|
Post by hedgehog on Jun 11, 2012 15:07:52 GMT -5
I need to buy new or good used guard for my 1965 Shasta Compact front windowMine was never equipped with the stone/rain guard.
|
|
|
Post by persimmonpal on Jun 11, 2012 15:08:50 GMT -5
Me too! Thought about making one.. Can anyone offer any insight in that? Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by dawgpound on Jun 11, 2012 16:43:43 GMT -5
I wish I had taken pictures of Rock Guard that I built for our Compact. We sold it over a year ago, so I don't access to it. This is the way I built one. The Rock Guard needs to be larger then the front window by at least 1"-2" all the way around, based on whether you use Prop Rods or Rock Guard Support Arms). I used 3/4" Aluminum U Channel that I picked up at Lowes. Mitered the corners of the Aluminum U Channel and created a frame. Used some Angled Mending Plates ( the kind with 2 screw holes in each leg) and pop riveted them to the inside corners of the frame, making sure to keep them to the bottom edge of the channel. Only do 2 corners at this time. You will be laying a bead of LEXEL Sealant and setting a piece of 1/4" Plexiglass into the frame and then you can install the other piece of the U Channel Frame. Pop rivet the Angled Mending Plates to the last 2 corners and the Rock Guard is complete. Set it off to the side, face down and make sure that the plexi is seated all the way around the inside frame and let it dry. If you need to, add another small bead of Sealant to the inside edge of the plexi and the U Channel. You will need to be a little creative with some hinges and attach then to the top of the frame and then to the camper front. You will also need to attach a pair of Hasps to the bottom of the Rock Guard, so you can lock it into place for travel. I used the smallest ones that would work and small pad locks, Didn't want anything big and bulky. You can either use prop rods to hold the Rock Guard up, when you are setting up for the weekend or purchase a pair of Rock Guard Support Arms (again, you will need to be creative when attaching them to the Rock Guard). www.vintagecampers.com/viewpart.php?partID=1532Vintage Campers has the BEST price on these guys. ALSO, THESE ARE NOT REPLACEMENTS FOR THE ORIGINAL SUPPORT ARMS. (They can be used, but they will need to be disassembled and reconfigured. I know this, because I had to do this on the Scotty I restored last year). I hope this makes sense. If not, I will try to break it down a bit more.
|
|
boandsusan
2K Post Member
Christmas parade 2012
Posts: 2,000
|
Post by boandsusan on Jun 12, 2012 0:12:27 GMT -5
Thank you for taking time to post these instructions. I don`t know what you mean when you say "Angled mending plates" ? Sorry, but could you describe them for me or post a picture?
|
|
|
Post by dawgpound on Jun 12, 2012 7:31:34 GMT -5
Sorry, I have always called them mending plates. Here is what I am talking about. Soup was close. They will hold the corners of the aluminum frame tight. Attachments:
|
|
offspringin
1K Post Member
Never question the engineer's judgement!
Posts: 1,424
|
Post by offspringin on Jun 12, 2012 7:43:59 GMT -5
I was on the hunt for a rock guard for a while, but i just stopped. It dawned on me that i wouldn't be able to see through the windows while towing. I like to have that option. I have plans to build a custom clear rock guard but haven't taken the time to do so just yet.
Thinking ours may be one that pops on for travel, pops off once camping, or may go the whole hinged route.... very very low on my to do list.... towing with an SUV, usually with boats on the roof i feel like the windows are relatively safe....
hedgehog... if you make one from scratch you could write up a little tutorial on how to do so, or just pictures to go along with Ross's directions.
|
|
|
Post by hellonwheels on Jun 16, 2012 17:34:06 GMT -5
We don't have a rock guard and I was wondering how "critical" folks here think they are. The PO said they never had a problem, but...
|
|
|
Post by dawgpound on Jun 16, 2012 18:54:49 GMT -5
We never had a problem traveling up and down the East Coast without one. I built one just because, not out of necessity, but to see if I could do it.
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on Jun 16, 2012 18:56:21 GMT -5
I just think they really compliment the looks of the early shasta's,
as for how much they are needed, think about how many times a rock has hit your windshield from oncoming traffic, it is kind of rare, but the shasta windows are not safety glass so they will shatter.
it really depends on how far and how often you tow your shasta
|
|
|
Post by hellonwheels on Jun 17, 2012 0:38:49 GMT -5
We are also Harley enthusiasts, and I would never ride (not counting wind resistance) without protection from flying debris, but that being said; we really only will be towing Deuce up along the Central Coast of CA (100 mi/way max) so I don't think I'm that worried, but gosh, I would hate to break a window - especially this early in the game when we are still forking out bucks on other goodies! Did I mention that we are now avid collectors of Pathfinder 575's: still looking for the ideal # 61, 63 is second and I think we have the 68 covered, but ya never know!
|
|
mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
|
Post by mobiltec on Feb 3, 2013 11:07:30 GMT -5
The two best things about rock guards other than protecting your windows is that they keep the sun from fading your curtains and dinette seats and when you open it the guard gives you shade like an awning. We build them just like the instructions above from Ross, but we put bends in the sheet metal in the form of patterns like a sunburst for looks... It takes about a half day to make one. As you can see there is no need for a brow. Putty tape the hinge when you mount it to the skin just above the window.
|
|
|
Post by dawgpound on Feb 3, 2013 11:12:36 GMT -5
That is one sweet looking rock guard!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2013 11:21:23 GMT -5
I love that gas tank and battery configuration! Where did you get the tank?
|
|
mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
|
Post by mobiltec on Feb 3, 2013 17:25:41 GMT -5
I love that gas tank and battery configuration! Where did you get the tank? At a Propane Supply/RV Supply place. This place mostly dealt with all different types of industrial gas supplies including propane. I think the tank is used on a fork lift or a "Weenie Cart"... Food carts that you push around.
|
|
mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
|
Post by mobiltec on Feb 3, 2013 17:27:12 GMT -5
That is one sweet looking rock guard! Thanks Ross, When we bend up that center panel, the panel ends up looking like a cone. That's one of the reasons it takes two people to build it. One to hold it flat again in place, and one to drill and pop the rivots in.
|
|
cowcharge
1K Post Member
I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
Posts: 1,471
|
Post by cowcharge on Feb 5, 2013 14:15:07 GMT -5
That is one sweet looking rock guard! Thanks Ross, When we bend up that center panel, the panel ends up looking like a cone. That's one of the reasons it takes two people to build it. One to hold it flat again in place, and one to drill and pop the rivots in. Did it distort it out of "squareness" at all?
|
|
mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
|
Post by mobiltec on Feb 5, 2013 15:23:46 GMT -5
Thanks Ross, When we bend up that center panel, the panel ends up looking like a cone. That's one of the reasons it takes two people to build it. One to hold it flat again in place, and one to drill and pop the rivots in. Did it distort it out of "squareness" at all? It ends up a little shorter on the bottom that it is on the top because of the bends but it's not enough to show. The outter frame is large enough to hide the difference. We also have to bend the edges up 90 degrees to hold it all in with rivots. I will be doing a video on how to make one of these when I do the one for the Shasta. You do need a Hand Brake large enough to handle up to about 8 feet. That's the largest one we've built so far.
|
|
soup
1K Post Member
Posts: 1,768
|
Post by soup on Mar 1, 2013 8:21:40 GMT -5
Awesome Rockguard! I'm sure this won't be much compared to the one above but...... Another cheap/easy temp. rock guard if worried about broken glass and don't have the money or know how for the awesome one above; Make one out of padded vinyl that covers window and attaches with Velcro or snaps on window frame so can be removed after transport. Think like the front of semi truck radiator covers in winter or auto bras. I still like the one above more, but the vinyl cover would get you by a few seasons. You could even make them for the rest of the windows for interior to use when storing to protect interior fabrics from fade. Could also use to cover windows inside when trying to heat in winter. Same material as the windshield covers on class C's and the tire covers they sell everywhere. Just sayin Have a great day yall!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2013 9:21:35 GMT -5
Started doing it yesterday to me, thought it was just me. This has happened before on the boards, little technical glitch.
|
|
mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
|
Post by mobiltec on Mar 1, 2013 23:48:19 GMT -5
I do not know why the forum put my picture up as an attachment instead of posting the picture. I have never had it do that before. :-( I will try another picture. That has been happening to me also.
|
|