DIY Network

Install New Awnings The '70 Airstream trailer is cooled with new awnings for the patio and windows. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-210

In this segment host Kevin Tetz is joined by Bob Miller and crew from Zip Dee Awnings to install new awnings, including one for the patio that will expand the living space of the coach.

New awnings are installed for the rear window and one for the street-side windows. The awnings also help keep the trailer cool during the hot months and protect the interior from sun damage. The Zip Dee awnings are the same as those installed on Airstreams from the '70s to today and are a common sight at Airstream rallies.

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	One of the final steps of the restoration is for host Kevin Tetz to install new awnings to the project Airstream.
	A unique feature of the new awning is that part of the cover--the flex key--comes off and the awning can be installed onto the trailer without having to maneuver the heavy canvas part.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Installing the New Awning

1. Use basic hand tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, a drill and a rivet gun to install the awning.

2. To create the clearing needed for the awning, install a new, low profile stove vent. Also check the existing awning track to make sure it's clear.

3. The restoration trailer left-side awning arm and brackets have already been installed. The arms are installed along the trailer's rib support where the trailer's shell pieces have been riveted to the frame.

4. Measure 71-1/2" down from the rail and mark the placement of the bottom right hinge bracket.

5. With the holes drilled, fill them with silicone and the lower arm bracket is secured to the trailer using screws and a rivet.

6. Next, the arm pieces go together and the arm is mounted to the bottom hinge.

7. Then the head casting is secured to the bottom arm, along with the cramp bracket.

8. Raise the arm up to the top of the trailer to find and mark the top bracket. The holes are drilled and filled with silicon and the top bracket is secured to the trailer.

9. With the arms lowered down, we install the head casting to the main awning assembly and install the arm to the head casting. Then remove the screw that hold the flex key to the awning assembly and slid the flex key unit out.

10. The awning assembly goes up and is secured to the top bracket (figure A). The flex key piece is then installed, slipping it in to both the track channel on the trailer and the awning assembly.

11. This connects the awning to the track without having to maneuver the heavy awning into the track. The flex key screw is tightened to secure the assembly.

12. With the rear arm disconnected from the trailer, the next step is to load the inner spring of the awning by winding the arm clockwise one turn for every foot of the awning.

13. The arm can be reinstalled onto the lower bracket (figure B). The upper support arm is secured to the awning at the head casting and the lower support arm can be raised to be adjusted to the desired height.

14. To close the awning, simply reverse the process and disconnect the upper support arm.

15. A quick tug on the awning strap and the spring loaded unit winds up and retracts easily (figure C).

In the final segment of this Classic Rides, Kevin reviews the Airstream restoration.

RESOURCES :

Cyclo Polishers
Website: www.cyclotoolmakers.com

Nuvite
Nuvite Chemical Compounds Corp.
213 Freeman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-383-0008

Perfect Polish
Website: www.perfectpolish.com

Soda Club
Website: www.sodaclubusa.com

Swift Association in Athens, TN
McMinn County Airport
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-745-9547

Coleman Company
Website: www.coleman.com

Atwood Mobile
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-264-2132

Zip Dee Inc.
Website: www.zipdeeinc.com

The Original Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch
Website: www.equalizerhitch.com

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Ron Mullins
Awning Expert
56 Braemar Dr.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-690-1679

James G. Webb
Awning Expert
137 Kenmore
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: 630-279-7420

Robert Miller
Awning Expert
1645 Clover
Inverness, IL 60067
Phone: 847-359-7518

William Culp
RV Assistant
3721A Taliluna Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37919

Caleb Wilson
RV Assistant
1202 Clinch, #5
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-256-5290

Tom Numelin
Perfect Polish Representative
81 Pine Dr.
Fairfax, CA 94930
Phone: 707-775-2841