The Vintage Airstream E-mail ListDigest Archive Files
VAL Digest V2 #223
VAL Digest Wednesday, April 20 2005 Volume 02 : Number 223
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Topics in Today's Digest:
Re: [VAL] I need help!
Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
[VAL] Re: International
[VAL] Re: [A/S] Airstreams in the News
Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
Re: [VAL] I need help!
[VAL] drilling rivets
Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
[VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
[VAL] inexpensive camping in Palm Springs
Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
[VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
Re: [VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
Re: [VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
[VAL] Is this inexpensive enough? inexpensive camping in Palm Springs
Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 01:12:42 -0500
From: overlander64 <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] I need help!
Greetings Ilyssa!
> Hi, I'm Ilyssa. I need to sell my mother's 1967
Ambassador International (26'), but I have no idea of it's
value. I haven't a picture yet but here's what I know:
the furnace and 'Dometic' fridge installed in 1998 and used
approx. 5 times, original turquoise stove (in working
order), original mahogany wood paneling (in excellent
condition), couch/double bed replaced by futon with custom
fit cover (really comfy), holding tank is cracked, exterior
needs a good polish but is free of major dents/scratches.
Whew! I thought this would be a good place to start.
thanks!
>
> ------------------------------------------------
Probably the best place to start in establishing a baseline
value for your mother's coach is R. J. Dial's website on the
Price vs. Condition page -- see:
http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_topics_pricevscondition.html
The information on that page will give you an idea of the
major systems that buyers will be interested in as well as
areas that you might want to highlight when describing the
coach.
Good luck with your project!
Kevin
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Edlorado
Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 23:55:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: DAVID GRYVNAK <gryvnakd@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Thanks Tom. I intend to get the steel tire valves. However, I knew about the
steel valves and check my last blow out and the tire valve was still intact.
But it is good insurance.
Dave
Tom <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com> wrote:
Dave,
We have a 1969 29' International Ambassador. I recall something about the
weight of the trailer being about 5500 pounds I believe. That old trailer
pulled very easy. Years ago I put on Goodyear Marathon trailer tires but
we've had that trailer parked now for well over a dozen years, maybe more as
we use our 1995 34' Airstream Classic FK nowadays.
If you don't do anything else when you replace your tires do this - use
STEEL stems for your tire valves, the kind that use a nut to hold them in
place.
Rubber tire stems have a 65 psi rating (read that somewhere,maybe here)
which is NOT safe. There are NO rules that say you have to use a rubber
tire stem so why not pay the extra $1.00 or so that they'd cost over using
cheaper rubber stems that might blow out.
IF a rubber tire stem blows out of a wheel and the resulting damage from an
instantaneous blowout damages your trailer to the tune of $2,000.00 minimum
considering sheet metal, labor, wheel well repairs, etc. you will know you
should have spent the extra pocket change for those STEEL tire stems.
I truly believe that a lot of blowouts on travel trailers and other types of
trailers are due to rapid loss of air pressure resulting in super heating of
the tire carcass which then begins to fly apart. If you've seen tires on
race cars come apart then you've seen rapid loss of air pressure resulting
in tire shredding. And those fenders on those race cars? That could be
your Airstream sheet metal doing the same thing.
Ask anyone who's ever had a blown tire pointed out to them by passing
motorist if they felt a thing - most never do unless you are in a tunnel and
you are the only vehicle around to hear the explosion.
I would advise everyone to install STEEL tire stems - no matter the load you
carry in your trailers or how heavy or light your small to big trailers are
in size. One big pot-hole can cause enough of a jolt to increase the tire
pressure beyond that 65 psi threshold of rubber tire stems. A word to the
wise they say ...
Tom Meeker
WBCCI 5303
From: "DAVID GRYVNAK"
> Scott,
> I have a 1960 22ft Safari Land Yatch with a single axel. It weights in
> at 4900 # too and I use the same tires as you do. But I've had five
> blowouts in the last nine years. I'm considering going to a load range E
> tire if I can find one.
> But my rig does not whip at all when a big truck comes by and on each
> of those blow outs it ran straight as an arrow. I have a Reese equalizer
> hitch with two sway controlls that I swear by. I pull our silver bullet
> with a Chevy Suburban 350 and have not had any trouble.
>
> Dave Gryvnak GryvnakD@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>
> Scott Scheuermann wrote:
> Dave,
>
> Loaded, ready for the road my '60 Overlander tips the scales at 4700...OK,
> that was before kids...so probably closer to 4900 now. My tow vehicle is
> rated for 10,000 so I'm not sweating the extra weight!
>
> I use (and have used for 20+ years with good sucess) Goodyear Marathon
> tires, ST225-75-R15, load range D. These tires are not quite as tall as
> the
> original bias ply truck tires (I forget the size), but I want radials and
> locally Goodyear has been the only source. I know that a lot of people
> swear
> AT them, but I swear BY them!
>
> Scott
Dave
GryvnakD@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Dave,
GryvnakD@xxxxxxxxxx.com
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:49:46 -0400
From: Patricia Raimondo <praimondo@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Re: International
Hey Scott!
When are you leaving for Springfield so that I may find you at a rest stop
along the way!!! I needed you last year to follow so that I could find my way!!
Patti
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:02:25 -0500
From: Blair <hitek_airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Re: [A/S] Airstreams in the News
>BTY -
>For Anyone comming in early or hanging out after the International in the
>Branson Area -
>My Mini-Airstream Park has got three sites with Full hook ups (30/50Amps,
>water, sewer) Two are available as I'm using one.All sites are oriented
>for SAt TV and Internet
There's also one driveway "Site" with water, sewer, and shared 30 Amps
Service(Long cord needed) and one dry spot available.
Also a 3/2 house with great party deck.
I'm located half way between Branson and Eureka Springs in an area called
Trace Hollow near the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
> Call or email if interested
Blair
417-779-2099
www.prepaidlegal.com/idt/blair
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 11:38:48 EDT
From: Dillonvdill@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
It would be wonderful to see more VAC members tow their vintage units with
vintage cars, especially on Route 66. Who among us tows with a vehicle within a
couple of years age of their units? Maybe I should get a vintage car for my
'52 Cruiser. I love the '53 '54 Buicks and the '52 and '53 Cadillacs. How
bout a '55 Pontiac wagon with a canoe on top?
Vanessa
'52 Cruiser
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 09:42:37 -0600
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
How about, in of all places, Gillette, Wy. The city runs what it calls
the Camp-Plex.
Over 3,000 30A service sites (yes I said 3,000). Inside meeting places
for 4,500, 1,500, over 900 respectively, outside seating for several
thousand at their racetrack/concert site, easy Interstate access. Every
thing within easy walking distance. Of course there are only 70+
resturants and "nothing to do in the area". Which is why International
planners have turned it down 3 times.
William Kerfoot wrote:
> Lets see, for each unit you need a space at least 50' long (30'
> trailer and 20' tow vehicle or 35' motorhome and 15' toad) and a space
> 20' wide or 1000 SF. Double this to have drive aisle space and that
> would be 2000 SF per attendee. 1300 attendees would be 2,600,000 SF
> or 60 acres. In addition you need a conference building which will
> hold 2600 people. So I would guess that a 100 acre site should work.
> You also need electricity, at 30 amps per vehicle only 39,000 amps
> (Dr. Johnson can tell us how to set that up), water and sewer hookups.
>
> Any guess as to how many locations in the contiguous 48 states have
> these facilities available? I would think not many.
>
> Bill Kerfoot
> WBCCI/VAC #5223
> 1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon
> 1977 Lincoln Continental
> 1979 23' Airstream Safari
> and soon a 1954 double door Liner
> Orange, CA
>
> http://www.tompatterson.com/gallery/Bill-Beth-1979-Safari
>
>
>
> Tom wrote:
>
>> With a country as L-A-R-G-E as the good old U S of A it is difficult
>> to imagine that our Club can't find an area where we wouldn't have to
>> be split up and parked as far away as 1/2 mile from each other.
>> Can't they do this ? ? ?
>
>
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> Inc, Thor Inc, the VAC, or the WBCCI.
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:00:07 -0500
From: Gerald <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
On Tue, 2005-04-19 at 00:36 -0400, Tom wrote:
> What a fiasco! LOL !!!
>
> Fried a few air conditioners, dumped raw sewage into a manhole cover opening
> on top of what probably was electric or steam power lines ...
>
> I bet the County hasn't had those people back again - not that they'd even
> want to come back again after they "brought the county park to its knees ...
> " :)
>
> You get the award for the funniest post tonight, Dr G. ;))))))
>
> Tom Meeker - who was "thinking" that power to a group of Airstreamers could
> be supplied by some *rental generator trucks* instead. Can't that be done?
>
The county hired me to design proper wiring for that campground and then
hired a contractor who actually did rewire it to my specifications. I
suggested they needed to raise their camping charge from $8 a night to
cover that cost. I don't know whether they did.
The misidentified manhole wasn't at the county park, I recall it was at
a major Airstream gathering last year, maybe the International, and it
was a storm sewer that ran untreated into a nearby stream.
Yes generators can be rented, the local distribution is the major task.
The quieter the generators the more easily they can be dispersed about
the gathering. One has to trade off the cost of generator and fuel
compared to getting power from the local utility because fuel costs for
a generator tend to run twice the cost per KWH as buying from the
utility.
- --
Gerald J.
Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer
WBCCI #5623, VAC
All content copyright.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 12:25:59 -0500
From: overlander64 <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
Greetings Vanessa!
> It would be wonderful to see more VAC members tow their
vintage units with vintage cars, especially on Route 66.
Who among us tows with a vehicle within a couple of years
age of their units? Maybe I should get a vintage car for
my '52 Cruiser. I love the '53 '54 Buicks and the '52 and
'53 Cadillacs. How bout a '55 Pontiac wagon with a canoe
on top? Vanessa
> '52 Cruiser
>
> ----------------------------------------------
Unless my Cadillac does a last-minute "swan-song", I will be
towing my '78 Minuet 6.0 Metre with my '75 Cadillac Eldorado
Convertible. The down-side is that to be safe and reliable,
a Vintage automobile will need modifications varying from
minor to extensive to prepare it for towing.
Most automobile manufactured prior to 1972 do not have the
specially hardened valve seats to prevent recision in a
motor designed to run on unleaded fuel -- when such a motor
is subjected to towing without the addition of the hardened
valve seats (a machine shop operation that cost in excess of
$1,200 for my '65 Dodge in 1980 when I began using it to tow
my '80 Nomad 19' light-weight special). Beyond that the
modifications aren't quite as expensive but necessary just
the same -- my Cadillac already had the unleded fuel ready
motor (it was the first year for 48-state catalytic
converters) -- its modifications included a 4-row core heavy
duty radiator to replace the standard 3-row core model, a
heavy duty 12,000 pound external transmission fluid cooler,
a heavy duty Delcotron Alternator/voltage regulator, new
springs for the rear and rebuilt torsion bars for the front,
new heavy duty shocks all around, a heavy duty fan clutch,
and a custom weld-up receiver style hitch. You can see
photos of both my '65 Dodge (towing the 1980 Nomad) and '75
Cadillac (towing the '64 Overlander) at:
http://www.airstreamforums.com/photos/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=827
I will be caravanning to the International in Springfield
with the Wagon Wheels group. A portion of our route follows
Route 66.
Kevin
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400
VORTEC/2.70 Final Drive)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado
Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:31:41 -0700
From: "Gary Quamen" <g_quamen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
> I intend to get the steel tire valves. However, I knew about the steel
valves and check my last blow out and the tire valve was still intact. But
it is good insurance.
>
> Dave
When I was looking for the 10 ply info, I ran across the 1954 Care Manual.
I took a look at it and found this that you might find interesting.
"We recommend tire pressures of 35 lbs for the smaller models, and 40 to 45
lbs for the larger models when the tires are cold. Check your tire pressure
often enough to maintain it at this figure. It is best for you to carry a
little tire pressure gauge with you. If you keep your tires at just about
the right pressure, your chances of having difficulties are very remote. If
you have puncture proof tubes, and you notice that you have a slow drop in
pressure, you know that you have a slow leak. The thing to do is to look
your tire over carefully and pull out the naiil or whtever it is that is
causing the slow leak. The tire will then heal itself.
Pretty low tech, huh?
I have bias ply 700 x 15 - 8 ply rated LT tires on my single axle trailer as
originally specified and keep them at 45 lbs (also specified). I have never
had trouble with them and they run cool. I have no need steel valve stems.
Why run them at 65 lbs (max pressure)?
GQ '67 Safari
4082 in CA
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 12:33:52 -0500
From: overlander64 <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Wayne Re: Vintage Airstream Club International
Greetings!
> The misidentified manhole wasn't at the county park, I
recall it was at a major Airstream gathering last year,
maybe the International, and it was a storm sewer that ran
untreated into a nearby stream.
>
> Gerald J.
> Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer
> WBCCI #5623, VAC
> All content copyright.
>
> -----------------------------------------------
It was at the International Rally in Lansing. The first
designated "wash water" disposal location turned out to be
the storm rather than sanitary sewer (it was so very
convenient to the VAC parking area). It became evident
within the first two or three days that something was amiss
as there was a very persistent odor when the wind was from a
particular direction -- very noticeable in the row where I
was parked. As it turned out, the sanitary sewer was
actually about a block further away, but still not too very
far from the Vintage parking area.
Kevin
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Edlorado
Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 11:50:07 -0700
From: "ilyssa exley" <ilyssaexley@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] I need help!
Kevin,
thanks for the tip. It was really helpful!
ilyssa
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 15:04:12 -0500
From: "Chaplain Kent" <Chaplainkent@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] drilling rivets
Leaves
This is an after the fact question since I must have drilled out 10,000 rivets
in my 75 Tradewind. Today I started an interior remodel of my motorhome and am
facing hundreds of rivets. I know what my method is but thought maybe someone
has a better method.
Chaplain Kent
[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/gif which had a name of aleabanr.gif]
[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Leaves Bkgrd.jpg]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 16:40:09 -0400
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
Kevin,
Where did you have your hitch done on your Eldorado? The only guy here in
the Greater Cleveland area who fabricates hitches will not touch my '65
Imperial Crown...not because of the condition of the car, but because he
does not trust his workmanship! (and the possibility of a lawsuit)
Scott
From: "overlander64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> and a custom weld-up receiver style hitch.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 16:02:09 -0600
From: "Randy Unter" <runter@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Vanessa, I have a 26' Overlander with empty weight of 4200# but tow weight
of 5K. When heading into the mountains, I use a Ford PS Diesel that pulls
with authority. However, most folks don't want to drive a diesel truck in
everyday use, including myself. Diesels aren't very efficient in stop and go
traffic.
Two years ago, my 960 Volvo was costing me more that I cared to deal with so
I sold it and searched for the ultimate "Swiss Army knife" vehicle. By that,
I wanted a vehicle that would provide the comfort, safety and handling of my
Volvo 960, have lower maintenance costs, be maneuverable in city parking
situations, get good mileage, go through the snow AND tow 7000#. For sure I
thought that vehicle did not exist. I poured over spec sheets for vehicles,
read highway and insurance test results, reviewed automotive and truck
testing magazines, until surprisingly I found a handful of vehicles that
appeared to meet the test.
They included the Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Ford Explorer (all
with V8's), plus possibly the GM Tahoe and Yukon. I then headed to the
dealers to actually test drive the vehicles. The Aviator was beautiful and
expensive; the Mountaineer and Explorer performed nearly the same at much
lower costs. The Tahoe/Yukon were very nice but I found the brakes "spongy"
and not up to Volvo stopping standards (the Explorer/Mountaineer stop from
60 mph in 127 feet!).
So I bought the Mountaineer AWD with V8 and tow package, which I use for my
daily drive in Denver's awlful traffic. It's a great vehicle with the
comfort of a 960 or better, very maneuverable (36' turning radius, same as a
Honda Civic), averages 16-17 mpg in city, 22 highway, drives on cheap
regular, and is very reliable.
Last summer I towed my Overlander, loaded up to the Rocky Mountian VAC rally
in Colorado Springs, requiring a tow up over 7400' Monument pass in 85+
degree weather. My wife was using the truck for her horse events, so I was
stuck with the Mountaineer. To my surprise, not only did the Mountaineer
perform well, but pulled the pass and handled the cross winds with stability
at highway speeds.
So if you are looking for a single vehicle that does it all, I recommend the
Explorer/Mountaineer (essentially the same vehicle) or the Aviator if you
want to splurge. In '06, the Mountaineer/Explorer V8 will have the new
6-speed automatic and 300 hp engine that gets better mileage, so it should
be a winner and tow even better. The Aviator will downsize to a small car
based vehicle in '06, unsuitable for our towing uses.
Randy Unter
VAC '05 RM Rally Rally organizer
VAC Region 11 Rep
VAC 3rd VP
'66 Overlander
'73 Sovereign
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 13:19:52 EDT
From: Dillonvdill@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL]
Thanks for the advice Scott!
My 25' cruiser is a single axle and yes, it does have a long overhang in
the
rear. The axle is almost in the center of the trailer and being that it is
a
park model, (no water or black water tanks) I'm going to put a water tank
in the front under the couch for better front to rear balance. BTW the
Volvo
960 weighs 3,600 lbs. We are not going to be full timers and do not plan
to
bring a lot of books or canned goods but do plan to weigh the trailer a few
times while we load it to keep the weight under 3,500 lbs. I've also been
thinking of getting an old Ford Fairlane with a 289 in it. Your Dodge
Cummins
sounds terrific!
Vanessa
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:04:06 EDT
From: Dillonvdill@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Thanks for the Tip Randy,
I starting to think of pulling my 1989 Towncar out of the barn. It used to
get 26 mpg on the highway solo and it used to do well with my '58 Overlander.
I don't know if I want to put the money in it, it needs some minor body work
and a paint job among other things and I would want to start with a new 5
litre (302). Out of curiosity, has anyone tried a supercharger on a 302? I
know that a Volvo with a turbo charger gets up to 35mpg versus 26 mpg for a non
blown version. I would think that the extra power would mean a lighter foot
on the gas and better milege. Sorry for dancing around in circles folks with
the ideas and questions!
Vanessa
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:46:12 EDT
From: Indy116@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] inexpensive camping in Palm Springs
Hello every one .....I hope someone can assist us about inexpensive
places to camp in Palm Springs we will only be there for a couple of days it's sort
of a test run ....and we would appreciate all the info anyone can offer
thanks much ...
Mary & INDIANA
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:42:08 -0500
From: overlander64 <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Scott S re: the Mother Road and Economical Tow Vehicles
Greetings Scott!
> Kevin,
>
> Where did you have your hitch done on your Eldorado? The
only guy here in the Greater Cleveland area who fabricates
hitches will not touch my '65 Imperial Crown...not because
of the condition of the car, but because he does not trust
his workmanship! (and the possibility of a lawsuit)
>
> Scott
>
>
> From: "overlander64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>
> > and a custom weld-up receiver style hitch.
>
> -----------------------------------------------
I can't find the gentleman's name, but he is the owner of
Aledo Muffler & Repair, 405 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL
61231. Phone: 309-582-3637
It seems like he is fabricating a hitch nearly every time
that I visit his shop, and the hitches always appear to be
very well crafted -- the one on my Eldorado has performed
flawlessly.
Shortly after having this gentleman fabricate my hitch, I
was also told that another neighborin shop also fabricates
custom hitchs (I aslo did quite a bit of business with them
on other projects, but not hitches). That shop's
information is as follows: Cokel's Welding Shop - Muffler
Shop, 1802 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231. Phone:
309-582-3227.
I also had tremendous difficulty finding a shop that would
consider custom hitch work, but Aledo Muffler certainly did
a nice job with the project on my Eldorado.
Kevin
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400
vortec/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado
Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 02:47:57 +0000
From: estatewagons@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: [VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
I've also been
> > thinking of getting an old Ford Fairlane with a 289 in it. Your Dodge
> Cummins
> > sounds terrific!
> > Vanessa
>
> ------------------------------
> Hi Vanessa - I could talk about vintage tow rigs until the cows come home...but
will try to keep it a little shorter than that...
Personally - I'm a fan of vintage station wagons for towing.
I would hope you'd do some more homework on the Fairlane. The 289 is a good engine -
but the 1960's Fairlane was a light weight mid-sized vehicle - and in my experience -
the front suspensions are light and not much fun to steer if everything is not just right
(i.e a brand new vehicle way back when...) If you load it up - even with a good
hitch...it's just not a very sophisticated system for it's era. Also - if you are
looking at a 2-door coupe - they have a long overhang. Add in the age of the rear
springs...and you have the potential for a lot of white knuckle driving...
I'd recommend researching a vehicle in which the suspension design is up to the job -
assuming it's in good shape. Study up on transmissions....the 1960's cars had many
designs to choose from...and some were great and some were pretty light and simple.
A lot of small Fords and Chevys had only 2-speed automatics. Some big Chevys even had
only 2 speed automatics. Chrysler was known for a great automatic - the Torqueflite -
in it's big series - and GM did well with it's big automatics (3 speed Turbo-Hydramatics-
and 4 speeds in their older senior series vehicles.) (I'd stay away from the older 4-speed
automatics unless you really like automotive design...and paying for the privelege of
repairing one...) (I happen to love the sound of an old 4-speed Hydro-matic shifting up
through it's gears in a pre-1964 Cadillac....but....I have a favorite old 1963 Cadillac
that has been sitting for years...waiting for me to get around to rebuilding it's
transmission..it "lost" two of it's four forward gears years ago....)
Where was I? Oh - the Ford's of the mid-60's had Cruise-o-matics in many of their cars -
3-speeds with a sort of weird layout to the shift quadrant - but if I towed with a 60's
Ford - I'd want a late 60's big block 390/428 with a C-6 automatic (the C-6 was Ford's
big automatic)
So - to recap - check out the best suspension designs - check out the best brake and
suspension designs - check out the best transmission designs...and then make sure the
package they come in does not have a humongous overhang to the tail end!
Ask me off line...if you want me to rattle on some more...!
Best Wishes - RL
1957 Flying Cloud
1977 Mercury Colony Park
1975 Mercury Colony Park
1969 Ford Country Squire
1967 Oldsmobile Toronado
1965 Ford Country Squire
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1965 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible
1964 Dodge 440 Wagon
1963 Cadillac Fleetwood
1960 Cadillac Sedan deVille
1951 Willys Jeepster...
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 20:55:34 -0700
From: William Kerfoot <wkerfoot@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
RL,
You are correct, the Chrysler 727 and the Ford C6 are great
transmissions. I have the 727 in my PowerWagon and the C6 in the
Lincoln. Don't forget the big block goes all the way to 460CI.
PS: have you added to your stable since your last post? The list is
getting long.
Bill Kerfoot
WBCCI/VAC #5223
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon
1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Airstream Safari
and soon a 1954 double door Liner
Orange, CA
http://www.tompatterson.com/gallery/Bill-Beth-1979-Safari
estatewagons@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:
>
>
>Personally - I'm a fan of vintage station wagons for towing.
>Some big Chevys even had only 2 speed automatics. Chrysler was known for a great
automatic - the Torqueflite - in it's big series - and GM did well with it's big automatics
(3 speed Turbo-Hydramatics- and 4 speeds in their older senior series vehicles.) (I'd stay
away from the older 4-speed automatics unless you really like automotive design...and paying
for the privelege of repairing one...) (I happen to love the sound of an old 4-speed
Hydro-matic shifting up through it's gears in a pre-1964 Cadillac....but....I have a favorite
old 1963 Cadillac that has been sitting for years...waiting for me to get around to rebuilding
it's transmission..it "lost" two of it!
>'s four forward gears years ago....)
>
>Where was I? Oh - the Ford's of the mid-60's had Cruise-o-matics in many of their cars -
3-speeds with a sort of weird layout to the shift quadrant - but if I towed with a 60's Ford -
I'd want a late 60's big block 390/428 with a C-6 automatic (the C-6 was Ford's big automatic)
>
>...
>
>Best Wishes - RL
>
>1957 Flying Cloud
>1977 Mercury Colony Park
>1975 Mercury Colony Park
>1969 Ford Country Squire
>1967 Oldsmobile Toronado
>1965 Ford Country Squire
>1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
>1965 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible
>1964 Dodge 440 Wagon
>1963 Cadillac Fleetwood
>1960 Cadillac Sedan deVille
>1951 Willys Jeepster...
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>This e-mail list is not sponsored by or affiliated in any way with Airstream
>Inc, Thor Inc, the VAC, or the WBCCI.
>
>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, 19 Apr 2005 22:17:33 -0500
From: Gerald <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Vanessa and 289 Fairlanes
On Tue, 2005-04-19 at 20:55 -0700, William Kerfoot wrote:
> RL,
>
> You are correct, the Chrysler 727 and the Ford C6 are great
> transmissions. I have the 727 in my PowerWagon and the C6 in the
> Lincoln. Don't forget the big block goes all the way to 460CI.
>
> PS: have you added to your stable since your last post? The list is
> getting long.
>
> Bill Kerfoot
> WBCCI/VAC #5223
I have a vintage tow vehicle, but I don't think I'll use it. Its a '65
F-350 with flat bed. It has either a 332 or a 390 big block with a New
Process 435 4 speed manual transmission and a rear axle from a bigger
truck, 5.13 ratio. The fellow I bought it from claimed it had a 390
block. There's no way to tell without opening the engine up. The heads
were used on both engines that year. With duals on that heavy duty axle,
it doesn't pass many filing stations. The 15 gallon tank (behind the
seat INSIDE the cab) doesn't go far at 9 mpg. I got it down to 8 once
hauling 165 bales of alfalfa hay on a hay rack behind it some 16 miles
at 16 mph, and then I returned at 65 mph for another rack. Nothing but
go is powered, not steering, not brakes. Fortunately the steering wheel
has a large diameter. In granny gear it moves at 2 mph idling. When
stuck I get out and push and then can walk to catch up with it. I think
it would pull a double hitch of 31' Airstreams, though it couldn't pass
any filling stations. The most I've had behind it so far was 13,800
pounds of wagon and oats. That didn't even warm it up on July day in
Iowa.
- --
Gerald J.
Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer
WBCCI #5623, VAC
All content copyright.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 01:33:45 -0400
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] Is this inexpensive enough? inexpensive camping in Palm Springs
http://www.cherryvalleyresort.com/contact.html
This is pretty good. You can camp for 3 nights for only $19.95
Go to this URL and fill out the form. Their offer *includes a 90-minute
tour* of the place. We did that once in California when we flew out and
rented a motorhome in Los Angeles - a free battery operated television with
a 5" screen was their "Thank you!" to us for doing so. Oh, and we stayed
for under $10.00 one day I believe.
Tom
WBCCI 5303
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <Indy116@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 9:46 PM
Subject: [VAL] inexpensive camping in Palm Springs
> Hello every one .....I hope someone can assist us about inexpensive
> places to camp in Palm Springs we will only be there for a couple of days
> it's sort
> of a test run ....and we would appreciate all the info anyone can offer
> thanks much ...
>
>
>
>
>
> Mary & INDIANA
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> This e-mail list is not sponsored by or affiliated in any way with
> Airstream
> Inc, Thor Inc, the VAC, or the WBCCI.
>
> 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: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 01:51:20 -0400
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
Vanessa,
You can put a super-charger on a gasoline engine and a *turbo-charger* on a
diesel engine. To put a turbo-charger on a gas engine you'd have the
exhaust gases power it. That isn't very practical but I imagine it could be
done but for what reason I don't know.
The super-charger is engine powered by the crankshaft and packs air into the
engine - and then you just pour lots of fuel in to get the correct air/fuel
ratio.
At one time I asked if you could put *both* a super-charger and a
turbo-charger on the same engine; I was told sure, but what for? ;))
That Volvo you refer to with a turbo-charger; with that kind of mileage are
you talking diesel engine here?
Tom
WBCCI 5303
Subject: Re: [VAL] Economical Tow Vehicles
> Thanks for the Tip Randy,
> I starting to think of pulling my 1989 Towncar out of the barn. It used
> to
> get 26 mpg on the highway solo and it used to do well with my '58
> Overlander.
> I don't know if I want to put the money in it, it needs some minor body
> work
> and a paint job among other things and I would want to start with a new 5
> litre (302). Out of curiosity, has anyone tried a supercharger on a 302?
> I
> know that a Volvo with a turbo charger gets up to 35mpg versus 26 mpg for
> a non
> blown version. I would think that the extra power would mean a lighter
> foot
> on the gas and better milege. Sorry for dancing around in circles folks
> with
> the ideas and questions!
> Vanessa
------------------------------
End of VAL Digest V2 #223
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