I think I'll go with stainless screws as suggested. Aluminum machine screws have proven difficult to locate, at least locally. The marker lights take a #8 and the STT take a #10 machine screw. My local Fastenal had the #8 rivnuts in stock, and ordered the #10. They had the splined body low profile head ones, just like Vintage sells, for a comparable price. The grip range is 0.020-.130". That should get a bite on the outer skin.
The STT lights have two old rivet holes that they won't cover. I tried to order some Olympic rivets to fill the holes, but they appear to be out of stock every where I look. My plan was to install them all and rent a shaved later in the process.
Thanks for the replies.
We drove the Waterpocket Fold road and the Burr Trail switchbacks. That should be on every Avionistas' to be driven list, right up with Muley Point and the Moki Dugway.
The '13 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel - "Big Bad Truck" as he's known in the family - was ideal for carrying Argo. I hardly felt the weight. I could accelerate like crazy anytime. Averaged 16MPG for the trip. The Airlift airbags on the rear axle worked like a charm to adjust the ride and clearance.
Everything in the rig stayed together, moved as a unit, was squeakless and creakless. The dust intrusion was very minimal, in spite of my not having finished caulking ALL the seams. No water leaks. This marks the finish of stage 1, the outside is complete. I rigged the inside to make it comfortable for the trip with seating surfaces and the swing out table, but Argo is without inner cabinetry, water, electrics and propane. No appliances installed yet. The camper alone currently weighs 1700 pounds. I learned that I can take him on an outing without everything being perfectly set up and have a great experience. The inner skin is next and then systems and cabinetry.
Here are some pics:
Approaching Bullfrog Marina, we stopped for a long look. Ck out the Honda mounted on the back. It confused some folks along the way who wondered if Argo was amphibious...
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/nzZeJsBl.jpg)
The Honda was used on the Avon Sportboat we used to zip around exploring the side canyons, birding and fishing
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/7rHNxwMl.jpg)
The houseboat seemed a continuation of traveling in Argo - the ability to get into remote and secluded spots and live comfortably there.
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/G1dQRUpl.jpg)
The Waterpocket Fold drive and the Burr Trail Switchbacks were a high point for us. You drive into the mouth of the canyon and can't imagine how you are going to get out. Then you go up and up and up and pop out with a long view of the Henry Mountains to the east.
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/Wc06aj6l.jpg)
It really was steep - and a very cool drive.
![[image]](http://i.imgur.com/eOldh8Fl.jpg)
You may well ask why, being less than 100 miles from Muley Point, I didn't go there. I'm saving that for the completed camper.
Onward! (at last...)
Oh yeah, and as Cajun Avion has said, every gas stop is a press conference. Lots of interesting questions and feedback. The Park Service gal controlling traffic at the east end of the long tunnel in Zion stopped us and chatted for 10" about Argo, while the line of cars behind us got longer and longer.
D
I highly recommend this plan of attack for any Avion purchaser. Get your Avion "functional" and go use it for a few short trips. Then make some more improvements, then use it again and see what works well and what needs attention. Each person has different preferences and needs, so this forum has provided hundreds if not thousands of ideas and options for the Avion TC owner, but still lets each owner make there own decisions!
Happy Camping!!
Garry
Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
Silver..loved your interview with ATC..it was still interesting even though I had followed your rebuild with keen interest...
As for my progress?...Well I put the C10 on the truck yesterday, for the first time since the 'rebuild'. Sorted out the 'tie downs', got some measurements for any extra space between truck bed and overhang.
then took the camper back off.
Next time loaded, we should be ready to test that baby with a 'out west' trip. aiming for early September.
yeh mon!
No one can be blamed for asking if the Argo might be, perhaps, amphibious?
Few would even doubt you if you said yes. Especially with that Honda.
Excellent shakedown thru some prime real estate. Im hoping to launch my next attempt at Muley Pt. via Bullfrog and seeing your pictures adds inspiration. Glad the trip was a success.
Thanks Rastaman, Thats great progress on your end as well. You'll be on the road in no time. Maybe a western meetup this year if I can get outta here early enough?
1968 Avion C-11
1993 Dodge D250 LE Cummins
67avion wrote:
Ah Ha! A "Western Meet Up" In September!!! Muley point beckons.
Ah Ha! A "Western Meet Up" In September!!! Muley point beckons.
Well that might just work...since no one wanted to come to florida, (not that I dont understand)
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Even more impetus to get the "Armadillo" (as we call her) on the road.
Lets do it!
yeh mon
Another area to look at is the aluminum angle trim around the front and bottom of the tub . I noticed a gap between the trim and skin . In the process of removing the trim I discovered they were held on with aluminum nails that looked like rivets , on several the only thing left was part of the head . I re-installed with Trempro caulk and screws.
Always something
'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed