When we last left the Armstrong A/C on the Little Green Airstream, we needed to install new capacitors & the fan motor, re-install the existing fan blades on a new spindle, and then test the unit using a new thermostat. This involved electrical connections that were above my experience level, so it was up to my contractor (John Mangino of EKT Universal HVAC) to install. All of these...
Continue readingRepairing a Vintage Airstream A/C (Part 3): Replacing Parts
While my contractor, John, was researching and buying parts for the A/C repair, I needed to help him figure out how to power the A/C so we could test it throughout the process. Up until this point, I’d spent the majority of my time working on structural elements and making the interior livable, and had entrusted the systems work to my contractors. Fortunately, I’d purchased some vintage Airstream...
Continue readingRepairing a Vintage Airstream A/C (Part 2): Shroud Replacement
The original Armstrong air conditioner that was installed on my ’69 Airstream came with a plastic shroud (cover) to protect the unit from the elements. Over time, the plastic degrades, and the shroud needs replacement. In a case like this, where the company is no longer in business, finding parts can present a challenge. On top of that, when parts are not universal and need to conform to...
Continue readingRepairing a Vintage Airstream A/C (Part 1): Getting Started
One of the parts I was eager to see if I could have repaired on my 1969 Airstream was the original Armstrong brand air conditioner, built into the roof of the trailer. As usual, the question was whether it was more cost and energy efficient to repair something original or to replace it with something new. Offhand, my goal was to bring the original unit back to working...
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