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Ariz-Pacer · 03-23-2008, 02:10 PM

Since there are no posts for the 1958 Pacer, I guess this is as good a place as any to make my first post.

I have owned this 58 Pacer for the last 18 years or so. It has mostly been used for hunting and camping trips and towed on four-wheel drive trails on which Airstreams were probably never meant to go.

It's still in its original condition, except that it used to have an air conditioner which was the first thing I took off of it, because there's no power where I travel. I also removed the tiny toilet that was originally installed and gave it to a ministry bus going to South America.

There are no before-and-after pictures, only before pictures, as it sits right now. It still has the original Dometic Swedish gas-only refrigerator, which I have not tried to use for the last five years; however, it worked before that. The dome cover over the refrigerator vent (plastic) fell apart a few years ago, and apparently there are no replacement vent covers of that size available, so right now it's covered with a stainless steel pipe.

I'm thinking about trying to restore it and I need to start on the exterior, as it is somewhat oxidized. Some places are worse than others and is some minor skin damage on the bottom and sides.

This is an awful lot for me to say on any posts, much less the first one. I have enjoyed reading the forums here and the wealth of information that they provide. So I thought I'd join this vast community of knowledge and information.

See you on the road.

P. S. My wife says that I'm not going to be restoring this until we have the family room done.

**azflycaster** · 03-23-2008, 02:34 PM

Welcome to the forums!
It's great to have another member from the valley!

Ariz-Pacer · 03-23-2008, 11:32 PM

Thank you for the welcome azflycaster.

I see now that the 59 pacer listed above is actually a 58. Seems like every Pacer I see is different from the others. Windows, vents etc., wonder why this is so.

Here's a recent pic of mine coming down from wintering at Christopher Creek.

Winter snows found some new ways to get in at the roof vents. First thing to be fixed.

yukionna · 03-24-2008, 06:03 AM

Welcome to the forums! What a cute little trailer! From looking at the exterior photo you posted, it looks like the exterior is in good shape on those sides visible.

Check your front window for leaks as I see your window gasket is loose.

byamcaravanner · 03-24-2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ariz-Pacer

I'm thinking about trying to restore it and I need to start on the exterior, as it is somewhat oxidized.

If it was mine I wouldn't touch the exterior...Your trailer has a great patina that gives it a classic look. Very nice trailer.

yukionna · 03-24-2008, 06:59 AM

If it was my trailer, I would polish it to a mirror finish which would restore it to what it looked like when it was first built!

byamcaravanner · 03-24-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

If it was my trailer, I would polish it to a mirror finish which would restore it to what it looked like when it was first built!

I love the mirror finish

... but I don't think they were ever mirror finish from the factory.

RichardT · 03-24-2008, 07:30 AM

I would not polish it either, It looks great.

yukionna · 03-24-2008, 08:42 AM

It's all very subjective!

To give you an idea of what an oxidized finish looks like against a buffed finish, check out this post which shows a before and after on our Bambi II.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/113957-post28.html

Sugarfoot · 03-24-2008, 03:16 PM

That's a great looking little Airstream. If you are going to restore, IMHO, I would start with fixing any exterior integrity problems (leaks, broken vents, windows) if you have any. Then move to running gear and systems (electrical, plumbing, etc). As far as polishing, I guess that is a matter of taste. Your Pacer's skin in the photo looks to have aged gracefully. My TW is polished, but every time I get out the Cyclo I bemoan the fact that I might could be camping instead of polishing.

Ariz-Pacer · 03-24-2008, 09:38 PM

Thank you all for your comments and the welcome here.
The exterior has a few shiney spots on the left rear quarter and the right side where the lantern hangs for reflected light at night.
Do I ever like the suggestions that I leave the exterior in it's au nautreal finish, as that's a lot easier than the alternative, (working instead of camping). I am looking for some guidance on at least washing the exterior a little and what not to use vs what's safe to use.
I shall post some pictures of the interior shortly.
Thanks again for your suggestions and comments of encouragement.

yukionna · 03-25-2008, 06:40 AM

You are welcome!

We look forward to watching your progress and seeing photos!

Ariz-Pacer · 03-26-2008, 11:44 PM

Thought I'd post a few pictures of the interior as promised...

Original cabinets...

The sleeping Accomodations....Yes, I just made the large bed...Not very well, I accept.

Notice the wonderful "Brown" stove on the right....It really is a nice stove.

You may also note the use of duct tape for field expedient Formica repairs....It's just temporary......Let's see...How long has it been????

And the dinette...........With original light fixture....How space age it is......

Electrical covers are off because I forgot where i put them.....
(Don't use them anyhow)
More evidence of Duct tape repairs.....(holds the world together)......