As 2airishuman has suggested I'm going to start a thread about the progress on our 72 AS project.
This all started when we went to a antique car show in Manchester VT in June. I saw a sweet little vintage shasta camper and thought that would be so neat to own and take it up into VT or NH in the summer and spend some time on a lake somewhere. We have a sweet little Bully dog that we rescued and who just LOVES to ride. So hubby said we could hunt for a camper if he could hunt for a 55 or 56 GMC pickup to pull it with, a shasta weighs about 1,800 lbs, I said "deal". Well, then hubby finds out that a shasta might have a stove, fridge, bed, cut little dinette, but NO real bathroom. Then he starts back pedaling. He can talk me into about anything, so he says how about a vintage Airstream? They have a toilet and a shower. I say "but I want something little." "We'll find a little one." Ya, OK so we ended up with a 25 footer. Not little or simple anymore.
We did SOME research and decided on 69 to 73 mainly because you can still get parts for them. Then If we really got hooked our next one would be earlier. Next we decided to do a renovation vs a restoration. We are really purists at heart but we also know when to pick our battles. So this one will be as close to original on the outside as we can get and a little more us on the inside. I really, really don't like plastic.
SO now we have hunted for her
found her
towed her home
started the demolision And that part ain't been pretty.
We have a rotted floor, we suspected that, no grey water tank that was a surprise, and after we look hard enough we found the black water one, and enough mouse houses and their "Stuff" to fill 4 garbage cans under the belly pan, Thank the heavens that job is done. Tomorrow we will finish removing the interior, and I'm sure find some surprises under the shower, feels very squishy.
Hubby has also removed the banana wrap, and removed the axels, we are now supported by 4 huge jack stands. This morning we loaded one axle into the pickup, thank goodness we have a New Holland forklift at our business, them axles are heavy! We drove to Seekonk MA and went to tailer place that is a dexter dealer and they took measurement and we will have 2 new axles by Aug. 8th. We also order tires and new rims.
So know my mission is for us to finish this by next summer and take 2 of our grandchildren to MT. Rushmore. We have to take a break for about 5 months starting in early August to run our business. But when we close Dec. 31st our time is our own again and we will pick up the project again. Will we make it? If guess we'll just have to wait and see.
The important thing is use set a goal to have it finished. I bought my trailer October 2007 and set a goal to pull it to our retirement property July 2008. I met that goal. I pulled mine on orginal axels. I was worried but it made it there and back. I have to build the airstream fund back up before I get new axels.
He can talk me into about anything, so he says how about a vintage Airstream? They have a toilet and a shower. I say "but I want something little." "We'll find a little one." Ya, OK so we ended up with a 25 footer. Not little or simple anymore.
So... like does your hubby get online? Like what's his technique? I've got me some "talkin'" to do with Kim about some stuff we really NEED...
Quote:
Originally Posted by bullydogsmom
now we have hunted for her
found her towed her home, started the demolision And that part ain't been pretty.
We have a rotted floor, we suspected that, no grey water tank that was a surprise, and after we look hard enough we found the black water one, and enough mouse houses and their "Stuff" to fill 4 garbage cans under the belly pan, Thank the heavens that job is done. Tomorrow we will finish removing the interior, and I'm sure find some surprises under the shower, feels very squishy. So know my mission is for us to finish this by next summer and take 2 of our grandchildren to MT. Rushmore.
Well, it's almost the end of July and y'all got some time... and you're certainly at the right place to get tricks of the trade... I'd suggest using the search function for specifics - areas of repair and renovation that you're looking at starting on. Make a plan and make it an investment in your family's future.
It's not a matter of "will we make it". It's all about the investment in your memories and future. Priceless...
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. Bill & Kim's Marvelous Adventure with Catahoula Charlie
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I think you have the right mindset to get the job done in the time you have allotted.
The only question I have is, do you plan to amass as many as you can of the parts you will need on Jan1 between now and then? Having the stuff at hand will certainly help concretize the project in your mind.
Well today is weds. and no progress on the AS. Our son-in-law had knee surgery today so we had 2 grandbabies with us, well they are 8 and 10 but still babies to us. So we took a ride and looked at another AS. This one our oldest son told us about, was hoping to find the owner around so I might be able to borrow the water key and have a copy made. It's a 1970 Sovergien (sp?). Well, I though ours needed work. This one someone has started renovations, and doing everything that made us leary of buying one that had been redone. They have pulled up the 2 pieces of plywood up front and replaced then with that pressed sawdust boards, the stuff that when gets wet "puffs" up. Then peel and stick tiles on the rest.
who knows whats under the rest of it. There wasn't anyone around so no key. Hubby said the frame looked good from what he could see. If anyone is located in CT and wants To go look at it its on Rt. 354 outside of Colchester. Price $2,000. firm. But if someone is looking for a cheap project there you go!
ANyway yesterday we got almost all of the rest of the interior out of the AS. Removed the fridge, found another "surprise" Da#% mice! know we have to replace a receptacle. Got the fridge outside and last night I plugged it in and this morning it is COLD!!! Yeah! Hubby said there was 2 small spots that had a drop of water on them but maybe just condensation. We'll run it for 3 or 4 days and see how it goes.
Being a newbie at this AS thing, I was wondering if anyone thinks I should post an account of just much this project will ultimately cost us? We do have a budget, at least I do! And we'll see how close we actually come to it. It might help the next Newbie.
Jaxson, hubby techique is to jump in with both feet, he has the tenacity of a Bulldog, NEVER quits, NEVER says it can't be done, and NEVER yells at me, OK ,the last ones a lie. He makes lists of what we need and I'm in charge of hunting it all down and making sure he has what he needs when he needs it. We have been married nearly 35 years and we have never started a project without BOTH of us being on board. We discuss it and each have a say, although I must admit he can talk me into about anything! There are always the unexpected when you do projects, but we just keep going until we see our goal.
Yes I will spend any spare time, which won't be much,gathering the list for January. That goodness for UPS and the internet!
Here's where we are at as of today. Pictures below: Hubby pushed out some of the dent, doesn't look too bad know, He said he might be able to get a little more out if he works on it.
Nothing like jumping in with both feet , it's good for the soul . Something tells me it's not hubbies first rodeo and he's been more successfull than not in the past . That dent will never look perfect but you can probably get more of it out . Do a search on dent removal , there are several with good results . Oh , and AS like tenasity , as a matter of fact , they require it . Good luck.
Well today was a day of ordering stuff. I found a local sheet metal shop that has the aluminum for the belly pan. They are also going to make some new cross members and those little thingys on the outside of the frame, I can't remember what they are called. I don't know how many they are making but I have a bad feeling that he's going to replace them all. They will have them done by next week weds or thurs. Hubbys metal brake is only 48 inch and I guess these are bigger.
I order a gallon of POR15, elevator bolts, and rivets and some rivet gun from Brown Tools that we on my "list" of got to have.
I will post pictures when he start cutting and replacing stuff. Tomorrow we will finish taking apart the bathroom and measure for grey water, black water and a new fresh water tank.
Being a newbie to AS. I have a another question. What are the numbers painted on the front of the AS for? Mine use to be red, I guess they all were, mine are 17263. They are really faded. do you have to hand paint them back on or are they a stick on?
Well today was a day of ordering stuff. I found a local sheet metal shop that has the aluminum for the belly pan. They are also going to make some new cross members and those little thingys on the outside of the frame, I can't remember what they are called. I don't know how many they are making but I have a bad feeling that he's going to replace them all. They will have them done by next week weds or thurs. Hubbys metal brake is only 48 inch and I guess these are bigger.
I order a gallon of POR15, elevator bolts, and rivets and some rivet gun from Brown Tools that we on my "list" of got to have.
I will post pictures when he start cutting and replacing stuff. Tomorrow we will finish taking apart the bathroom and measure for grey water, black water and a new fresh water tank.
Being a newbie to AS. I have a another question. What are the numbers painted on the front of the AS for? Mine use to be red, I guess they all were, mine are 17263. They are really faded. do you have to hand paint them back on or are they a stick on?
Annette
Annette, the metal things that go from the frame to the edge of the floor are called stringers.
The Big Red Numbers are the previous owner's WBBCI club membership number. They are usually self adhesive, and should peel off with a little persuasion. Okay, a LOT of persuasion. Really, they'll come off with a hammer and chisel. If not, you always wanted to learn how to replace roof segments, didn't you?
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Cost and Time Accounting - Absolutely - keep a running total
Quote:
Originally Posted by bullydogsmom
...Being a newbie at this AS thing, I was wondering if anyone thinks I should post an account of just much this project will ultimately cost us? We do have a budget, at least I do! And we'll see how close we actually come to it. It might help the next Newbie.
I would think it would be great to keep a running total of both costs AND time spent on the project - break the time down to actual work and chasing parts....there are sooo many times this question is raised, and it will certainly help anyone with marginal handyman skills make a more educated decision to either start a project, buy a completed project, or buy a newer unit that needs nothing done to it.
In my instances, with both the 345 and the Sovereign I have way more money into them than I could ever hope of recouping, but I realized that going into both projects....what I do have are two "customized" Airstreams that fit my needs and styles as closely as possible without spending over a hundred grand to have a reputable company do the work.
Obviously you and your husband have the skill sets necessary to complete and customize your trailer as you see fit....
One thing I would suggest, make as many Forum and WBCCI rallies as possible and never stop asking questions - with a little admiration and flirting over a certain trailer most owners will not shut up when talking of their likes and dislikes of said trailer - offerings of beer and 'ritas are always appreciated. The point is, gather as much info and as many ideas as possible, and decide early on what you are going for during your customizing work - no time like the present to make it "yours". Like my signature line says, - "do it right the first time".
Well, today was a pretty productive day as far as the demolistion goes, we are just about through. We have decide to replace all the copper with pex, the OP let things go to the point that we had a few busted pipes so we decided all must go. We are also going to replace the ABS pipes also, again we found one that was cracked so will not take any chances with the 34 year old plastic. Same with the toilet, since I have been informed that my duty will be "sewer duty" I sure as heck don't want anything to leak on my watch, because I will be the one to have to clean it up! All new plumbing and valves.
We found the exspected rot under the bathroom. You can see the outside!
Hubby finished removing the aluminum from the lower trim down to the frame rails and the remaining rear banana wraps.
I drilled out the rivets on the lower aluminum interior panels on the street side which we removed and the found "surprise" more "guest houses" filled with acorns. Removed the insulation, and the wheel well cover. Also removed the water pump, our 8 year old grandson can't wait to get his hands on that little gem. He never saw a belt driven water pump before and I could see his mind working as to all the cool things he could pump water at, mainly his sister.
We've got some rot on the rear frame that need tending to also. All in all I think we are pretty lucky. I have been reading some others restoration stories and I gotta say I have great admiration for those of you who are completing your projects. I'm seeing that frame issue are not uncommon at all and ours while it needs some tending too is not that bad. I thought it was until I started looking at some of the pictures that have been posted here!
One thing we found today is in the first picture I have posted. Hidden behind the wall tucked into the insulation were the yellow and white wires, they have connectors on the ends, put never used. ANyone know what they were suppose to be hooked to? Hummm?
Now the money. We had decided on a budget of $10,000. Whether we will be able to complete this project for that amount remains to be seen. If not as my hubby says, "OH well, It is what it is." I think I will list our expenses on a monthly basis. As 87HM has suggested I will keep an account of our hours also.
At this point do I think that for a newbie we have bitten off more than we can chew? No. Are we replacing more than we thought we would have too? Sure, I think we all want to "save" as much of the original as possible, but that's not always practical or possible. So you need to regroup and move on. And remember tomorrow is another day!
Annette
P.S. pic #2 is the bathroom floor, #3 is the rear frame
Annette, where in the trailer are the tow wires located? I have a service manual with wiring diagrams, but need to know what part of the trailer I am looking at to find what the wires were supposed to do.
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He makes lists of what we need and I'm in charge of hunting it all down and making sure he has what he needs when he needs it. We have been married nearly 35 years and we have never started a project without BOTH of us being on board. We discuss it and each have a say, although I must admit he can talk me into about anything! There are always the unexpected when you do projects, but we just keep going until we see our goal.
Okay, a LOT of persuasion. 
Really, they'll come off with a hammer and chisel.
If not, you always wanted to learn how to replace roof segments, didn't you?
After all, the back follows the front on any size (hopefully).
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