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RE: Airstream

To: "'brad.kahler@141.com'" <brad.kahler@141.com>, fot@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Airstream
From: Bill Babcock <BillB@bnj.com>
Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 21:49:16 -0700
I've been noodling about whether or not to use new stuff, or find a rolled
or otherwise trashable modern truck to donate frame and running gear.
There's nothing wrong with the frame on my '49, except it's wimpy. I can get
a roller from Fat Man for about $5k (probably $7K by the time I get done
with extras) and then figure out the right mounts for a diesel. Or better
yet, find just the right Diesel P/U to rebody with the shell from the '49.
Still noodling. 

My trailer plan is to use the back 15-16 feet for the car, and perhaps
cantilever the sleeping area above the car. That would compromise use of the
trailer for working on bits at the track, and reduce car bits storage, but
it would give a lot of living area. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kahler [mailto:brad.kahler@141.com] 
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 5:41 PM
To: Bill Babcock; fot@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Airstream


The ride of an airstream trailer is supposed to be second to none.  The 
Henschen axles are supposedly some of the best axles out there.  

As for tow vehicles, you're on the right track!  We have a 53 chevy 1- ton
panel truck (same as Bill Dentinger)  that we will be "upgrading" 
similar to what you're doing.  A 72-87 Chevy 1/2 or 3/4 ton IRS setup is 
almost a direct bolt in for the 48-53 trucks.  Gives you a nice front 
suspension and built in motor mounts for your new engine.  

We plan on redoing the truck once the airstream is complete.

You can see what ours looks like right now at 
http://www.141.com/triumphs 

Just look for the 53 chevy panel.

Brad

On 23 May 2004, at 15:41, Bill Babcock wrote:

> That's pretty much the theory. I'm going to quit racing DSR--put the 
> Radical up for sale--and concentrate on vintage racing with Peyote. I 
> just have too much fin in that car. I want t good way to trailer long 
> distances 'cause I plan to do a big lap, playing at all the tracks on 
> the east and midwest in a year or two.
> 
> The other piece of the plan concerns the '49 chevy truck I've got. I'm 
> going to do a major transplant--aftermarket frame kit, big diesel, 
> etc. Should make a great tow vehicle. There's even a dual wheel kit 
> available these days. Don't think I'll need it though.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe Curry [mailto:spitlist@COX.NET]
> Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 2:43 PM
> To: Bill Babcock; 'Susan Kahler'
> Cc: fot@autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: Airstream
> 
> 
> If anything, "It Fits"!  That aluminum body will feel right at home 
> inside a similar looking trailer.
> 
> Joe (C)
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On 
> Behalf Of Bill Babcock Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 2:06 PM To: 'Susan 
> Kahler' Cc: 'fot@autox.team.net ' Subject: Airstream
> 
> It looks like you guys are doing something I've been thinking 
> of--converting an old Airstream to haul your vintage car. I'm bidding 
> on a 30 footer. I want to gut it, and build it so it has a compact 
> living area and still carry Peyote. Is that what you guys are up to?

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