Decisions..1949

[Racnreno]

You are probably right in the fact that simple selling it is by far the easiest way to go...and probably the smartest. But...
If you read the first thread in this long story, what i failed to mention is that this is in fact my second early Liner!
When my uncle asked my to drive back to Colorado and pick up this Liner 27 years ago, he gave he his old one. Yep, there was two 22" liners in the family. a '48 and a '49. Well the '48 which was given to me was really rough and heavily modified. I was a kid and thought it would be cool to have. Then I realized the amount to work it would take and the cost and decided to get out of it. I sold it for a few bucks and never forgave myself for it. My uncle who gave my the trailer was very hurt by my "profiteering" as he saw it. That is why I'm leaning towards keeping this one.
So, there's the story.
Now then...I'm looking for a "Know-it-all" but in a good way!. Someone who can tell me more about what was available in '49. Shall I say a vintage guru. Some one who know the details about what a '49 would have come with (options), what is original in my trailer. I look at things and say, "that can't be original", and then see other vintage units with same stuff. Anybody know an expert?

[streamquest]

Well I guess that changes everything. This will be a great way to unload a ton of guilt that you've been carrying for a while.

If you simply google "Airstream Liner" you will come across a ton of information and images regarding your trailer. There are lots of people on this forum who will be able to answer all of your questions.

The best thing about these early trailers is their simplicity. There was very little to them other than the sink/stove cabinet, a closet, and a couple of overhead cabinets. Looks like the original hardware is intact. From the photos, it appears that some things have been added. The white paint and corrugated bulkheads are not stock. Hopefully nothing original has been removed. Once you get those end windows fixed up, it will look even better. You might want to forget the polishing part all together and retain that natural "patina".

You've got a great project ahead. Glad you're keeping it. I'll be rooting for you!

Charly

[Racnreno]

The restoration of the Liner is still pending. Why the delay?, well it comes down to one really big issue… have it done professionally (~$100k) or find space and time to handle the long term project myself (rent an industrial unit where it’s indoors), which is also expensive here in SoCal.
It might be time to see the reality and let her go. Selling it now, before tearing it apart is far better than selling a basket case.
Arrggg
No easy solution.
Racnreno

[Bubba L]

Originally Posted by Racnreno

The restoration of the Liner is still pending. Why the delay?, well it comes down to one really big issue… have it done professionally (~$100k) or find space and time to handle the long term project myself (rent an industrial unit where it’s indoors), which is also expensive here in SoCal.
It might be time to see the reality and let her go. Selling it now, before tearing it apart is far better than selling a basket case.
Arrggg
No easy solution.
Racnreno

I agree with your reasoning. Leave intact and sell as is. It’s a shame you don’t have room/time to renovate. The 48 and 49 are my favorite years for Airstreams. If you decide to sell, post it and let us see what you’re asking. But, renovating it yourself for future memories would be best. Good luck and take care.