The Vintage Airstream E-mail List
Archive Files
VACList-Digest Sunday, April 28, 2002 Issue 287
Today's Topics:
1. Re: new frig
2. Re: new frig
3. Battery box
4. Re: grey tank puzzler
5. Re: grey tank puzzler
6. Airstream Books
7. Re: Bowen water heater and Names For Sale
8. Re: Battery box
9. Re: Battery box
10. Re: Airstream Books
11. Re: Battery box
12. Re: Battery box
13. Replacement for folding vinyl curtains
14. Re: grey tank puzzler
15. Re: Battery box
16. Generator Questions
17. Re: Replacement for folding vinyl curtains
18. Re: Generator Questions
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message Number: 1
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 18:09:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: Gregory Paulsen <gregpaulsen@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: new frig
I think I'd shy away from the Norcold, they've had 3 MAJOR recalls in the last 4-5 years, costing them big bucks.
Greg Paulsen
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness
------------------------------
Message Number: 2
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 22:10:57 -0400
From: Bob Patterson <bpatt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: new frig
Hi All,
Thanks for the refrigerator info...I'm going to get the Dometic. A local RV
dealer is having a Grand opening and offering 20% off.
Bob Patterson
At 06:09 PM 4/27/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>I think I'd shy away from the Norcold, they've had 3 MAJOR recalls in the
>last 4-5 years, costing them big bucks.
>
>Greg Paulsen
>
>
>
>Do You Yahoo!?
><http://rd.yahoo.com/welcome/*http://health.yahoo.com>Yahoo! Health - your
>guide to health and wellness
------------------------------
Message Number: 3
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 21:03:58 -0500
From: Dick and Kris Parins <dkparins@ez-net.com>
Subject: Battery box
Anybody have a battery box that would fit a 1962 Bambi? Mine is long gone.
I have seen pictures of them but I do not understand what kind of battery
would fit in a box with a sloping bottom. Can someone fill me in?
Dick
1962 Bambi
------------------------------
Message Number: 4
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 20:31:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Cathleen Day <cathleendaytx@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: grey tank puzzler
Thank you, Jim and Mitch for helping me solve this one! How do I check the grey tank vent?? I know where it is. Do I blow air in it or water? If it is clogged, how do I clean it?? What is the best way to do this job? Thanks, again!
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness
------------------------------
Message Number: 5
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 04:06:18 +0000
From: "Frank M. 'Mitch' Hill" <fmhill@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
Subject: Re: grey tank puzzler
At 20:31 04/27/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>Thank you, Jim and Mitch for helping me solve this one! How do I check
>the grey tank vent?? I know where it is. Do I blow air in it or
>water? If it is clogged, how do I clean it?? What is the best way to do
>this job? Thanks, again!
. .
I have used two methods of de-clogging the vent, first is a "Plumber's
snake", a rugged piece of wire with a spiral screw like section bent at one
end, you insert
this spiral end from the top going down toward the tank, usually the
blockage is
a clump of leaves or pine needles, the idea being to screw it into this
clump and break it up or pull it back out.
The other method is to get a jug of liquid "Draino" and pour it into the
vent, let it sit a day, then use a garden hose to flush the vent and tank
out.
In either case, a good flushing with the garden hose should be the last
step of the process.
Here in New England, I have found a annual spring flushing of the vents is
a good idea to be sure leaves and pine needles, especially hemlock needles
have not become sequestered in the vent pipes (3 vents on my Ambassador)...
Mitch Hill - WA1YKN / AFA1HN
64 AS Ambassador I'ntl
WBCCI #21960
------------------------------
Message Number: 6
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 00:40:48 EDT
From: KPrice6163@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Airstream Books
I have the Airstream Book by Bryan Burkhart and David Hunt. Is there a source
for the 1984 Airstream book by Robert Landau and James Philippi? I heard
there was a new book coming out? Is it out yet? Thanks.
------------------------------
Message Number: 7
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 08:36:00 -0400
From: "Rick Langer" <farreach@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Bowen water heater and Names For Sale
Thanks RJ, your advice was very helpful as usual. As it turns out, because
the knob was detached and the little metal clip keeper didn't stop the knob
in the right place, I was pushing the knob too far in and hitting the stops,
thus perventing the gas control (off/pilot/on) from being set in the correct
position. Once I figured this out, well really my son figured it out, the
burner works fine. I think a new knob will make it like new. I'll look for
one.
Rick Langer
'66 GlobeTrotter
p.s. Let me apologize to Ewan, for I too had a violent reaction to his post
of trying to sell something without any value-add.
>Message Number: 21
>Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 09:57:53 -0700
>From: RJ.Dial@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Subject: Re: Bowen water heater
>
>Rick,
>The valve will continue to turn 360degs without the knob. It's the
>knob/external stop that provides the detents, combined with the push to
>turn operation of the valve. The shaft is indexed to the knob flat.
>You may be trying to light the pilot not in the pilot position, and as
>soon as you release, it will go out. The Honeywell control used by
>Bowen has many parts still available at small appliance parts
>distributors (the places you go to get oven elements, etc), and the
>knob is one of them. That control was used on almost every
>1950's-1980's gas appliance (Robertshaw was #2).
>RJ
>'65 Caravel (w/Honeywell control)
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: farreach@xxxxxxxxxx.net [mailto:farreach@xxxxxxxxxx.net]
>Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 4:46 AM
>To: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net
>Subject: [VAC] Bowen water heater
>
>
>Help! I have a Bowen water heater with Honeywell controlls. The
>on/off/pilot knob has fallen off and I can't determine what position
>the controls are in. Turning the knob shaft, in both directions, I
>can't find any stops. It just keeps turning. I can fire up the burner
>by putting the knob on and pushing it in, but no matter how long I hold
>it in, when I let go everything goes out.
>Does anyone have ideas about this or maybe your knob has fallen off too.
>Thanks,
>Rick Langer
>'66 GlobeTrotter
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 8
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 09:10:08 -0400
From: "Larry Foy" <foyboy99@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Battery box
what size does it look to be 20x4"? I don't think they make a sloped bottom
battery. Maybe the bottom piece is also missing.. I had to make my own
cover too .
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dick and Kris Parins" <dkparins@ez-net.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2002 10:03 PM
Subject: [VAC] Battery box
> Anybody have a battery box that would fit a 1962 Bambi? Mine is long
gone.
> I have seen pictures of them but I do not understand what kind of battery
> would fit in a box with a sloping bottom. Can someone fill me in?
>
> Dick
> 1962 Bambi
>
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 9
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 08:07:18 -0700
From: Patrick Ewing <pre52@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Battery box
Dick,
I have long owned a 1961 Bambi with the battery box that is mounted just below
the front window.
The battery box is supposed to have a flat bottom. Just the side walls are
slanted. The type of battery that's supposed to be used is an old style
commercial style that fork lifts & tractors use.
Two years ago I moved my propane tanks forward and mounted a good sized battery
box on the trailer tongue just behind the tanks. I am now using a good sized
deep cycle battery and there's a world of difference.
I would recommend that you install a modern battery box and go with the deep
cycle battery.
Pat
Dick and Kris Parins wrote:
> Anybody have a battery box that would fit a 1962 Bambi? Mine is long gone.
> I have seen pictures of them but I do not understand what kind of battery
> would fit in a box with a sloping bottom. Can someone fill me in?
>
> Dick
> 1962 Bambi
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 10
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 08:27:11 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Airstream Books
Your VAC website has all the current information on Airstream Books,
including the new one by Bryan. I've seen it (advance copy) - its a keeper,
and a must have beautiful book!
http://www.airstream.org/reading.html
The Robert Landau and James Philippi book is out of print, but copies pop up
on ebay and Pacific Rim Books and other used book dealers from time to time.
I think the book is boring myself....
RJ
VAC Webmaster and independent Book Critic
> From: KPrice6163@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Reply-To: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net
> Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 00:40:48 EDT
> To: Multiple recipients of VACList <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: [VAC] Airstream Books
>
> I have the Airstream Book by Bryan Burkhart and David Hunt. Is there a source
> for the 1984 Airstream book by Robert Landau and James Philippi? I heard
> there was a new book coming out? Is it out yet? Thanks.
------------------------------
Message Number: 11
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 08:34:32 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Battery box
It actually has a flat bottom. The sides are angled for support. The
original ones originally held skinny tractor batteries. With the advent of
Deep Cycle batteries, most people relocated their batteries elsewhere and
use the box to store hitch parts and leveling jacks.
The most elegant solution I've seen on a trailer was they had a metal shop
make a duplicate - only two inches wider to hold the new batteries. Since
all it is is formed sheetmetal, it looked just like the original, and could
use the original wiring. If you don't have one, there are plenty of
pictures in my archive section that a shop could use as example, plus the
dimensions of the new battery.
RJ
VintageAirstream.com
> From: Dick and Kris Parins <dkparins@ez-net.com>
> Reply-To: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net
> Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 21:03:58 -0500
> To: Multiple recipients of VACList <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: [VAC] Battery box
>
> Anybody have a battery box that would fit a 1962 Bambi? Mine is long gone.
> I have seen pictures of them but I do not understand what kind of battery
> would fit in a box with a sloping bottom. Can someone fill me in?
> Dick
> 1962 Bambi
------------------------------
Message Number: 12
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 10:51:29 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Battery box
The 12 volt battery is a 3EE or 3ET. 6 volt is 3EH. Sam's carries the
3EH (used on JD diesel farm tractors), may carry the others in some
stores. I've not found any but the 3EH in the nearest Sam's. The 3ET was
used on JD Diesel combines and on 1960 to 1968 JD model 3010, 3020,
4010, and 4020 farm tractors. They are fairly expensive for their
capacity and they are not available in a deep cycle version. The
charging system on my 4020 has been faulty and I've not experienced good
battery life. The charging system is now all fixed (by converting from
wimpy generator and faulty regulator to alternator) and I've made a new
battery mount that holds a 77 series sealed side terminal battery (and
has far more convenient tractor mounting steps. 29" to the first step
was getting old...). I get more capacity, and more cranking amps for
half the money with the 77 battery compared to the 3ET. And no acid
spillage when flying the tractor over rough ground.
I go along with the change of abandoning the skinny battery box and
mounting the battery behind the propane bottles on the tongue. My
Caravel originally had the spare tire in that position and the battery
inside. My dad welded a couple pieces of angle iron between the frame
rails to support a plastic battery box (impervious to acid) held down by
a nylon strap. He (and I agree) didn't think having the battery acid and
fumes inside was beneficial to the trailer contents. That move did
require some rewiring of the battery circuit. We haul the spare tire in
the truck bed.
Gerald J.
--
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson. Reproduction by
permission only.
------------------------------
Message Number: 13
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 13:01:17 -0400
From: "Kit Sullivan Mac.com" <kitsullivan@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Replacement for folding vinyl curtains
I am looking for replacements for the folding vinyl curtains that act as
doors for the closet and bathroom in my 1962 Bambi. Anybody know where to
look? Thanks!
Kit
'62 Bambi
------------------------------
Message Number: 14
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 19:04:17 -0400
From: Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: grey tank puzzler
Cathleen,
Pour water down the pipe from the roof, it should go right into the
tank. You'll want to pour at least a couple or 3 gallons down the pipe
as rapidly as possible; it shouldn't back up at all, it should be like
pouring it through a hole.
A mechanical drain cleaner should do the job if necessary. (see your
local hardware store)
<<Jim>>
Cathleen Day wrote:
> Thank you, Jim and Mitch for helping me solve this one! How do I
> check the grey tank vent?? I know where it is. Do I blow air in it or
> water? If it is clogged, how do I clean it?? What is the best way to
> do this job? Thanks, again!
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Health <http://rd.yahoo.com/welcome/*http://health.yahoo.com> -
> your guide to health and wellness
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
<<jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
<<mailto:jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
------------------------------
Message Number: 15
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 19:07:35 -0400
From: Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Battery box
Speaking of battery boxes:
Does anyone know of a box (preferably plastic or fiberglass) that will
hold TWO golf cart batteries, end to end? It needs to have a cover, of
course.
Our new Avion has a box behind the propane tanks that holds 2 Group 24
batteries, but it's not quite tall enough for the Golf Cart jobs.
<<Jim>>
Webmaster wrote:
> It actually has a flat bottom. The sides are angled for support. The
> original ones originally held skinny tractor batteries. With the advent of
> Deep Cycle batteries, most people relocated their batteries elsewhere and
> use the box to store hitch parts and leveling jacks.
>
> The most elegant solution I've seen on a trailer was they had a metal shop
> make a duplicate - only two inches wider to hold the new batteries. Since
> all it is is formed sheetmetal, it looked just like the original, and could
> use the original wiring. If you don't have one, there are plenty of
> pictures in my archive section that a shop could use as example, plus the
> dimensions of the new battery.
>
> RJ
> VintageAirstream.com
>
>
>>From: Dick and Kris Parins <dkparins@ez-net.com>
>>Reply-To: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net
>>Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 21:03:58 -0500
>>To: Multiple recipients of VACList <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>>Subject: [VAC] Battery box
>>
>>Anybody have a battery box that would fit a 1962 Bambi? Mine is long gone.
>>I have seen pictures of them but I do not understand what kind of battery
>>would fit in a box with a sloping bottom. Can someone fill me in?
>>Dick
>>1962 Bambi
>>
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
>
>
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
<<jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
<<mailto:jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
------------------------------
Message Number: 16
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 19:15:05 -0400
From: "James E. Craig" <jamesecraigjr@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Generator Questions
Hello to the list.
I have a 1974 29" ILY and would like to acquire a generator to power it when
I am away from shore power. It has a furnace, AC, and Frig. How much juice
do I need?
Coleman has a nice little gen set for about $400 that has over 1000 watts
and two AC receptacles. Is this enough or do I need a big daddy with 240
volts?
Thanks,
Jamie Craig
------------------------------
Message Number: 17
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 17:24:31 -0600
From: "Pete Ryner" <pryner@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Replacement for folding vinyl curtains
Kit,
Camping World has a couple of types, but I've never seen one in person yet.
One is a universal type fit and the other one is basically made to order.
I'm looking for one myself and I found these on their web site
(campingworld.com). I've had excellent service from them although they do
charge state tax if they have a store in your state. Watch the sales, you
can typically get $1 shipping or at least discount shipping if the item is
oversized - which I think these are. Going to order mine soon, but have to
get the floor done before I start looking at finishing items.
Good Luck!
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net [mailto:VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net]On Behalf Of
Kit Sullivan Mac.com
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 11:01 AM
To: Multiple recipients of VACList
Subject: [VAC] Replacement for folding vinyl curtains
I am looking for replacements for the folding vinyl curtains that act as
doors for the closet and bathroom in my 1962 Bambi. Anybody know where to
look? Thanks!
Kit
'62 Bambi
To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
------------------------------
Message Number: 18
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 19:54:07 -0400
From: Matt Worner <wornmatt@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Generator Questions
Jamie,
There is nothing in your Airstream that requires 240 volts. A thousand watts at
120 volts is just at 8 amperes, which would be insufficient for your air
conditioner, even without a trailer attached. The furnace runs on 12 volts DC,
which the converter will make from the 120 volt AC circuit. The refrigerator
would probably have to be run on propane, but might just squeak in on a 1 kW
generator if you weren't using anything else on shore power outlets that have a
serious current draw. Such things as hair dryers (10-12 amp) coffee makers (2-5
amp) and TV sets (3-5 amps plus brain damage) will quickly overwhelm that small
a generator. If you are planning on any serious boondocking you should be
looking for 2 to 3 kW or possibly at a pair of the new Hondas that can be run
parallel to each other for times when one is not enough.
As a point of reference we ran our trailer with the reefer on electric, when the
gas wouldn't fire off, at a recent rally on a 4 trailers to a 20 amp circuit
setup, but I can't confirm how many other refrigerators were on electric. The
hair dryer in another trailer tripped the breaker a couple of times, but not
until it had been running for a while so it wasn't radically overloading, just
leaning on the circuit a little too hard. I'm told that International allows 3
amps per unit which will keep your rig alive but no AC, reefers must be on
propane, and no microwaves need apply.
Matt
"James E. Craig" wrote:
> <SNIP> Is this enough or do I need a big daddy with 240 volts?
--
Pam, Matt and Darrell Worner
WBCCI, VAC, WNJU & WDCU #4971
1975 31' Sovereign, (The Tinsel Tubesteak)
1976 24' Argosy rear door (Bun Metallica)
2000 F-350 PSD
Hensley Arrow
------------------------------
End of VACList-Digest #287
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