VAL Digest V2 #115

VAL Digest           Sunday, January 2 2005           Volume 02 : Number 115




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Topics in Today's Digest:

[VAL] tambor doors
Re: [VAL] tambor doors
Re: [VAL] tambor doors
Re: [VAL] tambor doors
RE: [VAL] tambor doors
Re: [VAL] tambor doors
RE: [VAL] Window Operators
Re: [VAL] Sarasota Rally
[VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ
Re: [VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ
[VAL] Airstream, Inc., WBCCI, and VAC

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Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 17:51:56 -0500
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: [VAL] tambor doors

Has anyone tried fixing broken tambor by backing it with contact paper? The
previous owner of my '73 used duct tape with only moderate success. On other
doors he tried gluing roll-up shade material and had a little better
success. I would like to try to get these doors working relatively well and
am open to ideas. I thought I hit a gold mine and purchased 2 rolls of
tambor with the thought of just replacing is all, alas it is the wrong
color!!!

Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
cement. Any thoughts?

Scott

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

Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 18:05:56 EST
From: HHamp5246@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] tambor doors

In a message dated 1/1/2005 5:54:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net writes:


> Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
> cement. Any thoughts?

Hi Scott,

From the Airstream.net site....

The canvas backing can be replaced by removing the tambour door from the 
inside of the cabinet. Cut new backing material from sail cloth, heavy artists' 
canvas, duck or truck tarp 1 inch narrower than the opening to allow the ends of 
the tambour strips to glide in the side slots unhindered. Glue the tambour 
strips to the cloth using polyurethane glue and weight the whole surface using a 
flat board until the glue dries. Re-insert the door from the backside and 
install the stops. The 1970 to 1974 tambour doors were made with a paper backing. 
They failed quickly, and while Airstream offered a free upgrade to 
cloth-backed doors, some owners did not take advantage of it. 

HTH,

Hunter



http://members.aol.com/ILuvBrady/summer2004.htm

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy 
shit...what a ride!"

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

Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 15:17:07 -0800
From: Glyn Judson 
Subject: Re: [VAL] tambor doors

Scott,

My Caravel predates tambour doors (Is it tambor or tambour? Spell Check
wants me to spell it with a "u" in there). See, that just how little I know
about them but if they're anything like rollup desk doors, you might want to
consider a light but strong fabric. The first thing that comes to mind is
muslin. I might consider using something like 3M Super 77 spray on the back
of the door pieces. Then you could lay a piece of fabric down, smooth it
out before it cures and cut off the excess.

If memory serves me right, something like muslin is what I've seen on
rollup desks in the past.

Hey everybody, how far off track am I and am I wrong to be telling Scott
to consider cloth?

Happy New Year to all,

Glyn Judson
1969 Caravel #508
Santa Monica CA

> From: "Scott Scheuermann" 
> Reply-To: valist@tompatterson.com
> Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 17:51:56 -0500
> To: 
> Subject: [VAL] tambor doors
> 
> Has anyone tried fixing broken tambor by backing it with contact paper? The
> previous owner of my '73 used duct tape with only moderate success. On other
> doors he tried gluing roll-up shade material and had a little better
> success. I would like to try to get these doors working relatively well and
> am open to ideas. I thought I hit a gold mine and purchased 2 rolls of
> tambor with the thought of just replacing is all, alas it is the wrong
> color!!!
> 
> Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
> cement. Any thoughts?
> 
> Scott
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 17:01:54 -0700
From: johansen@frontier.net
Subject: Re: [VAL] tambor doors

Scott

Similar to what Hunter said - I used artists canvas on my tambors with great
sucess - that was about two years ago. I used ordinary white glue. I first
seperated all of the strips, made a form to make sure everything was square and
put weight on top.

Ken J.


Quoting Scott Scheuermann :

> Has anyone tried fixing broken tambor by backing it with contact paper? The
> previous owner of my '73 used duct tape with only moderate success. On other
> doors he tried gluing roll-up shade material and had a little better
> success. I would like to try to get these doors working relatively well and
> am open to ideas. I thought I hit a gold mine and purchased 2 rolls of
> tambor with the thought of just replacing is all, alas it is the wrong
> color!!!
>
> Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
> cement. Any thoughts?
>
> Scott
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 18:11:44 -0600
From: "Kevin D. Allen" 
Subject: RE: [VAL] tambor doors

Greetings Scott!

Was the new tambour that you purchased laminate or wood veneer? If it
happens to be wood veneer, you might be able to get a close color match
by applying an opaque stain - - Fowler Interiors replaced all of the
upper locker tambour in my Minuet with Birch veneer tambour to which
they applied a pickling stain that complimented the original off-white
plastic laminate (my plastic laminate wasn't in good enough condition to
re-back). The stain idea might work with laminate tambour, but I would
suspect that there would be much more work in achieving uniform results.

On the two lower tambour lockers, the Fowlers rehabbed the existing
tambour with a very light cotton canvas material - - since the tambour
in those doors wasn't deformed the repairs have held up very well.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet
1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training)
WBCCI/VAC #6359


- -----Original Message-----
From: valist-admin@tompatterson.com
[mailto:valist-admin@tompatterson.com] On Behalf Of Scott Scheuermann
Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 4:52 PM
To: valist@tompatterson.com
Subject: [VAL] tambor doors

Has anyone tried fixing broken tambor by backing it with contact paper?
The
previous owner of my '73 used duct tape with only moderate success. On
other
doors he tried gluing roll-up shade material and had a little better
success. I would like to try to get these doors working relatively well
and
am open to ideas. I thought I hit a gold mine and purchased 2 rolls of
tambor with the thought of just replacing is all, alas it is the wrong
color!!!

Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
cement. Any thoughts?

Scott

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

Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 19:42:17 -0500
From: "Tom" 
Subject: Re: [VAL] tambor doors

Just make sure that the duck tarp canvas is not "too thick". If it is, it 
won't work as well as thinner stock tarp canvas. And the glue used needs to 
be able to work with canvas fabric as well.

Tom
WBCCI 5303

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 6:05 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] tambor doors


> In a message dated 1/1/2005 5:54:52 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> s.l.scheuermann@worldnet.att.net writes:
>
>
>> Another thought I had was to back the tambor with fabric, using contact
>> cement. Any thoughts?
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> From the Airstream.net site....
>
> The canvas backing can be replaced by removing the tambour door from the
> inside of the cabinet. Cut new backing material from sail cloth, heavy 
> artists'
> canvas, duck or truck tarp 1 inch narrower than the opening to allow the 
> ends of
> the tambour strips to glide in the side slots unhindered. Glue the tambour
> strips to the cloth using polyurethane glue and weight the whole surface 
> using a
> flat board until the glue dries. Re-insert the door from the backside and
> install the stops. The 1970 to 1974 tambour doors were made with a paper 
> backing.
> They failed quickly, and while Airstream offered a free upgrade to
> cloth-backed doors, some owners did not take advantage of it.
>
> HTH,
>
> Hunter
>
>
>
> http://members.aol.com/ILuvBrady/summer2004.htm
>
> Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved 
> body,
> but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy
> shit...what a ride!"
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 20:04:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Toby Folwick 
Subject: RE: [VAL] Window Operators

On my 1960 I've got window cranks that are more in the
shape of a "W" (batman type) whereas I've seen cranks
that are more of an "S" or "L" shape (handle type)

the batman style are cool looking, but it takes a
while to open the window.

Toby

- --- eemerick  wrote:

> OK, I give what's the difference? If I had to guess
> they are the
> handle-type.
> Thanks
> Ed
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: valist-admin@tompatterson.com
> [mailto:valist-admin@tompatterson.com] On Behalf Of
> Toby Folwick
> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 7:50 PM
> To: valist@tompatterson.com
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Window Operators
> 
> 
> are you looking for the "batman" style operators, or
> the handle-type window cranks?
> 
> Toby
> 
> --- eemerick  wrote:
> 
> > Hello,
> > I am looking for a resource for 4 new window
> > operators for my 59. The
> > ones on it now are worn and slip when opening the
> > window. I picked up
> > four from a parts supplier ( to remain unnamed)
> that
> > they claimed would
> > work but they are way too small and what I can
> find
> > at other RV dealers
> > are too small as well. These are what I would call
> > heavy duty in nature.
> > If any of you out there with a 59 that you
> replaced
> > the window operators
> > on found replacements please drop me a line. Also
> if
> > you are looking for
> > 4 new, but too small for my 59 window operators I
> > have 4 for sale!
> > Thanks
> > Ed
> > WBCCI/VAC 4425
> > 68 Sovereign
> > 59 Traveler
> > 
> >
>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > 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
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> __________________________________ 
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>
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 20:08:25 -0800 (PST)
From: Toby Folwick 
Subject: Re: [VAL] Sarasota Rally

From the VAC site (http://www.airstream.net):

32nd Annual FL State Rally
Sarasota, Florida
Feb 23-27, 2005
Vintage will park together, with socials, and open
house. See Blue Beret for coupon or, 

For more information, contact:
Bob Herman #8556
bobbonherm8556@aol.com

Toby Folwick
VAC Webmaster

- --- Balloon@rideair.com wrote:

> Bill,
> 
> The info should be in the Blue Beret. But I think
> it's the
> 23-27 of Feb. We will see ya there.
> 
> Paul Waddell
> WBCCI/VAC/WDCU 1270
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Doc (The Tin Boat King)"
> 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 10:44 PM
> Subject: [VAL] Sarasota Rally
> 
> 
> > Can anyone give me the dates for the Sarasota, Fl.
> rally?
> >
> > Bill "Doc" Pentheny
> >
> > People sleep peacefully in their beds at night
> because rough men stand
> ready
> > to do violence on their behalf.
> > Orson Wells
> >
> >
>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > 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
> 
>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
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> 
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>
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> 
> 
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 22:34:38 -0600
From: "J. Anderson" 
Subject: [VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ

I will be hitching up the Sovereign and leaving Wisconsin in a few days, 
headed for the apparently not-so-warm-and-sunny Southwest, ie, New 
Mexico and Arizona, for a couple weeks. The plan is to get as far south 
as fast as possible, then head west through Las Cruces and on over to 
Tucson etc. Any words of advice on areas to avoid, roads to avoid, 
must-sees, etc? Due to the weather and time of year, we are going to 
avoid the higher elevations to the extent possible. Thanks in advance!

John
WBCCI 4682
'66 Sovereign o'the Road

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

Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 20:54:55 -0800
From: Joann Wheatley 
Subject: Re: [VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ

Hi John:
Stay away from CA for a while - we're land sliding, rock sliding, 
sliding into the ocean, and snowing and most of it isn't a whole lot of 
fun. We really need the rain to fill the reservoirs - Lake Shasta 
looking like a giant mud hole last October but it would be nice not to 
get it all in a few days. The Weather Channel is usually pretty good.
Jo Ann
On Jan 2005, at 8:34 PM, J. Anderson wrote:
> Any words of advice on areas to avoid, roads to avoid, must-sees, etc? 
> Due to the weather and time of year, we are going to avoid the higher 
> elevations to the extent possible. Thanks in advance!
> John

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

Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 00:44:07 -0500
From: John Sellers 
Subject: [VAL] Airstream, Inc., WBCCI, and VAC

Gang,

I would like to add my two cents worth to the last few days'
free-floating discussion--and sometimes complaining--about Airstream's
marketing philosophy, WBCCI, and VAC. I haven't addressed this as a
reply to any specific posts since it will touch on several.

AIRSTREAM

All I know about Airstream is from personal contact with them during
service visits, plant tours, and last year's Homecoming Rally. (They
are only about 60 miles up the road from us.) My conclusion from these
experiences is that Airstream is a company whose customer relations are
so good as be practically unbelievable.

When I called the factory service department to see if they would be
willing to replace the aging Dura-Torque axle on our 1960 Pacer they
said, "Sure. Bring it up and we'll take a look at it." When we got
there the service writer took a look under the trailer and said, "No
problem", and wrote an estimate for the cost of a new axle, a pair of
new shocks, and only four hours labor. We had to leave the trailer for
a few weeks (this was in January, 2004) since Henschen had to make a new
axle to dimensions, but Airstream did the job without batting an
eyelash, and did it for the estimated price.

I had the distinct impression that Airstream does not distinguish
between vintage Airstreams and others. If Airstream made it, they'll
fix it, to the best of their ability. When we dropped off the '60 Pacer
to have the axle replaced, we took the factory tour. I mentioned to the
tour guide that we had a 1960 model and when we walked from the service
department over to the factory, he cheerfully pointed out a 1953 trailer
that was in for an upgrade of all the systems. One young couple with us
on that tour was there to see their trailer being built. I'm sure they
received the impression that they were making a long term investment. 
Offhand, I can't think of any other manufacturer that routinely repairs
vehicles that they manufactured half a century ago.

I was surprised to hear Patti Raimondo's story of being told that the
factory couldn't fix her Pearl, resulting in her breaking down in the
service manager's office. Maybe Patti's tears single-handedly changed
Airstream's policy toward working on the older units. If so, we all owe
you a great debt of gratitude, Patti. Wouldn't be the first time a good
cry has changed history, I guess. . . I suspect that Pearl was the
trailer that the tour guide pointed out to us.

Last year's Airstream Homecoming Rally was great, and we plan to be
there again this year. I wouldn't want anyone to get the idea that
WBCCI was given short shrift. As Scott Scheuermann pointed out, the
first row looked like it had been reserved for high level WBCCI
officers. Dick Riegel chaired brief after-lunch and after-dinner
presentations in the main tent, and WBCCI officers were recognized, and
several spoke. If there was any rift between Airstream, Inc. and WBCCI,
it wasn't evident at the Homecoming Rally. (From my WBCCI directory,
Dick and Amanda Riegel are WBCCI #42, by the way.)

I was surprised to learn that the Homecoming Rally is not a new thing. 
Airstream held them until around 1980 when they stopped for one reason
or another. They would like to re-institute the tradition. They run it
as a very public-spirited thing, spreading the catering among all the
caterers and restaurants in the area, and giving Airstream employees and
Jackson Center residents a chance to meet Airstream's customers. And
conversely, to give us Airstream owners a chance to meet the people who
build the Airstreams. The expression "one big, happy family" is
trite--and seldom true--but it's a pretty good description of the
Homecoming Rally.

Airstream president Dick Riegel was circulating around the rally most of
the time, available for conversation with anyone who wanted to talk with
him. Early one morning he was driving around the campground in a John
Deere Gator, serving coffee to all comers out of urns in the back. 
Where else are you going to get that kind of customer service?!

WBCCI and VAC

I was surprised to hear the statement that WBCCI is "perceived as a
bunch of ex-military guys", but I guess it shouldn't come as a
surprise. It's a matter of simple demographics. Folks born after about
1960 may not be aware that those of us males who were born earlier faced
something called "universal military service", more commonly called The
Draft. So, given WBCCI's age distribution, we *are* a bunch of
"ex-military guys".

But I doubt that's the source of the "perception". That would be the
WBCCI's traditional pomp and ceremony at rallies, including reciting of
the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthems of countries
officially represented, and trooping the colors. But these aren't
military ceremonies-these were things folks born pre-1960 grew up with
in grade school, back before the ACLU saved us from these practices.
(I don't get very excited one way or the other about the phrase
"under God"in the Pledge of Allegiance, because I remember when it
was added. It was somewhat controversial at the time.) 

I hope traditions like the opening ceremonies won't discourage anyone
from attending and enjoying WBCCI rallies. Attendance isn't mandatory
at *anything* at a WBCCI rally (with the possible exception of Happy
Hour). Me, I usually attend the opening ceremonies for the sake of
nostalgia, if nothing else.

Much has been made in this thread of divisive comments by various
personages of Airstream, WBCCI, and VAC. My strategy is to pay more
attention to what people *do* than what they *say*. Everybody says
things now and then that they later wish they hadn't, and now and then
egos assert themselves when they probably shouldn't. You have to keep
the big picture in mind. In the final analysis, we are all travelers on
the road to that unknown city. The thing for us to do is enjoy the
adventure, and the company of our fellow travelers.

See you down the road,

John and Barb Sellers
WBCCI/VAC #1587
1960 Pacer
Dayton, Ohio

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

End of VAL Digest V2 #115
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