Screens
Video # 27
Airstream Screens and Replacement
In this episode of Classic Rides, host Kevin Tetz continues with his restoration of the windows of the 1970 Airstream Overland Yacht Trailer he is working on.
The original screens on the trailer are torn and worn. Kevin wants to replace them. He points out that the screen for the vents is identical to the window, so the same procedure follows in replacing them as well.
To take the old screen out, Kevin carefully removes the reusable spline and peels the old screen off. He cleans the frame with an abrasive pad. He also recommends spray-painting the frame. New household window screening is available in aluminum or colored fiberglass. Kevin uses clamps on the corners of the frame to keep the screens slightly taught.
Then he uses a spline roller with two wheels, one to push the screen into the groove and the other roller to push the spline into the groove with the screen underneath. He gently rolls the screen into the groove, in an angle slightly away from the screen.
Kevin reuses the old spline and puts it back into the same position it came out, using the spline tool, feeling it carefully as it sinks. With the spline in place, Kevin trims the outside edge of the screen using a razor. And the new screen installation is complete.
Now we move on to the exterior of the trailer. Kevin points out that several of the exterior lights need replacement. He says that the 1970's running style lights are still available today from RV parts suppliers. After removing the old lights, he cleans the surfaces with an abrasive pad and soapy water.
Next, Kevin cuts and strips the wires, and crimps them into place. The wire from the new fixtures just slip into the other end and is crimped down. Kevin secures the wire connections with electrical tape. Then he pops the new light fixtures into place.
Kevin also repaints the storage bins of the kitchen and bedroom cabinets. He cleans them well and uses a bright red spray paint to give them new life. He also adds hook-and-loop tape on the bottoms of the bins, so that they don't move and rattle while trailer is in transit.
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