VAL Digest V1 #72

VAL Digest         Thursday, November 20 2003         Volume 01 : Number 072




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Road worthiness
Re: [VAL] To buy or not to buy?
Re: [VAL] To buy or not to buy?
Re: [VAL] Diesel Don
[VAL] not to buy
[VAL] Interior bits and bobs.		
Re: [VAL] Interior bits and bobs.		
[VAL] Fall Vintage Advantage
Re: [VAL] Fall Vintage Advantage
Re: [VAL] Rocky Mountain VAC Rally 2004
[VAL] Fixing the '65 to '69 Airstreams

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Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 23:14:26 -0800
From: "Tuna" <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Road worthiness

Ivan - i wouldn't drop the pan or get into any heavy-duty renovation yet -
just make sure the wheel bearings/hubs are greased, and the trailer brakes
are functioning, and that the a-frame/hitch is likewise lubed and latching
securely... then get a temporary tail-light/brake-wiring setup until you get
to caulifournyah... i can just about guarantee you that there will be lots
of things to work on once you drop that belly pan.

you might want to swing by oasis rv in tucson and scout out some replacement
parts before leaving arizona, as well.

when i get around to replacing the belly pan on the 'Trailwind', i plan to
use 'riv-nuts' rather than the usual olympic 'bulb-tite' rivets, at least on
every other belly pan section, to make it a bit easier to r&r, in future.

tuna
reno, nv
'48 Airstream

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ivan" <airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 10:10 PM
Subject: [VAL] Road worthiness


> Hello all,
>
>             So my wife and I have to move to California by the first week
of
> January, and we need to take our '55 overlander with us.  Trouble is, it's
> been sitting in the AZ desert for 10 years, and the sun and dryness have
> taken their toll.  The wiring harness is completely corroded and it looks
> like I'll have to rewire the whole thing from inside the floor out.  To do
> that, I'm going to need to take the rivets from the bottom front out to
free
> up the belly pan and get at the wires. So this brings up some questions:
>
> 1. How do I remove rivets without damaging the skin?
>
> 2. What rivets should I use to reattach everything?
>
> 3. There is one tear in the belly pan near the section I'm detaching, how
> would I patch that tear while I'm there?
>
>     Working on the lights, I realized that the rear lights do not seem to
be
> the original, is there anyone who makes a decent reproductions of the
> original bargman taillights?
>
>     Thanks for the help, a complete set of photos of my overlander can be
> seen at http://arcosanti.org/~ivan . The taillights are on page 2.
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Ivan

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 05:40:23 -0800 (PST)
From: Chris Tognetti <ctognetti59@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] To buy or not to buy?

Hi All,
 
After reading a bunch of the responses on and off list I will be dropping my offering price to 
less than a third.  While Amy and I would like to purchase this one since it fits our needs and 
it was "Family owned"  it my be impossible.  When the current owner comes up in the future to 
visit and discuss the TradeWind I will show him everything that needs to be worked on.  Maybe 
it will work out.
 
Chris, Amy, Natalie, Jordan Tognetti
Willie (Alaskan Malamute)
59 TradeWind "Maybe"
Newton, New Jersey




Chris Tognetti <ctognetti59@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:Well found out that I would be the third 
owner if we can work out a price. Current asking price is $3500.

What it needs to be road ready:

Trailer lights and brakes tested & repaired. The hook ups on the tongue have been stolen. 
New shocks. 
Axle repacked and grease fittings installed. Tires have been replaced about two years ago and so 
far only seem to need air. Need new spare tire. 
Stinky slinkes need to be replaced as they look rotted and are only attached by wire. 
Door step needs to be welded as to busted on one side. 
Door needs new seal as it leaks. 
Need to find were it's leaking as we got a rotten spot between door and front water tanks. 
All windows need to be work on. Cranks need to be oiled to get to work and all level locks need to be replaced. 
Ceiling vents need to be oiled and cleaned. Large front one needs to be replaced total as everything is missing. 
Floor has one rotten spot that I can put my fingers through. Also a few soft spots. Needs a new covering. 
Front couch needs to be removed and a dinette installed. More useful for a family of four. 
Electric needs to be tested and repaired. 
Propane needs to be tested and repaired. 
Plumping needs to be tested and repaired. 
Front propane tanks are the old steel ones with the old heads. 
Fridge, Heater, and stove needs to be cleaned, tested, and repaired. 
Water heater rotted out but he made a need pan for it and that needs to be welded on. Then installed and tested. 
Toilet needs to be tested and repaired. Need to make sure the black tank is still in one piece. 
Need to get a portable blue tank as the grey water just dumps out. 
All the foam cushion need to be replace as I think they are originals. 
Plus the hundreds of things I wouldn't fine until I start to do work.
You can see pics at the following web site. http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=331395

Tell me what you think? Or if you can think of something else that will need to be repaired that 
I didn't list. Since the aluminum bug has bitten me and Amy we are into it, but I don't think its 
worth the asking price with all the work it needs just to get it on the road.



Chris, Amy, Natalie, Jordan Tognetti
Willie (Alaskan Malamute)
59 TradeWind
Newton, New Jersey
Serial # 249118





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

Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 11:02:16 -0800
From: "michelle" <safoocat@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] To buy or not to buy?

the prices will come down. we recently paid 4250 for an a/s that they were
asking 10k for.
ours was the best bid.
Michelle

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you do. People
will never forget how you made them feel."

Hi All,

After reading a bunch of the responses on and off list I will be dropping my
offering price to less than a third.  While Amy and I would like to purchase
this one since it fits our needs and it was "Family owned"  it my be
impossible.  When the current owner comes up in the future to visit and
discuss the TradeWind I will show him everything that needs to be worked on.
Maybe it will work out.

Chris, Amy, Natalie, Jordan Tognetti

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 09:09:50 -0700
From: "Kenneth E. Johansen" <johansen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Diesel Don

Neighbor (Patti)

I also subscribed to Don's newsletter based on Terry's recommendation and I 
agree he is very helpful.  I kept having overheating problems and called 
him a number of times - did all kinds of stuff to fix it - finally had 
enough and sold it.  My diesel was a 94 which had known overheating 
problems.  Don really likes the new Duramax and says if anything they run 
too cool.  So be warned if you talk to him you will being buying a diesel - 
and yes I suggest you join his club - VERY worth it.

Ken J.

At 09:02 PM 11/18/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi Guys,
>
>Here's a piece of information that could be of interest to diesel owners.
>
>Terry
>
>----------------
>
>
>on 11/16/03 7:23 PM, AirstreamList@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
>
> > I went out to the end of Long Island to see the truck at a dealer that only
> > sells Chevy trucks. I'd be afraid to have it serviced at a dealer that 
> didn't
> > have diesel experience. But this is a 45 min. drive each way! I don't even
> > have a gas station here in  my town that sells diesel! Long Island is rough
> > for people with trucks and trailers!
>
>Patti,
>
>Why don't you talk with Don Montegari (800.832.8844) about buying a diesel
>truck? His diesel shop is on Long Island. It is at 74 Bell Street in West
>Babylon, NY 11704. He writes a monthly newsletter ($30 yearly) for diesel
>owners. I've subscribed to it for the entire time we've owned our diesel
>suburban. The previous owner of our suburban also subscribed to Don's
>newsletter and kept all the copies. I read every new issue the day it
>arrives and have reread all the old copies many times.
>
>You have my permission to tell Don that I recommended contacting him. Don
>has helped me four times by phone in four different parts of the country
>when my diesel truck needed service. I have come to regard him as a friend.
>
>The first two times, Don provided free consultation to the mechanic. On both
>occasions, I was in a diesel garage and the mechanic was standing next to
>me. I told him about Don and his consultation offer. Each time, the mechanic
>encouraged me to call Don, which I did and described my problem, then asked
>Don to talk with the mechanic. He agreed and I handed my cell phone to the
>mechanic. They discussed the problem and how to solve it. Very simple and
>straight forward - plus the mechanic was highly appreciative. Both instances
>resulted in a successful repair.
>
>On a third occasion, Don had the exact part in stock when the correct part
>wasn't available locally. I asked Don to ship it to the mechanic overnight
>express. He did and this saved our bacon in spades.
>
>On the fourth occasion, I called Don from a remote campground when my diesel
>truck wouldn't start. He walked me through the process of testing components
>(with my head under the hood, the phone next to my ear and following his
>directions). I did as he said, then got back in the truck, turned the key
>and the truck started. I took the truck to a diesel garage, explained what I
>had done to get it started and the mechanic knew exactly how to fix the
>problem.  He fixed it and the truck has run fine ever since.
>
>Bottom line, in addition to going to Don's garage and talking with him, you
>might want to consider becoming a yearly subscriber to his newsletter just
>for the benefit of having your own private expert at your elbow -- at the
>other end of your cell phone -- no matter where you are on the continent.
>On the other hand, the On-Star service may be all you want or need.
>
>Terry
>
>mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
>
>"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confident
>knowledge that they will help us." Epicurus
>
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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 12:35:44 -0500
From: Gary <verygary@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] not to buy

Chris,
If this trailer is the Airstream you want to look out the house window
and be proud of after many years of work and at least ten thousand in
total investment,  not including labor, then you should buy it. I do not
see the value in it at it's asking price or after restoration. To be
frank, it is a bit of a wreak. If it were offered at five hundred
dollars it would still be difficult to realize the value in the end. I
was ready to pay much more for a restorable Airstream and only by some
really dumb luck found a much less expensive unit in really good
condition. By good condition by my definition meaning very good exterior
and solid cabinets and interior in general. The first thousand I spend
was on the new furnace and water heater. No problem,  they were
questionable and this was going to be a completely servicable unit when
complete. How about the refrigerator? Wow, with a cleaning and a fifty
dollar service charge it makes ice! Only problem is that it is too large
and heavy for it's area and my needs. New one is eight hundred. Oh I
almost forgot,  first thing I did before driving it up to Maine was
replace the bearing, brakes, seals, magnets, tires and lights in my
brothers driveway in a snewty neighborhood in Delaware.( they had the
biggest smiles on their faces as I pulled away) My point is, after
buying my trailer and outfiting it for road service and replacing the
primary utilities it is still not up to that amount of your asking
price. I have a long way to go before my Safari is ready for safari, but
I'm getting to the fun stuff.  New floor covering soon after months of
trying to locate a tiny little leak that was not there a month before.
This summer was spent mostly under and inside replacing a cross section
of the plywood floor that was bad from the two connecting leaks between
the door and galley streetside. While you are there you have to do what
must be done. Completely clean out the former creatures decorating
ideas. Not good! I did enjoy prepping the rusty parts of the frame and
priming and painting it. I like the idea of knowing everything is good,
clean, strong and ready to go. Had I put down the new flooring it would
not be happy time to have discovered that leak afterwards. I am looking
forward for the new upholstery (foam, fabrics and labor about fifteen
hundred installed), and have also decided to convert the front sofa/bed
to a dinette area. That will probably be another five hundred $. I am
doing this because my siren calls me. Her former beauty was much more
obivious and seemed much more in reach to be able to return to her
formal self. Okay, maybe she told a few little lies and hid some of her
former baggage in the beginning of our relationship. But with lots of
hard work and much of my former forture we are working towards what
could be a new beginning together.
But to be brutally frank, Chris, I think this old tradewind is really an
illwind, and you should carefully pull it back to it's owner's house. If
you can, describe the look on their faces when they see it coming back
up the driveway. Not too happy I think, and the price will drop pretty
fast. Hopefully you can get out of the driveway faster.
Gary Campbell
62' Safari
Portland, Maine

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 15:05:19 -0500
From: "nickruthwarren" <nickruthwarren@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Interior bits and bobs.		

I am the proud new owner of a 1961 Tradewind, it's in really good shape for
the most part but I have a few interior bits to do to get it ready for camping
next year.

Can any one tell me where I might lay my hand on a new shower curtain rail,
the curved one that follows the line of the ceiling curve?

I need to replace one of the catches that holds the screen door locked into
the main door, anyone know what they're called and where I can get them?

I am also considering removing the front goucho and replacing it with a
dinette that would convert to a double.  Any plans that exist anywhere? Is
this a really big job?  I'm wondering how you anchor the wood to the metal?

One last thing, is there an alternative to the Zip Dee awning?  I really like
the streamline look without the awning but being practicle for our family of
four it would be very useful.  I wonder if there is any awning that would
slide into that long bracket that runs along the door side up high.  I'm
thinking of basically a large sheet with tent poles and guy ropes!  Do they
exist?

I thank you all for reading this, any tips would be brilliant.

Ruth Warren,
1961 Tradewind in Frederick, MD.

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 16:06:07 -0500
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Interior bits and bobs.		

Ruth,

Congratulations on your '61 Tradewind. I have a '60 Overlander (26 foot). I
can't help you on the shower rail, however the handle part of the latch that
holds the screen door closed (identical to the ones that hold the windows
closed) are still available. One place you can get them from is Inland RV
http://www.inlandrv.com/parts/  you are looking for their part number 91396.
They may not be the cheepest place around, but at least they have your part.

As far as the awning goes, I have and use exactly what you are trying to
describe. I went to a canvas/awning shop in my area. They do awnings for
hoomes and businesses. I described exactly what I wanted and they made it up
for me. The rail on the side of your trailer is "standard" sized so they can
use their normal "welt". They were even able to order heavy duty tent poles.
It does take two people to put it up, but it will withstand winds and rains
that destroy Zip-Dees. The trick is to have a spring at the end of each guy
line to absorb the shock from the wind. I was on my own to get the rope,
stakes and springs.

As far as the dinette goes-only you know if you are up to the job.
Personally I love the sofa set up. The table and chairs are removable and
allow us to bring them out to use for picnicing when tables are not
available. (We have done this at some VERY scenic places.) Yes the gaucho is
designed to only sleep 2 very cozy people, but as a kid I often used an air
matress on the floor - actually my brother and I fought over who got the
"cool" air mattress! Another option as we got older was a small tent. Way
Cool and we got to bring a friend along as well!

Scott

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 17:12:50 -0500
From: Okydokey@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Fall Vintage Advantage

Hi, curious if anyone knows what's up with the Fall Vintage Advantage?  I am anxiously 
awaiting the article on the 50's trailers and haven't recieved a copy in months!  Anybody 
know what's up?

Thanks,

Jason Jablonski

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Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 16:03:51 -0700
From: "gshippen" <gshippen@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Fall Vintage Advantage

Jason,

If you are like me you were probably cut off for not being a member of the
WBCCI.  I thought I should have been grandfathered in since I had been
receiving the Vintage Advantage for a couple years!

Good luck.  GAS
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <Okydokey@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 3:12 PM
Subject: [VAL] Fall Vintage Advantage


> Hi, curious if anyone knows what's up with the Fall Vintage Advantage?  I
am anxiously awaiting the article on the 50's trailers and haven't recieved
a copy in months!  Anybody know what's up?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jason Jablonski
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
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>
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:55:34 -0500
From: Matt Worner <wornmatt@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Rocky Mountain VAC Rally 2004

Seana,

Don't ignore the availability of courtesy parking along your route.  I 
know we will be offering it when we settle in northeast New Mexico. 
Just check your WBCCI membership directory.  (You ARE a member, aren't 
you?)  The members will certainly be able to inform you of local events, 
including rallies.  They will also know where all the scenic sites and 
sights are as well.

Sorry about the delayed reply, but I just got back from the NM house 
after a 36 day trip (to include a Bambi strike and over $4K custom coach 
work to the mighty Powersmoke)

Matt

seana carroll wrote:
<snip> I want to start planning my itinerary now.
> Does anyone have any suggestions? Does anyone know of similar projects or
> grant info or promotional ideas? I am an art student and this is my
> senior thesis. I would love any suggestions and or advice. Thanks in
> advance!!!
<snip>

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

Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 23:56:31 EST
From: RESORARCHITECT@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Fixing the '65 to '69 Airstreams

Dear Les. There are many who can help you with all facets of your '67 
project. We have tackled just about every task needed and mostly it's been great fun 
and a huge sense of accomplishment even though we are only about 1/2 way 
through the project! Bonnie has researched and perfected the refinishing of the 
wood elements. We bought some woodworking tools that were needed. We've tracked 
down all sorts of sources and placed a few ads to find the critical parts. The 
VAC (Club) was a big help but the VAL (List) will probably help just fine. We 
are not whizzes on the computer so we've stumbled thru finding sites and 
emailing photos, etc. Inland Rv in Colton was a big help in getting started and 
they also supplied many of the parts we needed. Also Sonrise Rv in Escondido was 
a huge help. Our electric system was a shambles as a previous owner had 
dismantled it piece by piece to try to find a short! Lonnie at Sonrise performed 
miracles with that and imagine our smiles when all the lights lit up, etc! They 
took a long time to get things done but they allowed us to come on the lot and 
start the massive cleanup our rig needed. Photos from others gave us some 
critical views of how to do or fix things. We made a few mistakes and had to 
repeat some efforts or redo what oethers had done wrong. Our years were the last I 
think of the wood cabinets. When people see how beautiful the original 
mahogany comes out when all restored and refinished they are amazed!  What are you 
working on now? Stuart.

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

End of VAL Digest V1 #72
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