  I haven't posted in a long while, but I am still working on my
rig...slowly...but surely!

I have decided on painting my floor with a strong, tough epoxy paint.

I was going to put an expensive vinyl floor down, but I didn't want to risk
ruining it while I install the rest of the interior.
Then I thought, why not just paint the floor.  It sure will save a lot of
weight!  That's what I am interested in...weight savings.

I can always use a few rugs, or just some tiles between the cabs...or paint
a pattern...which is a fine idea Jim!

Nick Novia
WBCCI #2577
WDCU
VAC
'68 Safari


- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>


> Why not just paint the pattern on the floor?<

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 20:25:47 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Floorcloths?

I'm not convinced that the floor needs the tough and tough to handle
epoxy paint. I think the epoxy floor paints are important for garage
floors subject to oil drips and the scrubbing of rolling car tires over
a concrete surface. I think a good quality porch and floor enamel will
survive just fine as an interior floor on wood. It should stand up for a
few years of constant weather exposure with foot traffic on a porch.
Some porch and floor enamels can be tinted so the color combinations are
far greater than epoxy. Patterns can be simple, like alternating tile
colors, or relatively solid colors with tile grout lines painted on, or
modified with contrasting colors laid down with a twisting feather to
emulate the color streaks in marble, or anything that one wishes to try.
I think the porch and floor enamel will be more flexible and so stick to
dings made in the floor better than the tough epoxy film. I think that
porch and floor enamel will stencil better than epoxy.

It may be hard to clean, but Valspar Skid-Not would make a tough surface
that wouldn't be slippery when wet. Otherwise their Oil Porch & Floor
Enamel they say is polyurethane fortified, high gloss or satin sheen and
"This extremely durable enamel resists scuffing and abrasion." The flyer
that I picked up at Lowe's last week shows some 42 stock colors plus
tintable colors for a wider selection of colors. Probably in a trailer
the satin finish will be a little less slippery when wet.

I don't have any epoxy flyer close to the computer, but I recall only 8
or ten colors, very high cost, half the can covered with caution
warnings, and the advice to expect to need a new brush for each painting
session, no tints possible.

Either Epoxy (probably $25 to $32 a gallon) or porch and floor enamel
($17 to $20 per gallon) covering say 200 square feet (8.5 cents to 16
cents per square foot) is a super low cost floor covering compared to
tile or vinyl starting at nearly a buck a square foot, up to ceramic
tile, imitation hardwood, and fancy carpet at $5 to $10 per square foot.
The only thing that holds me back is that my sub floor will be made of
3/4" OSB and its very roughly sanded. I have to work out if I can fill
and sand it smooth enough that the paint will finish the leveling. It
might be that I'll spring for epoxy for the kitchen and bathroom because
of the certainty of wetness, but maybe I'll stick with the easier to
handle oil porch and floor enamel and see how it stands up. If it stands
up ten years, by then I might want to afford sheet vinyl, or just apply
another coat of paint.

An apparently new paint product at Walmart claims to be suitable for
interior and exterior walls, floors, porches and trim. Its an alkyd
enamel. One alkyd I've worked with in the past (GE Glyptal alkyd
insulating paint) is about as tough as steel, very hard to wear off skin
and clothes if not removed before it cures.

Other than the GE Glyptal (only available in two colors that I've seen
and used), I've no experience in the paints I've mentioned here and I'm
certain that every vendor and home center has their own brands of nearly
similar products, and each makes much the same claims of superiority.

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 21:25:10 -0600
From: "Kenneth E. Johansen" <johansen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] The Long, Long Trailer

Great movie

At 08:56 PM 9/16/03 EDT, you wrote:
>Oh, forgot to mention---the classic Lucy/Desi movie is on Thurs at 10 am est 
>on Turner Classic Movies.
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
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>
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 21:25:49 -0600
From: "Kenneth E. Johansen" <johansen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Those stinky Valves....

I can vouch for that!  hee hee

Ken

At 07:25 PM 9/16/03 -0600, you wrote:
>I wish, no they have used about 6 different valves over the years.
>
>Charlie
>
>Jeffrey & Daile Engle wrote:
>
>> Hi gang! it's great to be back!! (changed my email address and had a
>> heck of a time getting the list)
>>         Just curious, (I would have asked you, Charlie but you already went
>> home for the night) My 77 Soveriegn is getting new valves, both grey
>> and black tanks and I'm curious if "Airstream" has always used the same
>> valve for either tank? Jeff
>>
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>>
>> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
>> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #9
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