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VACList DigestVACList-Digest       Friday, May 24, 2002      Issue 313
  
Today's Topics:
  
        1. Re: Eliminating the Black Water Tank...
        2. Re: Tire replacement worries
        3. Re: Tire replacement worries
        4. Re: Tire replacement worries
        5. Re: Tire replacement worries
        6. Re: 1976 Argosy restoration
        7. Re: Argosy restoration
        8. Re: 
        9. Re: Tire replacement worries
       10. Re: Eliminating the Black Water Tank...
       11. Re: Tire replacement worries
       12. Re: Tire replacement worries
       13. Re: Tire replacement worries
       14. Re: 
       15. Re: Tire replacement worries
       16. Parts in Alabama
       17. Re: goin' travelling!




----------------------------------------------------------------------




Message Number: 1
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 18:27:10 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Eliminating the Black Water Tank...

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAC] Re: Eliminating the Black Water Tank...


> Here is an electric incinerating toilet. About $1500 for the RV model. 
Where????
Bob



------------------------------

Message Number: 2
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 18:56:58 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

Charlotte,
    I think that I already wrote on this thread suggesting the origninal
size bias ply 7.00x15
I never heard why this is a bad idea BUT I do recall an old VAC list thread
which said that radials were not preferable in performance to bias ply.
Could somebody explain why the original tire size are not being recommended?

Bob Kiger  http://cruiserbob.com
66 Airstream Safari - Mira Mar Mobile Park
Oceanside, CA  (where Rio San Luis Rey meets El Pacifico)
> >  It's time to replace the tires on my '67 Safari.I have been told that
the
> > best replacement tire would be the Goodyear Marathon ST/75R15,load range
> D.
> >
> >  I now hear that these tires have been problematic in the past,and even
> the
> > subject of a recall last year.Should I be concerned about this,or has
the
> > problem been fixed?



------------------------------

Message Number: 3
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 20:25:53 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

There are arguments for and against bias versus radial ply tires.

Bias ply tires tend to be stiffer and narrower, radial tend to be a
little fatter which can be a tight fit in the Airstream wheel wells.
Bias ply tires are considered to have better lateral stability in
trailer service than radial tires, while its a know fact that radial
tires roll much easier and heat much less from rolling friction. By the
time radial tires are strengthened to meed load range D, they probably
are significantly stiffer than ordinary car tires (which are overloaded
with the Airstream's weight).

Gerald J.
-- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson. Reproduction by
permission only.


------------------------------

Message Number: 4
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 20:13:20 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

Charlotte,
On my 1966 Safari there is an especially designed holder for the spare tire,
between the frame members just aft of the LP gas tanks and down below.  The
tire is lifeted into position and then locked fast.  Did they change that on
your 67 or did I miss something????
Bob Kiger  http://cruiserbob.com
> >  And on a related note,do you all take your spare tire on every trip?I
> > ask,as I hate that the only place I can store mine is on the tongue and
I
> > have just nicely polished that area....hate to cover it up!I



------------------------------

Message Number: 5
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 20:22:16 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

Thanx Dr. G.
    Now I recollect that the D rating (6 - 8 - 10 ply?) was the major issue
that sold me on bias ply tires.  I was also happy to stay with the original
issue from Airstream.

Bob Kiger  http://cruiserbob.com
66 Airstream Safari - Mira Mar Mobile Park
Oceanside, CA  (where Rio San Luis Rey meets El Pacifico)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAC] Re: Tire replacement worries


>By the
> time radial tires are strengthened to meed load range D, they probably
> are significantly stiffer than ordinary car tires (which are overloaded
> with the Airstream's weight).




------------------------------

Message Number: 6
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 02:16:07 -0700
From: Rik & Susan Beeson <rik@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: 1976 Argosy restoration

An amazing job, Jamie, and thank you for the great web site to share it with all
of us!

Best regards,

Rik

Jamie Swallow wrote:

> Hi everyone:
>
> For those who are interested, (or may remember), I finally finished the
> complete restoration on my 1976 28' Argosy.......



------------------------------

Message Number: 7
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 11:36:02 +0000
From: "Jamie Swallow" <jamieswallow@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Argosy restoration

Hi RJ:

Thanks.  The floor stayed with the shell when we lifted it off.  We went 
through and took out every single bolt that kept the shell/floor and frame 
together, and then jacked it up as a single piece.  We figured it would 
offer more strength to the shell while suspended, as well as replacing the 
front and rear sections of plywood.  Plus, we really wanted to get at that 
frame.

As for the axle, wheel and frame damage, I would guess it was a combination 
of road salt, and being parked in the back lot with grass growing around it. 
  It actually looked much worse before we started...once we got to the frame 
we were surprised at the condition of "some" of it.

Jamie


"Uh Jamie, may I be the first to offer my congratulations on one of the best 
documented frame-off complete restorations I've seen.  Holy s***! is the 
only thing that comes to mind.  A beautiful job, and a beautiful trailer.

One question, we never see the floor on the frame extraction and
reinstallation.  Is it left in the shell?  What condition was it in? I'm
used to seeing it always attached to the frame, so I guess you found every 
stinking bolt in the floor & U channel and lifted it off with the shell? Was 
all that axle, wheel and frame damage from road salt?

Once again, great job.  You've depicted what vintage restoration is all
about.

RJ
VintageAirstream.com"

Jamie's link:
http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/argosy



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------------------------------

Message Number: 8
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 06:42:48 -0500
From: "Thomas, George C (N-YOH)" <george.c.thomas@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: 

Terry, Who is the dealer in Alabama and where is he.

Thanks
George THomas
------------------------------

Message Number: 6
Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 23:11:39 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Dometic M16

  . ...... There's also an Airstream dealer in
Alabama who specializes in old Airstream parts.......... 

Good luck,

Terry



------------------------------

Message Number: 9
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 08:41:37 EDT
From: Alexkensington@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

My experience -

I had a blow out with one of the marathons where the tread delaminated from 
the body of the tire. Just unwound like a peeled golf ball! The debris 
slapped the wheel well pretty badly, but I was able to get it together again 
with only a few rivets and only buy crawling under the coach could you tell 
any work has been done. 

This happened right about the time of the Big Firestone hoohaw, and 
everywhere I turned folks were telling me their steel belted stories. Having 
been made such a victim so freshly, I decided to investigate poly biased 
tires myself. 

I found Cooper Roadmasters Load Range D 700 X 15, for about $70 US each, and 
put on a set on my single axle 1966 Safari. Because I do Sideshow work, I 
full time 6 months a year and put a LOT of miles on my equipment. Here's what 
I have found the practical differences to be:

First the Polys look startlingly good on a vintage Airstream, especially with 
the baby moon hubcaps. It just looks like all the old advertising photos we 
are familiar with. 

Next they are slimmer, and a wee bit taller than the Radial Marathons. They 
fit fine, but I do use a bottle jack, and lift the coach up as far as I can, 
as that's what it takes. I use chocks, and keep the coach hitched for safety. 
Because of the added lift of the slightly taller tire, I did have to raise my 
hitch a notch, to level up with my 3/4 ton 1988 GMC Safari, which was easy 
enough. Before adding this size tire, the hitch was about a half notch too 
low or high. 

Also the Reese Dual Cam hitch I used acted very different. It Seemed to Work! 
But I should point out that I never thought of it as a sway control device 
but a weight re-distributor as it is advertised. I am guessing the proper 
angles, height, and drag, had been reestablished, and the trueness of the 
ride, I have read about, was being achieved. 

BUT I quickly discovered that these tires are Very Unforgiving of under AND 
overinflation. These things are not made to flex. Underinflated poly tires 
heat up really fast, like in a mile, if you're more than 5 PSI under, I have 
discovered. And if you get over 5 PSI, they will be Very Bouncy, and lead to 
sway conditions. 

Consequently, on single axle coaches such as mine, balancing your loaded 
trailer becomes really important to get the best effect from the poly bias 
tires. If you can do this, and keep and eye on your pressures, the ride is 
really worth it, and is superior to the radials IMHO. Possibly the corrected 
size, is more important than construction, but There You Are.
They seemed to be the missing part of the equation in tuning the whole 
pulling experience. 

Alex In Indiana
66 Safari & Overlander 
8728


------------------------------

Message Number: 10
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 08:15:15 -0500
From: "Don Hardman" <donhardman@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Eliminating the Black Water Tank...

www.incinolet.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> 
> > Here is an electric incinerating toilet. About $1500 for the RV model. 
> Where????
> Bob




------------------------------

Message Number: 11
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 07:35:43 -0600
From: "Terry O'Neill" <woodfloor@xxxxxxxxxx.ca>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

Hi Alex

Being a recent Marathon purchaser your experience causes me concern. How
many miles do you estimate your Marathons had on them at the time of the
blow-out. Were these tires part of the recall?

Take Care

Terry O'Neill
Calgary
66 Trade-Wind Double
WBCCI 4786
VAC
http://pages.sprint.ca/Streamsite/main.html


----- Original Message -----
From: <Alexkensington@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 6:41 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: Tire replacement worries


> My experience -
>
> I had a blow out with one of the marathons where the tread delaminated
from
> the body of the tire. Just unwound like a peeled golf ball! The debris
> slapped the wheel well pretty badly, but I was able to get it together
again
> with only a few rivets and only buy crawling under the coach could you
tell
> any work has been done.
>





------------------------------

Message Number: 12
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 07:32:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: Toby Folwick <toby_folwick@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

  . ...and bias ply tires are cheaper...

Toby


--- "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer"
<geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net> wrote:
> There are arguments for and against bias versus
> radial ply tires.
> 
> Bias ply tires tend to be stiffer and narrower,
> radial tend to be a
> little fatter which can be a tight fit in the
> Airstream wheel wells.
> Bias ply tires are considered to have better lateral
> stability in
> trailer service than radial tires, while its a know
> fact that radial
> tires roll much easier and heat much less from
> rolling friction. By the
> time radial tires are strengthened to meed load
> range D, they probably
> are significantly stiffer than ordinary car tires
> (which are overloaded
> with the Airstream's weight).
> 
> Gerald J.
> -- 
> Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson.
> Reproduction by
> permission only.
> 
> 
> 
> 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
> 
>  


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com


------------------------------

Message Number: 13
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 07:38:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: Toby Folwick <toby_folwick@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

The recall happened a year to 1.5 years ago.  Any tire
dealership would have returned their stock for fresh
stock by now.  If you go to the goodyear website, or
search for "goodyear marathon recall" on the web, you
should be able to find the serial numbers of the tires
that were recalled and verify you don't have a set of
those.

people everywhere are using the goodyear marathons
without concern.  I just happen to prefer bias-plys.

Toby
--- Terry O'Neill <woodfloor@xxxxxxxxxx.ca> wrote:
> Hi Alex
> 
> Being a recent Marathon purchaser your experience
> causes me concern. How
> many miles do you estimate your Marathons had on
> them at the time of the
> blow-out. Were these tires part of the recall?
> 
> Take Care
> 
> Terry O'Neill
> Calgary
> 66 Trade-Wind Double
> WBCCI 4786
> VAC
> http://pages.sprint.ca/Streamsite/main.html
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Alexkensington@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> To: "Multiple recipients of VACList"
> <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 6:41 AM
> Subject: [VAC] Re: Tire replacement worries
> 
> 
> > My experience -
> >
> > I had a blow out with one of the marathons where
> the tread delaminated
> from
> > the body of the tire. Just unwound like a peeled
> golf ball! The debris
> > slapped the wheel well pretty badly, but I was
> able to get it together
> again
> > with only a few rivets and only buy crawling under
> the coach could you
> tell
> > any work has been done.
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 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
> 
>  


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com


------------------------------

Message Number: 14
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 12:14:45 -0700
From: Bill Worden <fantods@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: 

Here's  a point of interest for those traveling near Vermont this year.

http://www.shelburnemuseum.org/htm/museum/mu_new.htm#american









------------------------------

Message Number: 15
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 17:36:45 -0400
From: "James Greene" <drgreene@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Tire replacement worries

Bob, that spare tire carrier was an option. Used ones are available at
www.healthy-homes.com. I had one on a ' 73 Sovereign International.

Jim Greene
' 68 Tradewind

----- Original Message -----
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 23:13
Subject: [VAC] Re: Tire replacement worries


> Charlotte,
> On my 1966 Safari there is an especially designed holder for the spare
tire,
> between the frame members just aft of the LP gas tanks and down below.
The
> tire is lifeted into position and then locked fast.  Did they change that
on
> your 67 or did I miss something????
> Bob Kiger  http://cruiserbob.com




------------------------------

Message Number: 16
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 18:38:29 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Parts in Alabama

Right back to you, George.

Camper Repair Center
8154 Highway 22
Montevallo, AL 35115
205.665.2531
D.A. Hare, Sr.
Talk to Sonny

This place has always been off the beaten path when we've gone through that
area of Alabama.  Last month, there were so many storms buzzing around that
I kept on trucking north instead of hanging around and poking around.

I'm sure we'll stop there - now that our son is stationed in New Orleans.
Eventually, on one of our hikes south from New England or on the return
trip, we'll hit it right for leisurely checking them out.

If you actually walk into the place and look it over carefully, please tell
us about it. Finding new sources of Airstream parts comes with the territory
of owning an old Airstream.  It's my understanding these folks have been
buying defunk dealership inventories. I'd like to know if that is correct.

As an aside, you might find additional sources by tracking down ex-Airstream
dealers. The one in Malta, NY has consistently had obscure parts when I've
gone to them. I'd wager other dealerships have their similar dusty corners
where no one knows what's really in there until they go looking with their
flashlight and my broken part in their hand.

Sooner or later, I find everything. Of course, during the interim, I "make
do" (sometimes satisfactorily, sometimes not). Persistence pays for those
with patience (or is it the other way around?).

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
1977 31' Excella 500
1967 22' Safari
1963 22' Flying Cloud

*********************************

on 05/24/02 7:42 AM, george.c.thomas@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:

> Terry, Who is the dealer in Alabama and where is he.
> 
> Thanks
> George THomas
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message Number: 6
> Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 23:11:39 -0400
> From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: Dometic M16
> 
> ...... There's also an Airstream dealer in
> Alabama who specializes in old Airstream parts..........
> 
> Good luck,
> 
> Terry
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 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: 17
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 19:02:17 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: goin' travelling!

Count us among those doing the same thing. We'll re-up in July or August,
but will check email occasionally throughout the next three months.

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

on 05/22/02 11:39 AM, jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:

> I'll be leaving both the Airstream and VAC lists later today, as we're
> going travelling for a couple of weeks. Will re-up about June 7th.
> 
> We'll probably be able to check our Email once or twice during the trip,
> so can be contacted that way.
> 
> <<Jim>>



------------------------------


End of VACList-Digest  #313
************************************



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