The Vintage Airstream E-mail ListDigest Archive Files
VAL Digest V2 #148
VAL Digest Friday, February 4 2005 Volume 02 : Number 148
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Topics in Today's Digest:
Re: [VAL] Corning Windows
RE: [VAL] Tom re: Covers
RE: [VAL] Tongue Jack Question
Re: [VAL] Leaks
Re: [VAL] Covers
Re: [VAL] Leaks
Re: [VAL] Leaks
[VAL] RE: Tongue Jack Question
Re: [VAL] Forrest re: Covers
Re: [VAL] Tom re: Covers
Re: [VAL] Corning Windows
Re: [VAL] Trailer Delivery
Re: [VAL] Trailer Delivery
[VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
[VAL] Hunter re:Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #143
[VAL] Wedding Cake Tail Lamps and Trim Levels
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 23:59:28 -0600
From: Daniel Childress <daniel@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Corning Windows
Windows- Have a 69 Caravel. In the process of complete rebuild.
Inside skin off. Putting complete new floor. Lost a front corner
window. Just blew out. Nothing struck it. It must have been placed
in a bind. Not a what I expected, that being replacing an original
window.
Dan
14148
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 05:49:58 -0600
From: "Tom Williams" <TCWilliams@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Tom re: Covers
- -----Original Message-----
From: <Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
My case is that I have the original Armstrong air conditioner that has a
leak somewhere in the housing that I have not been able to find. If left
uncovered, water tends to drip into the interior. Otherwise, I probably
wouldn't cover it.
Tom Fairbank
1969 Tradewind
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
My Armstrong developed a similar leak. After removing the shroud, and
shroud attachment brackets, the unit was found to be held to the roof by 5
screws on either side, and 3 screws on either end for a total of 16 screws.
These screws were removed, and Vulkem was liberally applied everywhere it
could be squeezed in. New stainless screws were used to reattach the unit
to the roof. No more leak.
Contact me off-list if you want more detail or pictures.
Tom
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 05:58:24 -0600
From: "Tom Williams" <TCWilliams@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Tongue Jack Question
- -----Original Message-----
From: valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com
[mailto:valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com]On Behalf Of c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Hi, this is probably a silly question, but the tongue jack on our 1965
Overlander, seem a little gritty, when raising the hitch to hook up. Is
there someway to grease these? Thanks,
Chuck & Lynn
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
My '67 owners manual says to "Lubricate with light household oil (put oil
can spout up under handle and allow oil o run down post)."
This is messy, but it works. My jack worked much better after being oiled.
Tom
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:22:20 -0600
From: Dick Harrold <harrold@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Leaks
Tom -
Many thanks for the info. Looks like I need to do a good cleaning and
inspection. Then I probably should seal everything that has a joint or
seam. After all, the Trade Wind is 33 years old and was built during
the Beatrice Foods era when, as I understand it, there were some
compromises made in the frame construction making the shell a bit more
flexible.
See you down by the barn . . . .
Dick Harrold
Noblesville, IN USA
On Feb 2, 2005, at 9:38 PM, Tom wrote:
> Sure, a seam can leak. This is why Airstream advises which product to
> use on your once-a-year maintenance checkup when you check *all* the
> trailer seams all over the exterior of the trailer.
>
> The places you mention are great for starters. ;))
>
> Tom
> WBCCI 5303
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:29:35 -0600
From: Dick Harrold <harrold@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Covers
Tom -
I set the heat in my building at 45 degrees as the minimum during cold
weather. It's a great place to work on an Airstream in bad weather,
and I can flick a switch and have it warmer if needed. My door is 12
feet high (14 foot ceiling) and 12 feet wide. I have antique tractors
and cars in there also. I've dreamed about this type of building,
since I was in high school. Sure makes up for those years when I would
shove a piece of cardboard under a car and slide under there to work in
freezing temps with numb fingers. Retirement does have some perks.
See you down by the barn . . . .
Dick Harrold
Noblesville, IN USA
On Feb 2, 2005, at 9:52 PM, Tom wrote:
> Paul,
>
> I for one don't bother with covers for each thing like mowers, grills,
> lawn chairs, etc.
>
> What I did was to have a very nice building done for me by
> www.mortonbuildings.com into which go all the toys for the road and
> the lawn maintenance, garden, etc. I know I'm not the average owner
> but it sure is nice to be able to work out of *any* weather, day or
> night, wet or dry, hot or cold. My building size is 42' wide by 60'
> long with two sliding sets of doors that open wide; one set is 22.5'
> wide by 12' high and on the gable end the set of doors are 14' high by
> 18' wide. The reason for the height of my doors is this; if we ever
> decided to have a motor home the doors are high enough to drive one
> inside without having to re-work the building.
>
> I would strongly advise anyone to put up a permanent building for your
> "toys" if you have the funds and land to do so. A cover as discussed
> is okay but they do lead to damaged finishes to say nothing of not
> being able to keep the rodents out in the fall and winter.
>
> Tom
> WBCCI 5303
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:35:43 -0600
From: Dick Harrold <harrold@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Leaks
Gerald -
I guess that preventative maintenance is far better than waiting for
the damage to show up. I suppose a leak could go on for a while and
damage the floor etc. long before I'd ever notice it.
Pressurizing? Thanks but that isn't for me, however it would be
interesting to hear from anyone who has attempted this procedure.
See you down by the barn . . . .
Dick Harrold
Noblesville, IN USA
On Feb 2, 2005, at 10:05 PM, Dr. Gerald Johnson wrote:
> Seams DO leak, as do rivets, and all penetrations whether gasketed or
> not. Gaskets and seam sealers do die of old age. I think its more
> profitable to spend half a tube of Vulkem hitting every visible seam
> from
> top to bottom and all other penetrations than to try to find such
> leaks by
> sprinkling water on the trailer and looking for where it comes out.
> Water
> can enter a long ways from where it shows inside.
>
> There are those that advocate pressurizing the trailer and looking for
> the
> air coming out. With vents and the floor, that seems to be a difficult
> process. And probably makes windows leak from the total pressure
> outward that they don't otherwise have.
>
> Gerald J.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:37:12 -0600
From: Dick Harrold <harrold@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Leaks
Paul -
That's what I was afraid of. Thanks.
See you down by the barn . . . .
Dick Harrold
Noblesville, IN USA
On Feb 2, 2005, at 9:23 PM, <Balloon@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:
> Dick,
>
> Running lights, awnings, vents, etc... Any place you have a
> seam/screw/etc...
>
>
> Paul Waddell
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:15:58 -0800
From: RJ.Dial@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] RE: Tongue Jack Question
Shoot the spray penetrant of your choice (WD-40,Knocker-Loose,Liquid
Wrench,etc) liberally down around the top spindle while cranking the
jack up and down. Smear some lithium grease or other lube all over the
bottom shaft when it is fully exposed.
Best of luck,
RJ
VintageAirstream.com
Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 05:05:07 +0000
From: c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: [VAL] Tongue Jack Question
Hi, this is probably a silly question, but the tongue jack on our 1965
Overlander, seem a little gritty, when raising the hitch to hook up. Is
there someway to grease these? Thanks,
Chuck & Lynn
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 08:26:36 -0700
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Forrest re: Covers
Tom,
A word of caution on the use of the term "rubber" roof. The industry
does have an EPDM product used for roofing that looks and acts very much
like rubber. Airstream does not use it, rather they have a baked enamel
type coating applied to the roof sheet prior to assembly.
Charlie
Tom wrote:
> Forrest,
>
> There are some Airstreams that have the white *rubber* roofs all
> except for the end caps. My mid 90's FK Excella does indeed have a
> white roof.
>
> Tom
> WBCCI 5303
>
>
> From: "Forrest McClure" <forrest@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Covers
>
>
>> There's another issue to consider here -- a cover is an invitation to
>> birds,
>> mice, squirrels and other vermin to get not just under it, but inside
>> your
>> trailer. It makes is easy for them to do so. Climbing on cloth is a lot
>> easier than climbing on aluminum. My neighbor had a SOB trailer with a
>> rubber roof. The squirrels got under his cover and made a home of it
>> and dug
>> up and through the rubber roof. $5,000 damage. Granted, Airstreams don't
>> have rubber roofs, but there is the refrigerator vent cover.
>> Sometimes the
>> screening is in place up there, sometimes it's not, but if it isn't a
>> heavy
>> enough gage they can dig or chew right through it and then they're
>> inside
>> your Airstream. It won't be pretty after they've made it their home
>> for the
>> winter.
>>
>> Forrest
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 13:03:31 EST
From: Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tom re: Covers
Tom: The air-conditioner works well but I am not sure about the drain. When
the air-conditioner is running I do not get leakage into the interior of the
trailer. This only happens when it rains...after a while. Your suggestions
are great and I will test this out as soon as the weather warms. Thanks
Tom Fairbank
1969 Tradewind
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 10:13:16 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
From: Amanda Meeker <goldens510@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Corning Windows
Forrest et al.,
I've had the bad fortune to have two of these windows break. Pebbles in a whole
range of sizes, but also many pointed shards of varying lengths up to about eight
inches. Forrest, I have a photo of one of the window tops, still holding
smaller-size shards, that I can email to you if that would be of any help to your
investigation. It shows the detail pretty well. Drop me a note off-list if you
would like to see it.
Best,
Amanda
'68 Safari
> Can anyone tell me if they have ever had one of their '66 through '68
> Corning windows shatter? If so, did it break into small pebble size pieces
> or into long sharp shards of glass?
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 14:37:29 EST
From: Dillonvdill@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Trailer Delivery
Hi Folks! I bought a 1956 Flying Cloud 21'er in Springfield MO. and can't
make it there from WA state for quite a while and wonder if anyone is heading
west
from the Midwest who could tow it for me. My 90 year old Mother has fallen
ill
and I've become her primary caregiver and can't leave her that long. I can
drive
as far as Boise where my Uncle lives. it would help and pay for the
inconvenience. Any ideas? Have anyone else on this list been confronted with a
similar situation?
Vanessa
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 13:55:10 -0600
From: Dick Harrold <harrold@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Trailer Delivery
Vanessa -
We're planning a trip to California to see our new grandson later this
month. We were going to fly, but maybe I could drive my truck and
bring your trailer closer to you. Let me check with my wife and see
what our schedule is.
See you down by the barn . . . .
Dick Harrold
Noblesville, IN USA
On Feb 3, 2005, at 1:37 PM, Dillonvdill@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
> Hi Folks! I bought a 1956 Flying Cloud 21'er in Springfield MO. and
> can't
> make it there from WA state for quite a while and wonder if anyone is
> heading
> west
> from the Midwest who could tow it for me. My 90 year old Mother has
> fallen
> ill
> and I've become her primary caregiver and can't leave her that long. I
> can
> drive
> as far as Boise where my Uncle lives. it would help and pay for the
> inconvenience. Any ideas? Have anyone else on this list been
> confronted with a
> similar situation?
> Vanessa
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 15:33:35 -0500
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Charlie,
Thanks for your informative reply. When I wrote what I did I was not aware
of *what material* the white roof on our Airstream is/was made of. All I
know is that the roof is *white in color* except for the end-caps which are
the usual aluminum 'color' of the metal itself.
I did not know whether or not Airstream even used a *rubber roof material*
but now I know that they don't use any rubber roofing material at all. I'm
thankful for that as I've heard both good and bad things about those "rubber
roofs". The flat roof RV's always did have a problem with leaks eventually
which is *why* I feel the industry began to offer their "rubber solution"
roofing material.
Please tell me this, Charlie. Does the white roofed Airstream need any
specific "care" versus the usual all aluminum color "roof" that is not
painted? And you say the white color of my Airstream roof is "baked enamel"
which is good in my book -- but have there been any delaminating problems
with this design? Does Airstream still use the baked on white enamel on any
of their trailers?
Thanks!
Tom
WBCCI 5303
From: "Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Tom,
>
> A word of caution on the use of the term "rubber" roof. The industry
> does have an EPDM product used for roofing that looks and acts very much
> like rubber. Airstream does not use it, rather they have a baked enamel
> type coating applied to the roof sheet prior to assembly.
>
> Charlie
>
> Tom wrote:
>
>> Forrest,
>>
>> There are some Airstreams that have the white *rubber* roofs all
>> except for the end caps. My mid 90's FK Excella does indeed have a
>> white roof.
>>
>> Tom
>> WBCCI 5303
>>
>>
>> From: "Forrest McClure" <forrest@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
>> Subject: Re: [VAL] Covers
>>
>>
>>> There's another issue to consider here -- a cover is an invitation to
>>> birds,
>>> mice, squirrels and other vermin to get not just under it, but inside
>>> your
>>> trailer. It makes is easy for them to do so. Climbing on cloth is a lot
>>> easier than climbing on aluminum. My neighbor had a SOB trailer with a
>>> rubber roof. The squirrels got under his cover and made a home of it
>>> and dug
>>> up and through the rubber roof. $5,000 damage. Granted, Airstreams don't
>>> have rubber roofs, but there is the refrigerator vent cover.
>>> Sometimes the
>>> screening is in place up there, sometimes it's not, but if it isn't a
>>> heavy
>>> enough gage they can dig or chew right through it and then they're
>>> inside
>>> your Airstream. It won't be pretty after they've made it their home
>>> for the
>>> winter.
>>>
>>> Forrest
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 16:58:25 -0700
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Airstream started using the white roof sheet concurrent with the change
to the wide body design.
That redesign effort also included a major change in how they build the
coach. Pre wide body the shell consisted of aluminum hoop frame ribs
that were one piece from the floor on one side to the floor on the other
side. When they jigged up two end caps and the side sheets were attached
to the jig first followed by the ribs and then the whole thing was
riveted together.
Today the coach shell is made in 5 pieces: 2 ends, 2 sides and the top.
The main pitch for the white roof was that it reduced sun loading by
8-10 degrees inside. Historically it was commonly used pre-air
conditioning to improve inside comfort.
As for care and feeding, dare I say it, the roof is easier to take care
of than the sides. Think of it as the same treatment you use to wash
your car or truck. Brush, soapy water and rinse. Do be sure the soap you
use in not regular dish detergent rather a good car or RV wash product.
Dish detergents these days have ammonia in them which is very hard on
waxes or Walbernize.
Hope this helps,
Charlie
Tom wrote:
> Charlie,
>
> Thanks for your informative reply. When I wrote what I did I was not
> aware of *what material* the white roof on our Airstream is/was made
> of. All I know is that the roof is *white in color* except for the
> end-caps which are the usual aluminum 'color' of the metal itself.
>
> I did not know whether or not Airstream even used a *rubber roof
> material* but now I know that they don't use any rubber roofing
> material at all. I'm thankful for that as I've heard both good and
> bad things about those "rubber roofs". The flat roof RV's always did
> have a problem with leaks eventually which is *why* I feel the
> industry began to offer their "rubber solution" roofing material.
>
> Please tell me this, Charlie. Does the white roofed Airstream need
> any specific "care" versus the usual all aluminum color "roof" that is
> not painted? And you say the white color of my Airstream roof is
> "baked enamel" which is good in my book -- but have there been any
> delaminating problems with this design? Does Airstream still use the
> baked on white enamel on any of their trailers?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tom
> WBCCI 5303
>
>
>
> From: "Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>
>
>> Tom,
>>
>> A word of caution on the use of the term "rubber" roof. The industry
>> does have an EPDM product used for roofing that looks and acts very much
>> like rubber. Airstream does not use it, rather they have a baked enamel
>> type coating applied to the roof sheet prior to assembly.
>>
>> Charlie
>>
>> Tom wrote:
>>
>>> Forrest,
>>>
>>> There are some Airstreams that have the white *rubber* roofs all
>>> except for the end caps. My mid 90's FK Excella does indeed have a
>>> white roof.
>>>
>>> Tom
>>> WBCCI 5303
>>>
>>>
>>> From: "Forrest McClure" <forrest@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
>>> Subject: Re: [VAL] Covers
>>>
>>>
>>>> There's another issue to consider here -- a cover is an invitation to
>>>> birds,
>>>> mice, squirrels and other vermin to get not just under it, but inside
>>>> your
>>>> trailer. It makes is easy for them to do so. Climbing on cloth is a
>>>> lot
>>>> easier than climbing on aluminum. My neighbor had a SOB trailer with a
>>>> rubber roof. The squirrels got under his cover and made a home of it
>>>> and dug
>>>> up and through the rubber roof. $5,000 damage. Granted, Airstreams
>>>> don't
>>>> have rubber roofs, but there is the refrigerator vent cover.
>>>> Sometimes the
>>>> screening is in place up there, sometimes it's not, but if it isn't a
>>>> heavy
>>>> enough gage they can dig or chew right through it and then they're
>>>> inside
>>>> your Airstream. It won't be pretty after they've made it their home
>>>> for the
>>>> winter.
>>>>
>>>> Forrest
>>>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 18:08:04 -0600
From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Airstream started using the white roof sheet concurrent with the change
> to the wide body design.
Charlie, I have seen some older model Airstreams where the upper most top of
the roof was painted white. Seems like a good idea for the reasons you
mentioned in reducing heat inside the trailer. What are your thoughts on
this and what type of prep and paint could be applied that would adhere to
the top.
Thanks
Don Hardman
1976 31' Sovereign
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 20:01:58 EST
From: JAuman2346@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Appears you guys are talking about two different white roofs. Some people
with Airstreams paint the outside to keep the trailer cooler inside. I don't know
what they use. Airstream started using a white padded ceiling inside around
1994. Some of these early models had trouble in hot weather when the heat
caused the glue to let the ceiling drop. This happened in extremely hot climate
such as Florida. The company recognized the problem and how use some type of new
glue that they say does not cause this problem. Airstream says they used the
padded ceilings to keep the noise down and to better insulate the trailers. We
will see.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 20:33:08 EST
From: HHamp5246@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
In a message dated 2/3/2005 8:02:48 PM Eastern Standard Time,
JAuman2346@xxxxxxxxxx.com writes:
> The company recognized the problem and how use some type of new
> glue that they say does not cause this problem.
For anyone who has that problem.... you can take it back to Airstream and
spend a fortune having them fix the ceiling....or you can do what I did and fix
it yourself.
My trailer is a 1996..... that was one year of the drooping ceiling liner.
Mine was hanging down and I went to Auto Zone. I got their "Permatex" Heavy
Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive. (Item #27828)
It's been months now with no more problems.
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: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 23:44:29 -0500
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] Hunter re:Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
My post referred to the *exterior white roof*, not an "interior white
ceiling" which has had sag problems from what I've read in the past on
trailers such as the one Hunter owns.
Did Charlie say what calendar year Airstream began to use *exterior white
enamel aluminum sheeting"? I'd have to find his post to see if he did or
didn't mention that.
Are you saying here and now that along with the white enamel *exterior*
aluminum skin Airstream "also" began to use the "interior white padded
ceiling"?
I can see where Hunter's repair fix for the padded ceiling sag would not !
work for the exterior painted white enamel roof panels. ;) Sometimes the
use of the words "roof" and "ceilings" is used interchangeably by some
people that know what they and they alone are referring to as one and the
same thing. The trouble comes when others mean two specifically different
things when they say "roof" and/or "ceiling". ;)
As a credit to Hunter though, if my *exterior, white enamel painted 'roof'*
began to sag I'd try her fix -- but we'd both have to be talking about the
same thing, a sagging trailer skin. Do old trailers get saggy skin? ;))
Sounds reasonable to me! ;))
Tom
WBCCI 5303
From: <JAuman2346@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
> Appears you guys are talking about two different white roofs. Some people
> with Airstreams paint the outside to keep the trailer cooler inside. I
> don't know
> what they use. Airstream started using a white padded ceiling inside
> around
> 1994. Some of these early models had trouble in hot weather when the heat
> caused the glue to let the ceiling drop. This happened in extremely hot
> climate
> such as Florida. The company recognized the problem and how use some type
> of new
> glue that they say does not cause this problem. Airstream says they used
> the
> padded ceilings to keep the noise down and to better insulate the
> trailers. We
> will see.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 23:50:43 -0500
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
Charlie,
So then you are saying that since Airstream began the use of white roof
sheeting on the widebodies *all* widebody trailers have white roofs from the
factory?
I don't get much of a chance to *see* the roofs of Airstream trailers except
my own when I'm on the second story of my home and the trailer is out of
it's "home" in it's garage. Before I bought our trailer I was sent pictures
that clearly showed the white roof -- I didn't know if it was white paint or
white rubberized material that just looked like it was 'painted' on the
roof.
I'd be curious to know though whether or not *all* widebodies have white
roofs. Would you know?
Tom
WBCCI 5303
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2005 6:58 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Charlie B re:white roofs on Airstreams
> Airstream started using the white roof sheet concurrent with the change
> to the wide body design.
> That redesign effort also included a major change in how they build the
> coach. Pre wide body the shell consisted of aluminum hoop frame ribs
> that were one piece from the floor on one side to the floor on the other
> side. When they jigged up two end caps and the side sheets were attached
> to the jig first followed by the ribs and then the whole thing was
> riveted together.
> Today the coach shell is made in 5 pieces: 2 ends, 2 sides and the top.
> The main pitch for the white roof was that it reduced sun loading by
> 8-10 degrees inside. Historically it was commonly used pre-air
> conditioning to improve inside comfort.
>
> As for care and feeding, dare I say it, the roof is easier to take care
> of than the sides. Think of it as the same treatment you use to wash
> your car or truck. Brush, soapy water and rinse. Do be sure the soap you
> use in not regular dish detergent rather a good car or RV wash product.
> Dish detergents these days have ammonia in them which is very hard on
> waxes or Walbernize.
>
> Hope this helps,
> Charlie
>
> Tom wrote:
>
>> Charlie,
>>
>> Thanks for your informative reply. When I wrote what I did I was not
>> aware of *what material* the white roof on our Airstream is/was made
>> of. All I know is that the roof is *white in color* except for the
>> end-caps which are the usual aluminum 'color' of the metal itself.
>>
>> I did not know whether or not Airstream even used a *rubber roof
>> material* but now I know that they don't use any rubber roofing
>> material at all. I'm thankful for that as I've heard both good and
>> bad things about those "rubber roofs". The flat roof RV's always did
>> have a problem with leaks eventually which is *why* I feel the
>> industry began to offer their "rubber solution" roofing material.
>>
>> Please tell me this, Charlie. Does the white roofed Airstream need
>> any specific "care" versus the usual all aluminum color "roof" that is
>> not painted? And you say the white color of my Airstream roof is
>> "baked enamel" which is good in my book -- but have there been any
>> delaminating problems with this design? Does Airstream still use the
>> baked on white enamel on any of their trailers?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Tom
>> WBCCI 5303
>>
>>
>>
>> From: "Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>>
>>
>>> Tom,
>>>
>>> A word of caution on the use of the term "rubber" roof. The industry
>>> does have an EPDM product used for roofing that looks and acts very much
>>> like rubber. Airstream does not use it, rather they have a baked enamel
>>> type coating applied to the roof sheet prior to assembly.
>>>
>>> Charlie
>>>
>>> Tom wrote:
>>>
>>>> Forrest,
>>>>
>>>> There are some Airstreams that have the white *rubber* roofs all
>>>> except for the end caps. My mid 90's FK Excella does indeed have a
>>>> white roof.
>>>>
>>>> Tom
>>>> WBCCI 5303
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> From: "Forrest McClure" <forrest@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [VAL] Covers
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> There's another issue to consider here -- a cover is an invitation to
>>>>> birds,
>>>>> mice, squirrels and other vermin to get not just under it, but inside
>>>>> your
>>>>> trailer. It makes is easy for them to do so. Climbing on cloth is a
>>>>> lot
>>>>> easier than climbing on aluminum. My neighbor had a SOB trailer with a
>>>>> rubber roof. The squirrels got under his cover and made a home of it
>>>>> and dug
>>>>> up and through the rubber roof. $5,000 damage. Granted, Airstreams
>>>>> don't
>>>>> have rubber roofs, but there is the refrigerator vent cover.
>>>>> Sometimes the
>>>>> screening is in place up there, sometimes it's not, but if it isn't a
>>>>> heavy
>>>>> enough gage they can dig or chew right through it and then they're
>>>>> inside
>>>>> your Airstream. It won't be pretty after they've made it their home
>>>>> for the
>>>>> winter.
>>>>>
>>>>> Forrest
>>>>
>>
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------
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>>
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>
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 21:02:53 -0800
From: "Helen Countryman" <helncoun@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #143
I'm not sure what your issue is. Here (in Southwest Snohomish county,
Washington - just North of Seattle) we have several specialty glass shops
that can cut glass to special shapes, including oval. They can cut regular
glass and tempered glass. On regular glass they can cut bevels.
We've had oval glass cut. All we have to do is make a precise paper
pattern, and they will match it in glass.
I would expect there must be places in Georgia which provide the same
service.
By the way, if the window frame indicates the glass has a SLIGHT simple
curvature, you don't need to find curved glass. Thin tempered glass can be
cut from flat stock then carefully bent and fitted to the frame. In the
late 1960s many Airstream trailers had slightly curved windows made from
flat tempered glass stock. A good glass shop should be able to help you
with this.
Lauren Countryman
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 23:08:24 -0500
> From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
> Subject: [VAL] Window question
>
> Hi gang,
>
> From time to time I receive questions from members who don't have internet
> access. I just got one that I wanted to pass on to ya'all. Please respond
> on-list. I will print and mail any answers.
>
> The trailer is a 1969 Overlander located in GA. Here is the question:
>
> Maybe you can help me: Someone broke the oval fixed window that is right
> by
> my door handle and under a push out window. My window measures 9 & 7/8 X
> 20
> & 5/8 (or 9/16). I have talked to people in Montevallo, AL and Corona CA.
> Both thought they had a window but it turned out their windows were too
> small. I am now trying to order a tempered glass - take out the frame I
> have
> and replace the glass in the original frame. Since I haven't found a
> window
> assembly I hope this will work. Do you have some suggestions?
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of VAL Digest V2 #143
> *************************
>
>
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>
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------------------------------
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2005 00:20:06 -0500
From: "kodiak66joe" <kodiak66joe@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Wedding Cake Tail Lamps and Trim Levels
Dan,
As the past owner of a '66 Overlander with "Wedding Cakes" I took care
to observe this feature on many other trailers of that era. Various types
of "weeding cake" tail lamps were used from the late '50's thru 1967. From
the late '50's thru 1964 (I think) they were the only tail lamps used. From
1965 thru 1967, they were the "base" tail lamps for the "Land Yacht" trim
level. '65 to '67 Airstreams equipped with the "International" trim package
received different rear lamps in metal housings. Non-International '68
models received a unique one year rear lamp treatment. And of course
everything changed in 1969 with the introduction of the new body styles.
Joe
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Greenlee"
. . . Wedding cake tail lights...are they a trim level? My '66, 26ft twin
has
'em along with an angled stove and a curbside folding stowable table. Other
photos show 'em on older trailers. . .
------------------------------
End of VAL Digest V2 #148
*************************
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