Friday, July 24, 2009

Island Girl got to take her first trip on her new axle and wheels. It was done pretty slowly since her shell is only held up by some strips of plywood and a few C clamps. Looks to me like she sits 3 or 4 inches higher than before and there's about a foot of clearance below the tanks (which all hang down 4" below the frame) and the spare tire.



Hopefully you can see in the pics that we've added quite a bit of structure to the frame. There's a piece of 2x4 tube forward with the spare tire mount, another between the two fresh water tanks, one more right by the shock mounts as part of the gray tank mount, and a final one replacing the rear crossmember which had significant rust problems. Also added a steel plate which will be riveted to the rear shell, like the existing one in front. Spare tire mount adds some structure too. Tire goes into the mount either with a floor jack or a small block and tackle setup.

Tanks are just loosely fastened in here for the pictures. Fresh tanks have baffles inside and the strap mounts hold them across the baffle area. They are 24 gallon tanks. Gray is 33 gallons and held both by the straps and the top flange. Most of the plumbing fittings will be on the tank tops with the exception of the shower drain which will follow those existing holes in the frame and enter either on the side or back of the tank. At least that's the plan now.






Shock mounts are pretty tight on clearance, but I think they'll be OK. Actually had to countersink the bolts on the lower mounts to make them fit.


I'll be wire brushing and prepping for POR 15 over the next few days. I know you guys in the hot country wouldn't think much of our current 85 to 90 degrees but for us in the Pacific Northwet, it's pretty darned hot. Might be taking it pretty slowly for the next few days.

5 comments:

  1. I was following up on Blogs that I follow, found yours, and I have now added your link to my list. What an exceptional story. Being a caregiver is far from easy; I know from experience. Your Airstream progress looks great. I will look forward to your updates, and the very best to you both.
    -Tim
    ts8501.blogspot.com

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  2. Thanks, Tim. I've done the same. Actually have been following yours, but left it off my list.
    Yours is getting way shiny!
    steve

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  3. Steve, I'm about to order my axles and I was wondering what made you decide to go with Axis over Dexter or Henschen. Also, I noticed your comment about the lack of clearance for the shocks. I have this problem also and I'm considering increasing the distance between the hub faces from 72 1/2 to 74 to give some added clearance between the frame and the back of the tire, but I'm worried about clearance to the wheel well. I have 3 1/2 inches now, so that would bring it down to 2 3/4. Any thoughts?
    Norm

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  4. Norm, I mostly went with Axis because of Colin. I'd called him to get his ideas on switching from the sprung axle to torsion and he was so helpful, I just placed the order with him.

    If the Captain is like mine, you'll probably wind up riding a little higher than you did on the old springs. I also went with Axis' high profile axle, which they say adds about an inch in height. I think I wound up around 3 or 4 inches higher than before. All that gives you more wheel clearance and I would definitely add some to the hub face measurement to get more shock room. For sure, I'd be comfy adding an inch to each side on mine.

    steve

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  5. Steve, thanks. Those are so very helpful observations. Right after I posted this comment I came up with a quick test. I took the wheel well out from under the shell and placed it on the frame 3/4 inch closer to the wheel and 2 1/2 inches higher (with the aid of a couple of bricks). I figured I would gain at least that much height. I then tried putting the tires on and taking them off and was able to do so without trouble.

    ReplyDelete