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goransons · 05-23-2012, 08:47 PM

A really good friend has approached me with an exceptionally good price (nearly free) for a 60 Overlander. Here's the good, a solid floor, even around the edges, minus some issues at the door. Original appliances are in good cosmetc condition, as is the super majority of the original woodwork is in great shape. Bathroom is great, just a clean/repipe etc, tub even looks great. Door is complete with latch.

Here's the street side.

goransons · 05-23-2012, 08:57 PM

So here's the real project, snow shed collapsed on it, or so the story goes.

Here's a more accurate set of pictures, but first you should know:

1. I have a replacement window
2. I have one, and access to a few more 63 full bows
3. I have the needed front end cap segments I saved from a damaged donor trailer for the 63 restoration.

So here's what I'm thinking,

1. remove the interior, at least all but the bathroom.
2. Obviously at that point assess the real damage, but what I anticipate needing done is a full #1 bow replacement. Remove damaged segments and refit front segments and #1 bow, true up the shape of the front end.
3. Replace any other damaged bows.
4. Remove and replace the approximately 18' sections of sheet material, 3 on the outside, 2 on the inside.
5. Repair interior end cap (which is aluminum by the way, too cool)
6. Of course reinsulate, rewire, repair any floor issues, refinish woodwork and all that other fun stuff that costs a bunch of money.

Do I need another Airstream? No of course not but it seems like a fun project, and to be honest if we got into too deep we could always recoup our money selling the door, the cabinet hardware, windows, etc if it really got that bad.

Other pro's... Frame looks great, and all signs show zero rear end issues. The overall trailer isn't too distorted from the collapse, the passanger side is straight as an arrow. Rear bumper, battery box, jelousie windows, all complete and in good condition.

So am I totally crazy?

goransons · 05-23-2012, 08:59 PM

Some interior shots

Jim & Susan · 05-23-2012, 09:06 PM

Go for it.

Lots of sheet metal work, but with your skills, you can handle it.

Jim

reinergirl · 05-23-2012, 09:10 PM

Heck no, you're not crazy...... Go for it!

Eric H · 05-23-2012, 09:12 PM

Ouch. Personally that would be on the edge for me. Even though I don't mind drilling rivets and replacing aluminum that seems like an awful lot of replacing. I guess I shy away from a lot of it since I figure I'm spending the money and time to get everything else up to the strength and beauty of the shell (and then finish the shell cosmetically).
On the other hand if you have the time and money and you don't have to take the shell off then that's a real plus.

62overlander · 05-24-2012, 03:43 AM

You would be stepping right into the best era of Airstreams...

Gene · 05-24-2012, 04:52 AM

Are you "totally crazy"? If you were, you wouldn't ask.

Are you somewhat crazy? Maybe. What do you need it for? Do you want to make it your primary trailer? Do you want to restore a trailer just because you enjoy restoring trailers? As a business proposition, restore and sell, probably a bad idea. I know I'm always looking for ways to make my world (house, trailer, land) a little bit better, but a whole extra trailer doesn't appeal to me. But if it is something you really want to do, do it.

If you decide not to do it, you could help your friend sell it and split the money.

Gene

goransons · 05-24-2012, 07:57 AM

Thanks for all the input, I think the next step here is to take the 63 segments I kept and go make sure they line up as far as cuts around windows etc.

It's a deal breaker if I have to find segments! Very open to other thoughts and suggestions!

goransons · 05-24-2012, 07:01 PM

Making up my rough sketch budget on this one. 2024 T3 .032 on the outside, but on the inside what would you go with, same stuff? I've heard suggested 5052 since it will be painted.

62overlander · 05-25-2012, 03:39 PM

I would suggest .040 2042 T3 for the exterior skin and .032 5052 for the interior. The thicker aluminum is easier to work with in my opinion.

purman · 05-25-2012, 05:01 PM

Crazy!!! aren't we all when we take on a project. I'm doing mine again after finishing it about 2 years ago. This time a total shell of restoration. I say go for it. What else will you do with your free time..

2vets · 05-25-2012, 08:41 PM

Great year but ouch. I am afraid I am not that crazy but it takes all kinds! Good luck with whatever decision you choose! I would at least remove the belly pan and look at the frame before you make your choice...it could be a deal breaker if the frame needs extensive work.

goransons · 05-26-2012, 10:08 PM

Good news!! Today I took the 3 segments I have line up and will work out great. For now 8671 is getting some polishing, some window work, and getting some woodwork finished up for the camping season, but hope to get this new project cleaned up inside (mouse droppings and trash) and get it water tight, with damage still there so we can store it until I have the funds free to order all my sheet metal.