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Post by schweetcruisers on Jan 28, 2012 20:49:33 GMT -5
Well thanks to the members who gave me advice and encouragement that I could actually pull this thing with my Pathfinder, it wasn't that the Pathfinder couldn't pull it, it was the cab over that was the concern. So here is the picture of recovery and a stopped along the Peak to Peak Highway.   Its going to be a lot of work but I think I am up to it. |
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Post by dragonfly on Jan 29, 2012 9:11:58 GMT -5
How exciting for you! My Little Sanitee says Hi. She's a 1961 as well. My blog is below, you need to go to older posts to see what I have done so far. When the weather gets better, the wheels, brakes, bearings, etc. will be worked on as well as more electrical work. Yours looks in better shape than mine. I use mine in drydock all the time just to cook little meals in and when its warm to do art in. Someday I may get her roadworthy to travel in. The stove and oven cook very well. I have made cookies and once, a cake in it. If your chains are to long, try crossing them until they can be fixed so you don't wear them out on the road. Attachments:
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Post by Redwings on Jan 29, 2012 10:34:42 GMT -5
Ooooh wings and all. Very schweet. Yes, it may be a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it.
Enjoy! And welcome to the addiction.
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Post by Gremlinguy on Jan 29, 2012 12:05:01 GMT -5
I am glad a member went and got this! I was thinking about going to look at it and trade the guy a paint job, but decided I have too much stuff goin on anyways. Congrats. Where in Denver are you located?
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Hamlet
2K Post Member
Posts: 2,241 
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Post by Hamlet on Jan 29, 2012 16:22:42 GMT -5
WAAAY cool! Congrats on your acquisition!
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Post by schweetcruisers on Jan 29, 2012 20:55:49 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, my wife and I are pretty excited. I started the repairs today, only to find lots of silicone and expansion foam. The PO's jack knifed it and the doorside front corner needs some love.
Gremlinguy- I am in central Denver I-25 and Alameda
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Post by Gremlinguy on Jan 29, 2012 21:22:02 GMT -5
Great, let me know if you need any help with the body. Maybe helping others with their restorations will calm my feeling that I need another to restore.
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Post by schweetcruisers on Jan 29, 2012 22:57:00 GMT -5
Hey Gremlinguy, I will take any help your willing to offer, as the exterior is the part that scares me! Hit me up with a pm and we can exchange some info! Thanks
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Jan 30, 2012 2:24:18 GMT -5
Great, let me know if you need any help with the body. Maybe helping others with their restorations will calm my feeling that I need another to restore. It won't go away, Gremlin, but lots of fun to help! This IS an addiction, after all... |
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Feb 21, 2012 18:15:31 GMT -5
great to see another astrodome getting rescued! hey Schweet tell me about your extension rig. class iv with 24"extension? I have a 2000 ford e150 van and Im still up in the air with what to do. looks like its adds a lot of weight to hitch?
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 21, 2012 20:17:43 GMT -5
B.Tal, its a class 3 with a 24" extension. I don't think it adds a bunch of weight its just my P-finder needs new springs and struts in the back. I pull a cargo trailer everyday with it and it sags just as much, its the original suspension and I am approaching 118000 miles. The angle on the bar is questionable, is it the suspension sag, or I think someone hit me in a parking lot, cause my 6" drop has a slight angle on it to, I think I am going to have to change out to a class 4 just to help prevent damage to the P-finder or trailer. According to the hitch guys in Denver the extension tends to torque the class 3.
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Feb 21, 2012 22:49:28 GMT -5
I hate to have to look for a tow vehicle. I talked to another astodome owner here "Tom" theres a whole thread of us trying to figure out the best option because of the cab-over. he also uses a full size van and used a class IV. adds a ton of weight. problem for me is I've yet to find a class IV for an E-150... maybe a beefed up III? I was told not to pursue the extension by the local "Pros" because of the added tongue weight. but you're the second extension rig Ive seen in use. looks like you have good turning clearance for the cab-over too. how far did you tow home?
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 21, 2012 23:16:35 GMT -5
With 24" I could turn almost as much as I can with my cargo trailer. I could actually fit under the loft but any dip in the road where my p-finder is going up hill and the trailer is going down hill, it would rip the roof rack off. I haven't been able to find a class 4 for mine either. Btw I towed it 40 miles, 18 of which was down a winding two lane canyon rd, I noticed no extra sway or control issues when I got it on the interstate at 65mph. The only thing is everything has to be extended, wiring and chains.
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Feb 22, 2012 0:29:05 GMT -5
did you have to use a reducer for the extension into a class 3? know anything about weight distributing hitches? I towed mine back home about 40 mi as well and down 5 mi of winding death road in the poconos of PA. ( weird coincidence!) I used a borrowed full size GMC sierra and almost forgot I was towing anything... had to force myself to slow down from 65mpg. without sway control she was steady as a rock. I was worried about sway until I was reminded that in 1963 there were no sway controls used lol PS. found class 4's at etrailer.com
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Post by mapleman3 on Feb 22, 2012 8:44:12 GMT -5
We actually rewelded our hitch to be longer about 15 years ago on our astroflyte...picture below.....and yes she may be for sale soon...may have bought a new camper for the wife.
Jim
1964 Shasta Astroflyte
Belchertown Ma.
sent on my Droid Charge
using proboards
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Post by mapleman3 on Feb 22, 2012 8:47:19 GMT -5
Jim 1964 Shasta Astroflyte Belchertown Ma. sent on my Droid Charge using proboards Attachments:
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 22, 2012 9:14:06 GMT -5
B.Tal, no reducer, its a solid 2" bar welded to a 2"socket. The thing weighs about 50lbs. I think these trailers are too light for the weight distributing hitch, the only time I've seen them used was when some one was towing a huge boat or trailer. Like I said I pull a cargo trailer full of tools and wood almost every day, it weighs almost 5k lbs, no sway no issues. I even towed to it to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and back, the only time I had any issues was in Nebraska when I had head winds no matter what way I went.
Mapleman, I saw the extended hitch on your blog, not sure what I would trust more, I think the extension since for the most part its solid, there's to much to go wrong with extending the frame.
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Post by mapleman3 on Feb 22, 2012 9:41:49 GMT -5
Its solid...guseted...I always check it but had a proffesional weld it up ...I never had an issue with it......had it done due to using a cap on the pickup. Now there is plenty room for a battery box or tool box
Jim
1964 Shasta Astroflyte
Belchertown Ma.
sent on my Droid Charge
using proboards
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 22, 2012 9:43:27 GMT -5
Its actually a 18" extension, I had to go back and read my original thread about towing a Astrodome under Tow Vehicles titled SUV Help.
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Feb 22, 2012 21:19:34 GMT -5
schweet would you consider posting a few pics of your rig wth more detail?
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 22, 2012 21:36:24 GMT -5
I would but if you go to blog you can see my Astrodome in its current state, no issues with clearance now!
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Feb 24, 2012 10:47:12 GMT -5
Will do Schweet thanks
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cowcharge
1K Post Member
I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
Posts: 1,471
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Post by cowcharge on Mar 15, 2012 3:46:36 GMT -5
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