[A/S] Awning to '77 31' Sovereign

["wmheinz" <wmheinz@xxxxxxxxx>]

I just purchased this Airstream (our first RV of any type) and it 
has a blue and white striped  awning that was included but not 
attached.  The awning has a silver colored fabric on the side 
oposite the blue and white stripes.  The trailer had been stored 
under a tree for some time and when they attempted to remove it 
some time ago it tore from one end of the connection to trailer to 
the other (probably rotten).  
The awning has no metal cover - the last foot or so of the awning 
looks to be a different type of fabric.  This piece of fabric will 
probably need replacing.  The remaining inch or two section of 
the awning still attached to the trailer seem to be wrapped 
around a rod that was inserted into a groove on the side of the 
trailer.  Can anyone tell me how to get this rod out of the groove?  
And conversely, how do we reinstall it when we get the fabric 
replaced?
Also, we unwrapped the awning and other than needing some 
heavy duty cleaning it appear to be OK.  At the outside edge, the 
awning has a continous sleeve through which the long 
aluminum spindle goes through.  The awning was also screwed 
to the spindle with self tapping machine screws about 18" apart.  
We were eventually able to get the screws out, but the spindle 
will not slide out.  Because it had been sitting outside, the 
awning has sort of stuck itself to the spindle.  Any thoughts on 
how to loosen it?
Also, any idea who made the awning from my description?
Thanks!!
Bill