1973 Amerigo restoration - Fiberglass RV
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Old 08-03-2019, 06:45 AM   #1
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Name: Dar
Trailer: Shopping
Virginia
Posts: 8
1973 Amerigo restoration

Hi folks, Floyd and Darlene here. We are just about done restoring our 1973 Amerigo. However, we're ready to install the front window rock/bug guard. but, we do not have the two lock down mechanisms that mount to the window frame, one on each side. Nor do we know what they look like or where to find or them. Can anyone point us in the right direction?


In addition, this site has been very helpful in guiding us thru this restoration.
Thanx to all of you for sharing.
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Old 08-03-2019, 11:27 AM   #2
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Name: Kathleen (Kai: ai as in wait)
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16 1973 "Peanut"
Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington
Posts: 2,566
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When we redid Peanut, our 1973 Amerigo FG-16, we had the same issue. Someone had used screws into the frame to hold the rock shield closed, and had probably never once opened it as the whole thing was packed with mud and dirt. Awful. We not only installed a Lexan window in the rock shield, but put an extendable curtain rod with rubber tips under the shield to use as a prop-up when parked. But what to use as a hold-down? Two? Or what?


We went to a local Dunn's Hardware and discussed it with a guy who suggested we use a double-hinged hasp. Kind of an odd item, but it was perfect. We only used one, in the lower center, and it works great. We use a carabiner to hold it closed during travel, making sure to clip it onto the empty hasp every single time so we don't lose it.


We love being able to see out of that window now, and holding it up like a little awning when parked. Even without the Lexan, it needs to function, not just be a part of the front wall that collects crud.

I'll see if I can find a pic online of the hasp.

I can't capture the pictures. Sorry.

But they have them online at Amazon AND most hardware stores carry them. Once we brought ours home and laid it on the rock shield, it was clear how easily and well lit was going to work. But it kind of baffled me before that. We decided to only do the one, and that has worked out fine. Paul didn't want to put more holes in Peanut than he had to. We sealed it with butyl just like the windows.

If you double-click on a picture below, you'll get a larger version of it to see the hasp better.

We love pics here if you can upload them. We've never seen another Amerigo in person--yet. Hoping to do so someday.

We love Peanut...hope you love your amerigo! Let us know here on FGRV if you decide to name it. There are several threads on that topic.

Happy trails to you!

BEST
"K"
Attached Thumbnails
Peanut 10 2015 to 6 2016 054.JPG   Peanut 10 2015 to 6 2016 053.JPG  

Peanut 10 2015 to 6 2016 055.JPG  
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Old 08-04-2019, 07:04 AM   #3
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Name: Dar
Trailer: Shopping
Virginia
Posts: 8
Thanx Kai

Your suggestion of using a double sided hasp sounds great. Problem solved.
As soon as we're completely done with the restoration we'll be sure to post as many pictures as possible. We have named our amerigo aloha.
We both lived in Hawaii for a while and loved and miss it. The interior is sort of themed after it.

Plus we fancy ourselves a couple of hula gins. Pun intended.

Hulagins: Wild and free spirits who love to dance and to hula.

not to be confused with: hooligans

We noticed in your pictures that your Amerigo is raised. We are considering raising ours. Did you raise peanut or did she come that way ? If you raised her, can you explain how you you went about it?

Thanx again so much for your great reply to our question.

aloha!

Floyd and Darlene, Virginia USA
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Old 08-04-2019, 10:59 AM   #4
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Name: Kathleen (Kai: ai as in wait)
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16 1973 "Peanut"
Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington
Posts: 2,566
Registry
Hi! So glad the idea is helpful! I had never known such things existed--and they're common and worked perfectly.

Height: Peanut came that way. It has to be a different axel than the original. Peanut was in a very bad crash two owners ago -- around ten years--and it may have been replaced then. Even at that, we have to watch out for curbs and road bumps and whatnot. First time we towed it, we smashed hard into a driveway edge. Very unnerving with our new-to-us trailer. Not sure of the 82 holes, cracks, and missing areas if any were caused by that bump.


You may notice the step with the "handle" near the door...first thing we did for restoration of Peanut...(Previously known as "the Root Beer Trailer") I was heavier then, and needed a sturdy step, preferably a single step, and something to hang onto. We used a crutch and plywood and some industrial plastic for the feet in case the ground was wet. We made it STRONG. It's also heavy. But the handle (with pool noodles for gripping comfort) helps a lot. I didn't know Peanut had been raised...that's possibly why getting in and out was so hard before we made the step.

I like your name for your trailer (Aloha) and yourselves, Hulagins, NOT to be confused with hooligans.


Our trailer's motto is "One shell with two nuts in it."

Pics: Before (Brown) and logo (eBay has people who will make a decal of whatever you want...)


BEST

"K"
Attached Thumbnails
Peanut 10 2015 to 6 2016 036.jpg   PEANUT possible logo for amerigo trailer.jpg  

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