RE: [VAL] Airstream Unfriendly

["David Tidmore" <dtidmore@xxxxxxx>]

As the GM of an A/S dealership, I agree that parts for the older A/Ss is an
ongoing challenge.  But, I have found that if I work with the parts people
at Jackson Center, I can invariably come up with the correct part, assuming
it is still available.  The key is being able to describe the part, as well
as having the VIN of the rig in question (many times, the VIN is important
as some parts were specific to VIN #s).  ALL the old parts books are still
at A/S and they refer to them whenever appropriate.  A/S created an online
parts system for 1999 and later models that the dealer network now accesses
(sorry only dealers have access to the system).  Whenever there is a
question, A/S will fax me a drawing of what they think I want just to make
sure.  So, getting parts is not that big a deal, but it does take a dealer
with a fair depth of knowledge about the older rigs and the patience to work
through the process of identifying particular parts. 

When all efforts fail, I am fortunate to have a state of the art fabrication
shop just a few blocks away that can make/reproduce virtually anything (cost
is another issue). 

David Tidmore
GM Roger Williams Airstream
Weatherford, TX