VAL Digest V2 #117

VAL Digest          Tuesday, January 4 2005          Volume 02 : Number 117




-----------------------------------------------------------------
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text

To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to
http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #115
Re: [VAL] Dogs
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #115
[VAL] Airstream documentary on the Travel Channel
Re: [VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ
[VAL] Central Iowa today
Re: [VAL] Central Iowa today
Re: [VAL] Airstream documentary on the Travel Channel
Re:  [VAL] Airstream, Inc., etc. - shortage of dealerships
[VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
[VAL] Route 66
RE: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
RE: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?
[VAL] Door Rubber
[VAL] Tim
RE: [VAL] Tim

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

Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 22:01:25 -0800
From: Glyn Judson <glynjudson@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #115

    All,

    Eeks, sorry to all on the List for my public posting to Marie asking for
some help.  I meant to send it back channel and then forgot to change the
address.  

    Forgive my airing al my dirty laundry publicly.

    Happy New Year to everybody,

    Glyn

> From: Marie Deatherage <omaried@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 20:55:59 -0800
> To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #115
> 
> Hello everyone,
> 
> I just wanted to say that we finally got some photos of our 1964
> Tradewind land yacht up on Tom Patterson's photo gallery page (and may
> I add that he must be a very generous and remarkable person to offer up
> all this coordination and assistance for those of us without our own
> website...kudos and much thanks to you Tom!)
> 
> We are real neophytes in the vintage Airstream world.  It all began one
> Friday afternoon last April just before 5 p.m. when Ric called me at
> work.  "How ya doin?" he asked, a little too loudly.  "Uh, fine," I
> replied cautiously, "just getting ready to come home."  "I'm in Oregon
> City!" he responded cheerily.  "What are you doing in Oregon City?" I
> wanted to know.
> 
> "I just bought an Airstream!" he chortled.  And the rest, they say, is
> history.  This little silver bullet has taken every single bit of our
> time and money over these past few months.  But what a labor of love.
> Ric did all the structural, mechanical, herkin type work, I did the
> decorating.  (As my hairdresser said one day, "You do realize Ric has a
> mistress now and he's buying her jewelry."  I sat in silence for a
> moment, then replied, "Yeah, but you know what the really sick thing
> is?  I'm buying her lingerie!!"
> 
> You'll see that we did not go down the authentic restoration path.
> Rather than try to make everything like it was in the beginning, we
> decided to make it exactly like we want it rather than the way it used
> to be.  I guess mostly because we wanted it to be a place we want to
> spend time (which meant the stove and refrigerator and other appliances
> would work as well as possible and the decor would be pleasant to be
> around).  There was a small swatch of what I assume was the original
> fabric and it was just hideously ugly in our opinion...  the color
> scheme is lime green and hot pink and black, colors that kind of remind
> me of the sixties era.  We redid the floor in black speckled marmoleum.
> We had an upholsterer do the bed and front bench seating, and I made
> all the pillows, curtains, etc.
> 
> Hope you enjoy the photos...  they are at
> http://www.tompatterson.com/gallery/ToasterMoon
> 
> Toaster Moon is the name we gave our beloved Airstream (long story),
> which inspired my husband to write a song about her that I announced on
> the list a while back (http://www.ricseaberg.com/music.html).
> 
> Thank you and good night,
> Marie Deatherage and Ric Seaberg
> Portland, Oregon
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 04:44:34 -0500
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dogs

Craig, I will agree with you that it is our responsibility as pet owners to 
make sure that our animals are *civil* to others in their world. ;)  The 
ones that make it bad for us pet owners are the types that don't pick up 
after their animals as they should be doing, and then there are some that 
leave their dogs that bark in the owner's absence -- and some stupid owners 
leave their pets tied outside the trailer for long periods of time.  I'm of 
the opinion that the animals belong with the owners and that it is the 
owner's responsibility to make sure that their traveling companions don't 
make a nuisance of themselves by bothering others with barking for no good 
reason, etc.

This is most likely one of those love/hate relationships people have 
developed themselves -- we pet owners love our pets and then there are those 
that hate our pets for reasons only they know.

My animals are civil and good canine citizens -- I demand it.  Those that 
don't make it bad for those of us who do.  No one will change anyone's mind 
on this topic I'm afraid as some people are afraid of any *strange* animal 
or even the ones they know.  Sad but true I think.

Tom
WBCCI 5303



From: "Craig C." <craigcar@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dogs


IMHO, as a dog owner it is my responsibility to fit in with non-dog
> owners, not visa-versa.
>
> ... anybody want to talk about smoking sections :-)
>
> Craig 

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 08:27:03 EST
From: HHamp5246@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #115

In a message dated 1/2/2005 11:56:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
omaried@xxxxxxxxxx.com writes:


> (As my hairdresser said one day, "You do realize Ric has a 
> mistress now and he's buying her jewelry."  I sat in silence for a 
> moment, then replied, "Yeah, but you know what the really sick thing 
> is?  I'm buying her lingerie!!"
> 
This should have come with a warning...... no problem, I'm sure the keyboard 
will be fine when the coffee dries.

<g>

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: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 09:17:35 -0600
From: Blair <hitek_airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Airstream documentary on the Travel Channel

>A Happy and Prosperous New Year All -

Late last night (midnight) on the Travel Channel there was a program called 
"Secret's of RV's".

It started covering the industry in general and a huge RV show in 
California.  Almost 1/3 of the hour the show was spent on Airstream, 
showing the Sky Deck and other models and finished with a great 10 minute 
piece on the WDCU's 3rd Annual Cherry Blossom Rally and Vintage Airstream's.

Cudo's to the Cast of 34 Airstreams at the Rally and the "Star's", Wayne 
and Linda Moore, Harley and John, The Natof's, their Bambi and 48' Caddy, 
and more.

I attended the 4th Annual Cherry Blossom Rally and encourage everyone to 
join in the Festivities at the Next Rally, April 7 - 10.  The WDCU and our 
members really but on a fine rally.  Contact Doug Rowbottom 
<mossbackdoug@xxxxxxxxxx.com> for more info.

Great show hopefully they will run it again.

Blair

(Wintering at Branson's only Private Mini-Airstream Park - Full hook up 
Courtesy Parking Available for three rigs.)


>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>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: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 09:35:41 -0600
From: "J. Anderson" <janderson@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Snowbird headed from Wisconsin to AZ

Thanks Gerald and Joanne for helpful suggestions.  Gerald, I had never 
run across the Freese-Notis website; thanks for the lead. 

We are hitting the road this AM and hoping the sunny southwest will be 
an improvement over Wisconsin January weather.  Plus being a Minnesota 
native living near Green Bay WI, I don't really want to be around when 
the Packers and Vikings collide next weekend!

John
WBCCI 4682

Dr. Gerald Johnson wrote:

>I like having a weather radio available in the truck cab. The range of the 
>stations is ordinarily just under 100 miles of road and give short term reports 
>and forecasts, and sometimes road reports. Some areas are bad about not 
>replacing storm reports for hours after the storms have passed though.
>
>Each state gives road reports on the internet, but each has a unique format.
>
>For local and national weather radar and model based forecasts take a 
>look at the products at Freese-Notis Weather (www.weather.net), the place 
>that pays me fees to use my software making those internet displays.
>
>Gerald J.

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:43:45 -0600
From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Central Iowa today

There's sleet and freezing rain here, nearly all the schools have closed for the 
day. The forecast is for ice and snow for several days. I don't know how far 
east this extends or how far north. 

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

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

Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 07:50:07 -0800
From: Glyn Judson <glynjudson@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Central Iowa today

    Gerald and all,

    It's raining here and is forecast to continue all day with a whopper of
another rain storm slated to hit us on Wednesday.

    Fortunately, not a drop  (that I can find) has entered our little
Caravel.  

    Glyn

    Glyn Judson
    1969 Caravel #508
    Santa Monica CA

> From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:43:45 -0600
> To: janderson@xxxxxxxxxx.net
> Cc: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Subject: [VAL] Central Iowa today
> 
> There's sleet and freezing rain here, nearly all the schools have closed for
> the 
> day. The forecast is for ice and snow for several days. I don't know how far
> east this extends or how far north.
> 
> Gerald J.
> -- 
> Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> Reproduction by permission only.
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 16:49:09 +0000
From: safari_tim@xxxxxxxxxx.net (Tim S)
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream documentary on the Travel Channel

- -------------- Original message -------------- 

> >A Happy and Prosperous New Year All - 
> 
> Late last night (midnight) on the Travel Channel there was a program called 
> "Secret's of RV's". 
. 
> 
> Great show hopefully they will run it again. 

You don't have to wait ;-)  I have that on my Airstream Sightings website.

Click on Secrets to RVing.

http://www.ldservice.com/tim/airstream/airstream_sightings.htm

- -Tim

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

Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 11:48:11 -0500
From: John Sellers <sellersj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re:  [VAL] Airstream, Inc., etc. - shortage of dealerships

Forrest, 

> But keep in mind that some of the "complaining" might
> be just as legitimate. Our only contact with Airstream has been with "local"
> dealerships, and between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Missoula, Montana there
> is one, and only one dealership (located in Denver), for the front range of
> the Rocky Mountains. There are no authorized Airstream dealerships in
> Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, or Wyoming.

No doubt about it, Airstream needs more dealers.  I think they're
working on it--at the last Region 7 rally they announced a new dealer in
Wisconsin.

Airstream is kinda between a rock and a hard place.  On the one hand,
they need to sign up more dealers--good ones, that will reflect
favorably on the company.  On the other hand, they have nearly doubled
production in the last year, but last time I heard they still have an
order backlog.  It's hard to interest new dealers when they're short of
trailers to sell!

Best,
John & Barb Sellers
WBCCI/VAC #1587
1960 Pacer
Dayton, OH

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:14:00 -0800
From: "MK / JS" <sn2244@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

How does one properly remove the tambours from those black plastic spiral
ends? I don't want to break the plastic spiral, which after almost 25 years,
might be quite brittle by now.

ALSO -- our tambours stick a little (or roll unevenly), so should I clean
and lubricate those black spirals periodically? What do I use to clean and
lubricate? (That's why I want to know how to properly remove the tambour, so
I can thoroughly clean the spirals.)

(We have a 1971 Airstream and it looks like the backing on our "glued
sawdust" wood tambours is a TIGHT WEAVE, thin but strong muslin cloth (ie
don't buy the cheapest cloth.)

In Digest #115, Kevin Allen makes a good point that it's probably only worth
re-glueing old tambours if the wood, or fake wood, has not swelled or
twisted due to water damage (*like in kitchen or bath)

Thx.
Marg

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:27:39 -0800
From: "MK / JS" <sn2244@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Route 66

You must go on Route 66, as short as it is!

We drove on parts of Route 66 last March (we did a circle from Phoenix up to
Vegas back to Grand Canyon and down to Phoenix/Tucson area)

We did NOT have a trailer with us, however, Route 66 would be great fun with
LOTS of fabulous vintage-type photo opportunities with your Airstream.

The longest, still-existing stretch of original Route 66 is in Arizona,
between Kingman and "Ash Fork" (close to Williams).

A couple of things I noticed is that it is easy to MISS the freeway exits to
get on to Route 66. And once you're on it, it's a bit confusing getting out
of Kingman, and the scenery is pretty mundane. BUT, after about 15 minutes,
ugly sprawl gives way to desolate high-desert scenery and it's marvellous.
(no services along here!)

There are some worn-out vintage drive-ins en route, and it's pretty fun to
stop for a cola or ice cream.

Sunset Magazine website has an archived article about driving on Route 66
www.sunset.com

There are many personal websites about epic journeys on Route 66, and those
are very interesting to read before your trip, too.

I was surprised that there weren't really any roadside interpretive stops.
It seemed pretty much forgotten. The red-colored pavement was interesting -- 
that's original from what I understand.

The drive down from Flagstaff to Sedona along Oak Creek Canyon was very
pretty, but you need to know that it is narrow and there are some steep
curves and hills. And who knows what havoc that recent flooding has caused.
Once you're in Sedona, make sure you leave time to view the ruins at
Montezuma Castle (not to mention many other points of interest in beautiful
Arizona).

And if you can skip driving directly through Phoenix, if that's on your
route, then do so! I don't mean to offend any Phoenix residents, but as an
out-of-towner, I found it  confusing (due largely to such rapid growth in
metro Phoenix area)

Marg

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:52:36 -0800
From: "Judy White" <djmurtha@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

You wrote:  How does one properly remove the tambours from those black
plastic spiral ends? 
ALSO -- our tambours stick a little (or roll unevenly), so should I clean
and lubricate those black spirals periodically? What do I use to clean and
lubricate? (That's why I want to know how to properly remove the tambour, so
I can thoroughly clean the spirals.)

Marg...There are a couple of screws on the "leg" of the spiral.  Once you've
removed the screws from both sides of the tambour, it will all come out.
The trick is putting it all back together, once you're done with the
cleaning!  
For cleaning, go easy on the soapy water, the tambour will suck it up like a
sponge and warp if it stays wet.  To lubricate, I've used car wax on the
ends and in the spiral...makes them so slick that I now have difficulty with
keeping one of the overhead bins open!

Judy White
72-27 Int'l Ambassador 

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

Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 12:29:04 -0700
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

Marg,

I'm assuming that because you describe the spirals as the black ones you 
are referring to the ones for a horizontal pull door such as the galley 
cabinet doors. Vertical doors, such as the galley overheads are 
generally brown or white.
There are no accessable screws to remove the galley door spiral. It is 
necessary to remove the tambour material from the track and spiral first.
To remove the material from a horizontal door it is necessary to loosen 
the track extrusion to allow it to move either up or down and open up 
the gap the door rides in. To do this locate the junction of a vertical 
support and the track of the door you are working on. In  case of the 
galley it is under or near the sink. These two metal extrusions are 
connected with either screws from the inside or a 1/8" rivet from the 
front. More often it is riveted. The rivet is covered by the laminate 
material in the face of the track extrusion. You must feel for it, mark 
it, and drill it out with a 1/8" drill. Once the track is loosen open up 
the gap and pull the tambour completely out. To reinstall reverse the 
procedure using a 1/8" all aluminum pop rivet to reattach the 
extrusions. Most folks will then put a dab of brown paint on it to help 
cover it up.
It is now possible to access and clean the upper and lower spirals. Some 
years had a metal cover enclosing the spiral to keep junk out of them. 
The cover is screwed into place.
Take note of the condition of the small tab on the spiral which extends 
out to the track. This little piece of plastic is vital to the smooth 
operation of the door. If it is missing or damaged the door will close 
easily but snag repeatedly when opening. It will tear up the tambour 
material very quickly. If either damaged or missing you need to devise a 
replacement.
One of the better lubricants for tambour doors is spray silicone. It is 
not absorbed and does not stain the material or cause it to swell. Often 
times if a door is simply sticking a heavy application of silicone spray 
starting on the lower track will cure the problem. Just spray at the 
spiral side of the material and move the door back and forth to help it 
pull silicone into the spiral.

Charlie

MK / JS wrote:

>How does one properly remove the tambours from those black plastic spiral
>ends? I don't want to break the plastic spiral, which after almost 25 years,
>might be quite brittle by now.
>
>ALSO -- our tambours stick a little (or roll unevenly), so should I clean
>and lubricate those black spirals periodically? What do I use to clean and
>lubricate? (That's why I want to know how to properly remove the tambour, so
>I can thoroughly clean the spirals.)
>
>(We have a 1971 Airstream and it looks like the backing on our "glued
>sawdust" wood tambours is a TIGHT WEAVE, thin but strong muslin cloth (ie
>don't buy the cheapest cloth.)
>
>In Digest #115, Kevin Allen makes a good point that it's probably only worth
>re-glueing old tambours if the wood, or fake wood, has not swelled or
>twisted due to water damage (*like in kitchen or bath)
>
>Thx.
>Marg
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>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: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 14:40:25 -0600
From: "Chaplain Kent" <Chaplainkent@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

With our trailer which had sat unused for many many years we brought the
tambours back to life by spraying the outsides generously with WD-40. We
continued to treat them this way each time they began to stick or  slide
crooked.
Chaplain Kent

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

Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 13:50:56 -0700
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

WD-40 is not generally recommended as it contains petroleum distillates 
and will eventually cause swelling.

Charlie

Chaplain Kent wrote:

>With our trailer which had sat unused for many many years we brought the
>tambours back to life by spraying the outsides generously with WD-40. We
>continued to treat them this way each time they began to stick or  slide
>crooked.
>Chaplain Kent
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>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: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 16:43:28 -0600
From: "Clifford Horton" <cehlsh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] how to remove the tambours from spiral plastic ends?

A virus was found in this e-mail. Thought you'd like to know.

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

Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2005 02:49:35 +0000
From: c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: [VAL] Door Rubber

Sometime back on the classifieds, there was someone offering door rubber, he was 
some place in California.  Does anyone know who it was or how to get in touch with 
them.

Chuck & Lynn

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 20:40:19 -0800
From: "Mark" <mark@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Tim

Hey Tim...great links!!  Your link will go in my Airstream folder for sure.

Thanks,

Mark in Modesto
'62 Tradewind

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

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 21:31:22 -0800
From: "Tim S." <safari_tim@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Tim

You're welcome.  Glad you enjoyed them.

- -Tim
www.ldservice.com/tim/tim

> -----Original Message-----
> Hey Tim...great links!!  Your link will go in my Airstream folder for
> sure.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Mark in Modesto
> '62 Tradewind

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

End of VAL Digest V2 #117
*************************


-----------------------------------------------------------------
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text

To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to
http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html