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TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:34 AM

What have I done?!
I have, for a long time kept an eye out for an AS in need of restoration. So far they have either been to far away or to expensive. Yesterday the craigslist gods decided to tempt me.
Without any sort of real knowledge of what to look for when buying an AS, I feverishly pulled the trigger
enter the 1972 Air stream sovereign

Minno · 10-12-2011, 06:51 AM

Welcome!! There's lots of help here on the forums, plus we like pictures (hint hint)!

Chris

Wabbiteer · 10-12-2011, 08:25 AM

Well Sir, you have joined the elite... Elite what we have no clue but you among them now! Minno notes this forum runs on pictures and I agree, a few pictures tacked on to a post speaks volumes past what the text may say.

First major thing is putting water or RV anti-freeze in ALL the plumbing traps for sanitary reasons, keep the wee beasties living in the septic system from visiting the passenger compartment - second thing is winterizing the plumbing (draining, compressed air blow-out would be best) to handle your New York winter - third thing is seeking out flaws in the shell to arrest any (further) moisture intrusion into the trailer. The rear bumper and lower belt-line trim (where the underside sheet metal wraps up to blend into the wall) need to be sealed else rain, dew, snowmelt will be camping out where it isn't supposed too..

Looking forward to reading & seeing your posts!

Trex · 10-12-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TightStream

What have I done?!
I have, for a long time kept an eye out for an AS in need of restoration. So far they have either been to far away or to expensive. Yesterday the craigslist gods decided to tempt me.
Without any sort of real knowledge of what to look for when buying an AS, I feverishly pulled the trigger
enter the 1972 Air stream sovereign

Greetings from the land of Sovereign Airstreams....

Mr. Tight, Welcome to the world of Sovereigns. If you have any questions about your sovereign, please feel free to ask Minno! Just kidding

. But seriously, you will find that minno's thread can be very helpful, especially if you're planning to remove the skin. Also, TOP has good information and is very helpful, just don't ask which shock you should buy! Kidding Mr TOP.

If you need any advice on "Camping at a Casino", than come and see The Bunny and I, on our Thread. Or if you need to remove the interior sky light windows, patch the cracks in your plastic wheel wells, sealing/cleaning sticky walls, or replacing sections of your plywood floor, please feel free to ask... Good Luck and try to have some fun with your new baby!

PS, when you're asking questions, please post photos of the problem/issue. Trust me, you will get a better anwser back!

Alumaholic · 10-12-2011, 12:14 PM

I'm in between Sovereign 31's right now. So, show us lots of pictures. Maybe it will keep me from buying another.

P.S. You'll notice my Avatar is a Sovereign 31,' not my 2007 Classic.

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 03:52 PM

Hey guys, sorry i was making my first post this morning and got called into work early, had to drop and run. so here are the pictures!

and now for the scary bit..... yikes.

Alumaholic · 10-12-2011, 04:31 PM

Ah yes, Sleeping Beauty awaiting the lover's kiss... and about $9,000 and 18 months of hard labor. Nothing to it.

Eric H · 10-12-2011, 04:38 PM

I'm currently gutting my 74 Safari... I'll tell you that one way to look at it is you have less rivets to drill out! the skin looks great, how's the frame?

Minno · 10-12-2011, 04:56 PM

Skin looks great - most of your demolition is done which is a plus in our book. How's your frame? I think Alumaholic is low on price to put her back together. Nine grand - I wish. Do you have any of the innards that were taken out or was it all gone when you got her? At least she's named: Sleeping Beauty, courtesy of Alumaholic!

Kay (other half of Minno)

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

First major thing is putting water or RV anti-freeze in ALL the plumbing traps for sanitary reasons, keep the wee beasties living in the septic system from visiting the passenger compartment!

not sure i follow, is this to eliminate anything air born?

the next time i enter this trailer i hope to be wearing a chemical suit, i promise you, the pictures do not do it justice. disgusting

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minno

Welcome!! There's lots of help here on the forums, plus we like pictures (hint hint)!

Chris

thanks for the warm welcome, glad to be here finally!

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric H

I'm currently gutting my 74 Safari... I'll tell you that one way to look at it is you have less rivets to drill out! the skin looks great, how's the frame?

i am not an expert but the skin does seem to be in good condition...
the PO started gutting the trailer and stripping back the floor, from what i can see(the front section) the frame seemssolid but very rusty. I have only just started to research the restoration options, but being a welder i am most amused by another member "Darkspeed"s approach.
i was wondering, is there a FAQ with restoration how tos? i would like to start researching how the shell is attached to the sub floor and frame. also would like to know how everyone is lifting the shells off, secure points to lift from or places that need support?

thanks a bunch in advance!

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:25 PM

perhaps i am getting ahead of myself...

I do still need to pick up the trailer! haha

I am going to attempt to tow the trailer approximately an hour to its winter resting place, the trailer last moved over two years ago and it was only down the road when it did. the undercarriage cover is hanging down in the front and rear so i will either need to remove it or secure it before towing. another immediate issue is that the side steps seem frozen in the down position, i may have to drill out the hardware

I am borrowing a full size dodge cumins 4x4 for the task, i have zero faith in the trailers braking system being at all operational so i hope the truck can handle it.

any other pre flight checks specific to the air stream?

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minno

Skin looks great - most of your demolition is done which is a plus in our book. How's your frame? I think Alumaholic is low on price to put her back together. Nine grand - I wish. Do you have any of the innards that were taken out or was it all gone when you got her? At least she's named: Sleeping Beauty, courtesy of Alumaholic!

Kay (other half of Minno)

sleeping beauty, i will take that into consideration! haha

from what i can see of the frame, its rough enough in the front to make me think the rear may be totally shot. my understanding is that the rear section under the bathroom usually degrades first, only time will tell.

the PO "says" he has all of the parts that were removed minus the fridge. My vision has never been to restore the interior to its former glory but to instead make everything custom taking cues from the original design. that being said i am going to pressure wash everything and after reference templates are made everything will be up for grabs.

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 05:43 PM

one more thing before i force myself to sign off, is there a way i could track the history of this trailer? it has kentucky plates and i am curious...

ok two more things.. haha

is there an original floor plan schematic available for this model some where out there?

its good to be here!

overlander64 · 10-12-2011, 05:54 PM

Greetings TightStream!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TightStream

one more thing before i force myself to sign off, is there a way i could track the history of this trailer? it has kentucky plates and i am curious...

ok two more things.. haha

is there an original floor plan schematic available for this model some where out there?

its good to be here!

In the past few years, Airstream has begun to provide a number of resources for Vintage Airstream owners on their corporate website. You can find the 1972 floorplans at this link.

Good luck with your projects!

Kevin

Darkspeed · 10-12-2011, 06:07 PM

Its perfect! Congrads!

Darkspeed · 10-12-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TightStream

i am not an expert but the skin does seem to be in good condition...
the PO started gutting the trailer and stripping back the floor, from what i can see(the front section) the frame seemssolid but very rusty. I have only just started to research the restoration options, but being a welder i am most amused by another member "Darkspeed"s approach.
i was wondering, is there a FAQ with restoration how tos? i would like to start researching how the shell is attached to the sub floor and frame. also would like to know how everyone is lifting the shells off, secure points to lift from or places that need support?

thanks a bunch in advance!

Hey that me! lol..

If you look at the aluminum falcon thread I think I took photos all along the way including the lift..

TightStream · 10-12-2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkspeed

Hey that me! lol..

If you look at the aluminum falcon thread I think I took photos all along the way including the lift..

already been all over it!

like to pick your brain about frame design at some point.... looks like you have yours well in hand, great job.

Darkspeed · 10-12-2011, 06:47 PM

Thanks, Shure..
My frame is overbuilt to support a fairly large battery / solar install.
I know a few here have built frames from C5 6.7lb and seem to be happy with them.