Re: [A/S] Argosy Motorhome questions

[chasgould@xxxxxxx]

Hello gang,
I am new to this list, but you have all been so helpful so far, that I would 
like to ask a few more technical questions. I finally had an opportunity to 
spend a day troubleshooting my new 1976 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome. This thing is 
so cool, with all of the period cabinets, tambour doors, and funky details. We 
absolutely love it, but we still need to chase out some gremlins. 
I finally got the engine electrical system sorted out, and it starts and runs 
fine now. I am making progress on the brakes (three out of four wheels done), 
and I have a new set of radial sneakers scheduled to go on Wednesday.
I got most of the coach electrical outlets (110 volt) and lights and 12 volt 
accessories now working, so that is great progress. Nancy has scrubbed all of 
the last owners dirt and odors out of it, and my two daughters (age 7 and 5) 
have set up their bedroom the way they want, so we are primed and ready to go.
My questions are as follows. How can I test to see if the Univolt is charging 
the coach battery? How can I tell if the engine alternator is charging the 
coach battery? How do I connect both batteries together for charging? How do I 
insulate both batteries from each other to make sure that we have a back up 
battery if we kill one of them?
Also, the 1976 Argosy was painted. Has anyone ever had a previously painted 
trailer or motorhome professionally stripped and polished to restore the 
Airstream trademark aluminium finish? If so, how would you preserve it? Are they 
clear-coated, or just periodically polished each year. Finally, I suspect that 
the surface may have been sanded or "roughed up" by the factory in order to bind 
the paint. Will this factor prevent polishing to a shiny finish?
Thanks for all of your help.
Charles