The Vintage Airstream E-mail List
Archive Files
VACList-Digest Wednesday, April 24, 2002 Issue 283
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Airstream Lower Window Latch
2. Re: BX Rally in AUG
3. Re: two mount radio antenna
4. Cyclo polishing pads
5. DuoTherm Penguin A/C intereior trim plate
6. Re: TOYOTA PU PULLER
7. Re: TOYOTA PU PULLER
8. Aqua Magic next to toilet
9. Black Goop Cleaner
10. Re: Non-conventional pullers
11. Re: Black Goop Cleaner
12. Re: Tire Removal
13. jobs and more jobs
14. Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
15. Re: Non-conventional pullers
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message Number: 1
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 17:25:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: Gregory Paulsen <gregpaulsen@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Airstream Lower Window Latch
Bad news, haven't been available for many years, good news if you only need 2 use the center
ones from your front and rear window.
Greg Paulsen
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Games - play chess, backgammon, pool and more
------------------------------
Message Number: 2
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 11:16:29 +0000
From: "Doug Green" <doug_sue@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: BX Rally in AUG
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>
<P>Doug thank you . . . you said it all for me. To say I will be excited is an understatement. Since your diagnosis of "aluminumist" my fever has gotten worse. (: sue>------------------------------ </P></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Message Number: 2
<DIV></DIV>>Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 18:01:32 -0700 (PDT)
<DIV></DIV>>From: Doug Rowbottom <SHACKSMAN@xxxxxxxxxx.COM>
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: Re: OBX Rally in Aug.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Hi Sue;
<DIV></DIV>>You can tell us how great a park you work in and how
<DIV></DIV>>they have an indoor and outdoor pool and a great
<DIV></DIV>>meeting room. You can tell us how close the beach is
<DIV></DIV>>and how you can hear the waves roll in. You can tell
<DIV></DIV>>us about the interesting sites to see in the area and
<DIV></DIV>>how the pirates used to roam the shores years ago. You
<DIV></DIV>>can tell us about the Wright Brothers and their first
<DIV></DIV>>flight just up the road from your park. You can tell
<DIV></DIV>>us about the fishing pier right next to the park and
<DIV></DIV>>the great restaurants in the area.
<DIV></DIV>>Mostly you can tell us how excited you will be to see
<DIV></DIV>>40 Airstream trailers come rolling in through the
<DIV></DIV>>gates in August to be greeted by you and Doug and your
<DIV></DIV>>54 Safari.
<DIV></DIV>>I hope everyone that wants to get to a great summer
<DIV></DIV>>Rally gets their name in soon so they don't miss out
<DIV></DIV>>on this one.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Doug Rowbottom
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>End of VACList-Digest #280
<DIV></DIV>>************************************
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>To unsubscribe or change to a e-mail format format, please go to
<DIV></DIV>>http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: <a href='http://g.msn.com/1HM105401/43'>Click Here</a><br></html>
------------------------------
Message Number: 3
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 10:44:12 -0400
From: Jerry Jarrell <jdjarrell@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: two mount radio antenna
Brad Norgaard wrote:
> Jerry,
> I was there last Friday and looked at one still in the plastic bag. Computer
> showed an inventory of 16.
Brad,
I finally got Tim and he has one on the way to GA! The two other salespeople I
spoke with didn't seem to have a clue. Could have been the "Southern drawl!" :>)
Anyway, thanks and yell if I can help you in anyway.
Jerry
57 Overlander
------------------------------
Message Number: 4
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 10:50:23 -0400
From: Jerry Jarrell <jdjarrell@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Cyclo polishing pads
Anyone need some Cyclo polishing pads. I have 12 green -- 11 yellow -- 6 white.
Take all for $40. Don't need them anymore.
Jerry
57 Overlander
WBCCI & VAC
------------------------------
Message Number: 5
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 08:50:11 -0700
From: "Tim Shephard" <tim@telecom-pros.com>
Subject: DuoTherm Penguin A/C intereior trim plate
Is there an INTERIOR trim plate for the Penguin A/C that makes the inside
plate mate up nicely with the airstreams curved ceiling?
I have big gaps between the inside cover and the ceiling that look bad and
will also allow air in bypassing the filters.
It also rattles like crazy.
-Tim
------------------------------
Message Number: 6
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 11:22:32 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: TOYOTA PU PULLER
Dr. G.,
I've gotten considerable feedback from Toyota group and some individuals
on Airstream VAC list about pulling my 66 Safari with the smaller truck.
The truck manual cites 3500 pound limit with manual tranny and 350 lb.
tongue weight. The manual agrees with you to always start in 1st gear
though I have not yet found the gear ratios. Starting in first seems
obvious to me. I am planning to beef up the rear springs to help with the
added weight.
I am now satisfied that my truck will be more than adequate for light
pulling. This is so important for getting maintenance and even attending
rallies in the San Diego WBCC chapter.
Bob
Oceanside, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 9:19 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: TOYOTA PU PULLER
> Be very certain that the 3500 pound trailer towing rating for your truck
> is for the manual transmission. The problem with most manual
> transmission is that the spread of gear ratios is too small.
------------------------------
Message Number: 7
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 12:43:57 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: TOYOTA PU PULLER
That rating is more optimistic than Ford has for my '98 F-150 with the
small V-8 and a manual transmission. They rated it at only 2200 pounds
trailer towing though the bumper has higher ratings. The bumper also
says what the bumper will stand is not what the truck might tow. I use a
frame mounted hitch so the bumper is only along for bumper purposes.
Several years ago while truck shopping, I did find the transmission and
axle gear ratios for a Toyota truck but pulling hen's teeth was easier
to accomplish. There is a very slight chance that data is still here but
in which pile and how deep is far too difficult to convey. I won't be
looking. There's a chance that a truck repair manual in the library
might have those ratios. The Toyota salesman was able to come up with
figures from some reference in the dealership, but not instantly.
Another detail that affects the towing performance is the engine lugging
torque. My V-8 is not a lugging engine, it needs to turn fast to produce
horsepower, so the higher ratio axle gives it much better performance by
letting it turn faster for any given load and ground speed. Ford's
ratings from the factory 3.08 and 3.55 axles shows the 3.55
significantly better for the gross combination weight than the ratio of
the axles would indicate. That's probably due to the engine's speed
torque curve.
Gerald J.
--
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson. Reproduction by
permission only.
------------------------------
Message Number: 8
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 12:20:54 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Aqua Magic next to toilet
I found a small drip coming from the area where the water hoses converge
above the Thetford Slide-O-Matic in my 66 Safari. The leak seems to be
coming from under a small oval unit that can be seen from inside the
bathroom and is located behind the toilet. It is called a "Aqua Magic" and
I cannot find any way to remove this casing to get better access to the
problem area.
Anyone know about this system?
Bob
66 Safari in Oceanside
------------------------------
Message Number: 9
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 14:01:45 -0600 (MDT)
From: "Karl F. Larsen" <k5di@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Black Goop Cleaner
When your done with a polish on a section, if your good at it most
of the black stuff stays with the polisher bonnet. But there will be a
little still there and I found at Wal Mart Klean Strip Paint Thinner
selling for $1.89 per gallon! Put a little of this on a rag and the black
goop comes right off.
--
Yours Truly,
- Karl F. Larsen, k5di@xxxxxxxxxx.net (505) 524-3303 -
http://www.zianet.com/k5di/
------------------------------
Message Number: 10
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 13:56:25 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Non-conventional pullers
Dear Dr. G.,
Published ratings for motor vehicles should not be based on optimism but
rather on engineering and science. Is Toyota stretching the truth when the
rating a small PU at 3500lbs? Or is Ford compressing the truth (perhaps to
avoid liability) when they say their F-150 is rated at only 2200lbs.
I have heard stories of Ford's with six cylinder powerplants pulling 4000+
trailers over the Rockies. Today I received a message from a VAC lister who
said "I pulled my Globe Trotter cross country with a little bitty Toyota
pickup, up the passes and all and only used the bumper hitch that I got from
Toyota - worked fine if a bit slow on the grades.
I promise to always start in 1st gear . . . duhhhh:) when pulling my
trailer. I have also learned from the Toyota Group that air bags are the
best way to go for beefing the rear end.
I am changing the name of this thread because it has run it's course. New
name non-coventional pullers
------------------------------
Message Number: 11
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 14:00:23 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Black Goop Cleaner
Karl said:
> I found at Wal Mart Klean Strip Paint Thinner
> selling for $1.89 per gallon! Put a little of this on a rag and the black
> goop comes right off.
Karl,
Doesn't Klean Strip Paint Thinner remove the polish that you just
applied?
Bob
66 Safari in Oceanside
------------------------------
Message Number: 12
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 18:03:50 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire Removal
on 04/16/02 3:18 PM, donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:
I need to take one of my tires of, it has a slow leak. How do you jack up a
1976 31' Sovereign? The manual says there is a label on the frame to rear of
the tire(s). I did not see one.
Hi Don,
Don't bother with the jack, just drag out a piece of scrap wood as wide as
your tire tread and about 2 feet long, but not much longer. Then, stack
short (12") pieces of 2x4s crosswise under it to support the weight as you
back up onto the wide board. I usually put 4 of the shorties at the far end,
then 3, then 1 as I get closer to the tire. If I use a piece of wood longer
than 2.5 feet, the affected tire doesn't get high enough for me to remove
it. It works best when the trailer is level to begin with and not be on an
angle.
Another point. You didn't ask for this one.
While you have the wheel off, measure the width of the wheel well and notice
where the wheel well ends and the belly pan begins. This is the area where a
blown tire will cause noticeable damage. While you are trying to stop the
trailer and chunks of rubber are flying off the tire, the shredding rotation
of very sharp steel belts will expose the wooden floor where the plastic
wheel well ends and the floor begins.
This exposed area is where water will be forced inside your trailer while
towing during a rain storm. If it's raining when the tire blows, you'll put
on the spare and continue to a campground or truck stop or mall parking lot.
That's when water will get inside the flooring around the wheel well area
and onto your carpet. But, if it's not raining when the tire blows, you'll
have a chance of repairing the damage at the campground that evening or the
next morning.
Of course, you'll be prepared with a 2' x 2' (or 3' x 3') sheet of aluminum
that you bought at the hardware store before you left home. You'll have your
pop rivet gun (and a spare for when it jams) and a supply of fat pop rivets
(1/2 inch and 3/4 inch long), not the skinny ones. You'll have your jack and
pieces of wood to hold the cut piece of aluminum (12" by 12" or thereabouts)
while you shape and pop rivet it in place. You'll have your tube of caulking
to dress up the repair before you replace the wheel. Then, you'll continue
on your vacation, have a grand time and smile at your foresight.
"He who has the most stuff in his "stash box" has the most fun when things
go wrong."
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 13
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 18:03:54 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: jobs and more jobs
Hi Guys,
Today (04/23/02 Tuesday), we rolled into the campground at Stony Fork
National Forest in Wytheville, Virginia. Sites are assigned on a first come,
first serve basis. This is a convenient overnight stop for us as we make our
way north (15 minutes off I-81/I-77). Exact directions to the campground are
I-77 North to Exit 47, turn left on CR717 for 4 miles.
The National Forest Regional Office is nearby at Exit 80 off I-81. The small
brown signs directed us past the Flying J Gas Station along a frontage road
up to a new shopping mall and around in back of it. This office has more
National Forest information than any we've ever found. The staff have a
detailed grasp of each campsite in their Jefferson National Forest region.
There is another National Forest information center at Exit 175 off I-81.
We'll stop there on our next trip to visit our son in Louisiana.
After we found Stony Fork CG (10 miles from I-81) and paid our fee to the
iron cashier, I rode my bike around the campground. One of the two Host
families was packing up as though preparing to leave in the morning. After a
little chit chat, I learned they'd had a month of enjoying "back to nature"
and were going to resume winging it tomorrow. They like this particular
campground during April when Spring arrives. It is a pleasant place.
There are 49 campsites in a natural forest setting at the foot of Big Walker
Mountain. A brook (trout fishing) winds through the campground giving each
campsite a babbling brook. There are three categories of campsites, 1 -
without hookups, 2 - with electricity, and 3 - with water and electricity.
Each site has a picnic table, fire place, lantern post, paved road and spurs
into each campsite, pay phone, dump station, and rest rooms with warm
showers. There are three wheel chair accessible campsites, a one mile nature
trail and a trail to the top of Big Walker Mountain (for serious hiking).
What I didn't expect to learn was the National Forest provided them with a
free WES hookup site, a telephone, an electric golf cart and propane. For
this, they cleaned fireplaces, the bathrooms and refreshed the paper
supplies. The two host families schedule their shopping trips so one family
is always in the campground.
The Host told me where the National Forest Office was located and encouraged
us to go there and volunteer for his position starting tomorrow. He was
certain my wife and I would qualify and be hired on the spot.
We've been offered two jobs in two weeks. There are jobs and more jobs.
Anyone interested in this job should go directly to the park and see the
Campground Host. They will provide precise details.
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 14
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 18:03:55 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
on 04/21/02 12:01 PM, s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net wrote:
> As far as I know, P&S in Helena Ohio are the only ones that still clearcote
> Airstreams after polishing.
Oasis RV in Tucson, AZ still clearcote Airstreams after polishing. They did
ours two winters ago.
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 15
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 16:59:09 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Non-conventional pullers
It could easily be that the modern Ford engines (V-6 and small V-8) have
similar thrust (as multiplied by the transmission first gear and the
rear axle ratio and divided by tire radius) to the Toyota engine and
drive train. The recent Ford V engines have relatively low torque at low
speeds, the horsepower of the V-8 peaks at 4700 RPM. The F-150 and
smaller Ford 5 speed transmissions are poorly designed for real work
with too small a first gear (too fast) ratio. For my use, I sacrificed
total engine revolution life for trailer towing torque. I expected to
sacrifice gas mileage but didn't. The lighter weight of the small PU
makes the trailer part of the gross combination weight greater.
The 300 cubic inch in line Ford 6 cylinder engines had great low end
torque. I drove one once that had a 2.79 rear axle and an overdrive
transmission. At an indicated 55 in overdrive I could feel the power
stroke of each cylinder. (That truck had oversized tires to make it
faster than indicated). The engine was probably only running 1000 RPM...
I've had engines that idled that fast!
If the torqy in line 6 was coupled to a Warner T-19 transmission with a
6.5:1 granny gear, that combination would rate as much towing capacity
as the same engine with an automatic, and would perform better (in my
opinion). I had a 302 V-8 with that transmission and was very sad to
have the engine destroyed by the fuel pressure regulator.
There are other considerations in towing besides getting the rig started
up hill. When the tow vehicle is light, its tossed about by cross winds
which probably makes the use of equalizing and stabilizing hitches far
more important to the safety of rig and passengers. Then there's
stopping. The trailer brakes help a great deal, but the controller is
almost never ideal and its possible to loose control before the trailer
brakes engage (such as locking up the tow vehicle brakes in a panic
stop, or on a wet splash such as a stream running across a mountain
road) and the added push of the trailer can easily turn an "darn" into a
disaster.
If the four wheel drive can be run on dry pavement, its low range can
instantly double (thereabouts) the available thrust to give a
theoretical quite great trailer starting capability. On any other
surface the slipperiness of the surface (gravel or grass) probably
negates the added thrust because the tire friction just won't transfer
that added torque to the ground without slipping excessively unless the
truck is fairly heavy.
Air bags for suspension adjustments are always handy because they are
easy to adjust, when less capacity is needed. A PU rear end tends to be
light and having a stiff suspension on real roads (especially the local
corrugated gravel roads) can mean that the rear tires hit the road only
occasionally. My old F-350 had no shocks on the back and no bed for a
while and it could get to be a control problem with the duals in the air
more than on the road. Shocks (that weren't supplied equipment by Ford)
helped a great deal.
Stiffening rear springs won't compensate for the loss of weight on the
steering tires of the truck caused by the trailer tongue weight way out
back. That's the job of the equalizing hitch.
Gerald J.
--
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson. Reproduction by
permission only.
------------------------------
End of VACList-Digest #283
************************************
To unsubscribe or change to a e-mail format format, please go to
http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text