Is it worth it?

[RSantiago]

Heading out Saturday to check it out. Anxious to see it!

[BIGED52]

Don't forget to take lots of before and after pictures of all you see and do! Ed

[Eric H]

I was just looking at a thread where someone had taken out the middle of a trailer and connected the two ends to small trailer! Maybe this could be used for that purpose!

[RSantiago]

So they made a smaller trailer by just cutting out the middle and pushing in both sides in?? I would like to see that.

I imagine a beautiful sky light where the tree is, ha! We'll see.

[Travel Bird]

WOW!!! Take lots of photos. We would all like to see it. Good luck!

[RSantiago]

Well folks, here she is.....

So my dad, brother in law, and I had a beautiful drive today. We brought about 70 ft. of rope, a brand new chainsaw and a a couple gallons of gas. We get there expecting to do tons of strategizing and cutting, expecting the worse. Before I can even take another before picture, my brother in law climbs a ladder, says "this tree is dead", he broke a few pieces away and the tree came right down.

The tree did some damage, obviously, but we didn't even open the case of the chainsaw. There were trees down all around and I'm guessing they are the ones that made the huge dents in the back. Those hurt to look at. Where the ac came, the floor is rotted beneath.

The best part of the day was the raccoon that swiped its claws and growled at my brother in law ha! Needless to say this will require complete renovation. So, we are going to bring it home tomorrow! Crazy?!!

More pics soon

[ASwifey]

Totally Crazy, but you're gonna love it!

[Disneysue925]

Originally Posted by ASwifey

Totally Crazy, but you're gonna love it!

Hey, what do you have to lose?? Worst case, part it out. Better case, sell to someone who REALLY wants a project trailer. Best case, keep it and have fun making it your own. Consider it your blank slate.

Have fun and best of luck!
Sue

[Bruce B]

If you want it, have the time and skills and can see your way through the project, then roll up your sleeves and get a start. Just be realistic about the time and dollars you will spend before you begin. The thing I see regularly in the auto world is the semi completed project where someone just gives their work away when they realize that the end is further away than they knew. That is always a heart breaker. We opted for a new Airstream as I have spent most of my life repairing/maintaining/restoring autos and I don't want any more projects. I find it much easier to just maintain something to a high standard than to drag it back from the edge. That is not to say that I don't have great respect for those who do resurrect the older abused piece...
Have fun! The gratification of seeing a project through is amazing.
Bruce

[RSantiago]

Oh and by the way, it is a 1976 Ambassador, not a 1972 Overlander

[desertair27]

That's too bad about the dents in the back! To fix it, sell it as is or part it out, that is the question! If you part it out I'd be interested in the rock guard on the front windows and lp tanks, just saying.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by RSantiago

Oh and by the way, it is a 1976 Ambassador, not a 1972 Overlander

See, What did I tell you! You already got a 4 year upgrade just for driving to look at it! The roof center section damage doesn't appear too bad and you may be able to remove the damaged airconditioner and "pop" the dent out from inside the trailer. In many cases when the dented panels are eased back by gentle popping after the trailer sits in the hot sun it will return to its original curve and condition. Also any remaining dents qualify as beauty maks for the Old Girl! The endcaps too can be pushed back to a better condition and some have actually regained a fairly good repair to them from the inside. If roof ribs are bent they will most likely require replacement. Not impossible but more time consuming! The main issue will be getting the seams, windows, and door sealed up to stop damage to floor and insulation from water. Take all items off counters and place them on the floor while you pull it home. Do a complete floor inspection before you do anything else but seal all leaks before doing any floor replacement. Post more pictures and adjust your Avatar to reflect the model & year and length of your new baby. Lots of clean out first then make a lot of before pictures and document all you do to it before and after repairs. Carefully get the AC unit off the roof and see if it can be repaired.
Congratulations, Ed

[RSantiago]

The eagle has landed! We got some of the lights to work, pumped up the tires, and made it a 1 1/5 hour drive. Let the work begin!

More pics to come.

Also don't know if the raccoon made the trip with us or not!

[Wabbiteer]

Don't play wif raccoon stuff - hazmat style please? Mask and bleach.

Celebrate & count each of your victories - job well done on the road trip home!

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by wabbiteer

don't play wif raccoon stuff - hazmat style please? Mask and bleach.

I read the article--who woulda thunk them raccoons woulda been smart enough to dig latrines??

TMI TMI: EEEEUUUWWWWW!!

[tinman54]

Here is what can be done with a trailer that has had a lot of damage. I purchased this trailer in my early stages of aluminitus for parts to rebuild our 54cruiser but couldn't get myself to strip it apart. It was a hunting camp in northern Wisconsin and also had multiple trees fall on it. Along came Brad that really wanted a project and he is bringing this overlander back to life! http://www.airforums.com/forums/f97/...eak-62257.html

Good luck with your trailer whatever you decide to do with it.

[RSantiago]

And so it begins!

I have been anxious to get started working on the airstream since we brought it home, but I had to go camping for a week at Fort Wilderness in Disney World. I know, poor me. I got started yesterday and have a lot so far. After pressure washing the whole thing, I threw 2 bug bombs in and called it a night.

Today was demo day. I cleaned out every cabinet and started taking out the two beds, front couch, cabinets and the shelves. I also pulled up some of the carpet and to no surprise was able to remove some of the rotted floor. YUCK!... I did wear a gas mask.
After pressure washing I realized that the roof had been painted white. It was barely visible but you can tell it was there.

My questions to all of you professionals are...
1. how do I remove the white paint? basic paint removal? I just dont like the look.
2. Keys?? the only keys she gave me do not work. I cannot open any of doors with the keys I have. Dont know if it is due to age or wrong keys. I need new ones but dont have originals. thoughts????

Oh yeah, I forgot... in one of the cabinets I found an unopened bottle of Chivas Whiskey. Random.

It has been fun so far.
I will post pics soon.

[Foiled Again]

Woof.

That's some project!



Best wishes whatever you decide. Moi? I'd be running like hell! There is much credit due to you if you fix her, and no blame if you part her out!

via con dios.

Paula

[RSantiago]

Progress!
Got it almost completely gutted.

[zlee]

Wow. That's pretty impressive, well done you!

I think a locksmith can make you keys, but they have to have the locks. Maybe replace them with new ones?