How-To Articles

Floor Replacement

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Replacing the Floor OK, it’s time to start documenting the on-frame floor replacement. The floor, while it “looked fine”, was actually rotted out in all the usual places – around the perimeter wherever there is a break in the lower channel that attached the upper body to the top of the plywood floor. The water read more »

Removing a Single Hinge Door

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Removing a Cast Hinge Door The single hinge fitting type doors found on 1965+ trailer were a great improvement over the strap type hinges that preceded, and rarely need servicing or maintenance. But what if you need to remove the door itself to work on it or the screen door? It is not readily apparent read more »

Rebuilding a Leaf Spring Axle

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Axle When I started restoring the Flying Cloud I planned on keeping the original axle, converting the old hydraulic brake system to electric.  I documented the conversion of those brakes on this site. Fast  forward to 2007, and with the thought of 50 year old steel, along with the desire to raise the trailer up read more »

Repairing a Toilet Seal

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Townsend Toilet Seal The Closet Flange Seal used on the porcelain Townsend toilet of the 1950’s/1960’s is no longer made. Over time it compresses and shrinks and allows any water left standing above the flapper valve to leak out at the base of the toilet. Below is one way to extend the life of the read more »

Dent Removal

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Dents can be categorized into 4 types: large shallow dents large deep dents creases & scrapes small dents from bumps and hail damage Shallow dents can be pulled out using body shop suction cups (see supplier section for tools). Large dents, creases & scraps usually require skin panel or segment replacement. Airstream dealers actually replace read more »