[A/S] 1964 Globetrotter 19'

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Leslie,

Congratulations on becoming the proud parents of a vintage Airstream and
welcome to the cult.

My '66 Safari has the original Thetford Model 1400 which looks much like a
standard porcelain house-type toilet.  Looking for seals and other wear
parts recently, I phoned Thetford (http://www.Thetford).  I was told that
seals and other minor parts were no longer available but the sales rep
volunteered the model of a replacement which he said will fit.  I didn't
record his suggestion because I really don't want to replace the original
lifetime toilet with a modern, cheap plastic toilet unless all else fails.
If you have no toilet to repair you may want to ask Thetford to recommend
the model you need then contact various RV parts suppliers.  It would be
wise to measure the distance from floor of the trunk compartment to the
underside of the plastic tub, lavatory, and toilet surround in your trailer
before you call.  All you really have to worry about is getting a toilet
that is close to the available height of the surround but shorter if a
perfect fit is not available.  A piece of plywood can be installed on the
floor as a spacer to raise the toilet against the surround.

The brand/model of water pump is not important unless you have a desire to
restore your trailer to original (very difficult).  Any modern water pump
should do.

I won't address the univolt issue.  Several on the list have a wealth of
knowledge and experience to offer on the subjects of converters, batteries,
and solar panels.

Any RV dealer should be able to provide a tongue dolly wheel but I wouldn't
use one unless it is absolutely necessary for jockeying your trailer into a
parking spot at home, ON LEVEL GROUND!!!  Using a tongue dolly wheel under
the tongue jack is a perfect setup for a runaway trailer.  Never disconnect
the trailer from your tow vehicle with the tongue jack on a dolly wheel
unless the ground is perfectly level!!!.

Generic RV awnings probably won't work because A/Ss must have an awning that
will permit the arms to line up with vertical framing ribs under the skin.
ZipDee is the preferred brand I guess, it is the brand the factory uses on
new trailers.  Other awning manufacturers also offer awnings that will fit
A/Ss.  You might ask Charlie Burke or Chris Bryant who are on the list.
Charlie is a dealer parts manager and Chris owns an RV service company.

You may be able to purchase and install a new control valve in your range if
the oven is inoperative.  Or locate a new or used range/oven.

Clearcote can be removed and polishing can be done.  You will hear from
several who have first hand experience doing both.

I think the VAC experts will strongly recommend cleaning rather than
removing Zolatone.

Good luck and happy ownership.

Harvey Barlow