Re: [A/S] Argosy Rock Guards + guards you do

[caniteowl@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 10/24/00 10:04:09 PM, rlashway@zianet.com writes:

<<>Hi, Roy - Where to buy the rock guards that would fit an Argosy?
Only thru an Airstream dealer.  >>

Roy, you posted the following back in July... I hope you don't mind me 
posting it to this new list. Could these instructions be modified to work for 
an Argosy?      -Norma
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Subj:   [a/s] Re  Rock Guards-you do
Date:   Sunday, July 30, 2000 1:35:59 PM
From:   rlashway@zianet.com
To:     airstream@airstream.net

I found the article from the Blue Beret on building your own rock guards.  
See below.

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PHRED SIIZ:

J. Fred Ettline, WBCCI #27910


Tough. Inexpensive Stone Guards


Dear Fred,

    After the conclusion of this years 3Wild Rainbow2 Caravan to west central 
British Columbia, which included combat with high speed logging trucks on 
gravel roads, I observed that all the Airstream trailers had sustained 
damage, including punctures, to the lower front surfaces of the trailer skin 
or damage to the polished stainless steel Airstream Stone Guards. I concluded 
that there had to be a better, more rugged, yet pleasing material that could 
stand this abuse. A solution is installation or substitution of hand made ABS 
(ductile plastic) stone guards. This is about a $50, eight hour project.

    Materials:

     A 4 foot x 4 foot x 1/8 inch thick sheet of black ABS sheet (textured on 
one side)

     Eight, 1/4-20, aluminum threaded inserts (Stanley or Nutserts)

     Eight, 1/4-20 x 3/4 inch, stainless steel, binder head screws

     Thirty two, 1/4 inch, stainless steel, large area, flat washers

     3 foot x 4 foot of heavy wrapping paper

    Tools:

     3/8 drill bit and drill motor

     Saber saw or keyhole saw with medium blade

     Medium file

     Scissors and masking tape

    Make a pattern of the finished shape of the new stone guards by taping 
paper to the one side of the lower front trailer surface and tracing the 
finished shape. Cut out the pattern and recheck it. You will see that the top 
and bottom edges are curves and the two vertical edges are not parallel. 
Transfer the pattern shape to the ABS sheet using masking tape to outline the 
edges on this black surface. Turn the pattern over to mark the shape of the 
other side (mirror image). Drill 3/8 inch holes 1 1/2 inches from each of the 
4 corners. Saw cut the ABS, round the corners for a nice appearance, and file 
the cut edges smooth. Using the ABS stone guards themselves, fix the location 
of the threaded inserts. Drill 3/8 inch holes in the aluminum skin and 
install the threaded inserts. If you are concerned that the threads of the 
inserts might leak water, use a drop of Loktite Thread Seal on the 1/4 inch 
screws at final installation. Attach the ABS stone guard to the trailer skin 
with the binder head screws using one washer on the outside surface and three 
washers on the inside surface (so as to space the stone guards away from the 
trailer skin). The finished appearance very nicely matches the shaded window 
Wrap Protectors of newer Airstreams. I will furnish a picture upon request.

Sincerely,

Jim Dempsey, #6304

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Roy Lashway

'78 Argosy,'56 Bubble

rlashway@zianet.com