I made some new rear windows for the back doors out of the leftover windows from the original trailer. The backs of the windows were filled with sealing goop, so I removed it all with a torch and screwdriver and then cut them down to size with a chop-saw and then brazed them together with some aluminum brazing rod. I put a drip cap over both windows when I installed them.
The bumper was missing from the trailer so I had to make one... fortunately my studio-mate works on decorative metal-work and showed me how to pound the metal into shape. I started with 3"x2" metal, the same as the frame, and some 12 gauge plate. The square tube was cut to length (58", outside edge of frame rail to rail). Then I made some 3" x 15" in pieces and whacked them in this whacking thing that has a french name. I cut some curves on a bandsaw for the top and bottom, welded it all together, ground off the welds, clamped it to the trailer and welded it on. The hole in the bumper is so I can access my long storage tube.
The plate is going on the left rear door. I am using a "magnum shooter" to get the electric to the light. It is a couple of spring loaded brass contacts that connect when the door is shut.
Carlos, My wife just passed this thread on to me. I'd wondered what you have been doing. WOW now I know. Nothing like setting a new standard in Airstream design and restoration.
Don
First I looked at the photo and thought........they look like armored car doors...
And then I read that you discribed them as that. I am sure the windows will change that look.
Thanks for the updates.
OK, with the windows in it still looks like an armored car. So I say go with it and add a few gun ports.
I checked out an Armored car and it has the same windows (smaller) and this little feature could come in handy for night time security and tail gater's.
I know it sound a little crazy but if nothing else you can run your extension cords out of them.
You realize that I am going to keep offering rediculious advice and commentary until you get the ups guy to snap a few action photos of the buck riveting tools, rivets in progress!
Thanks.
This particular tiny airstream project is part of a larger plan - a group of smallified 'streams to house a crew of travelling artists. Here, another, picked up in Arkansas. 28 Feet, soon to be 12.
Details of the project are here, and from now on I will post progress pictures and news to the blog link at this url:
I sure am glad I got the bug Monday night of this week to read "the major renovation threads". I had no idea what I'd been missing! Carlos, the level of confidence your writing evinces is impressive. I'll probably never attempt much (zero as a woodworker or fabricator), so I've lived the good life reading your journal of efforts. Like a symphony in rehearsal, so much talent being thrown off that the end result is foreordained somehow, but never foregone.
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Sold, and someday another aluminum trailer.
Carlos, how's the Tiny Circus going? We haven't seen you much on the forums lately.
I'm thinking of doing a similar shortening, as soon as I make some reasonable progress on the Safari. I don't know whether I want a two-axle 17' or a truck bed camper (made from an otherwise disabled Airstream).
TC is rolling - we have the smallest 12' airstream done but for the plumbing (and I am considering selling my 22' - who needs all that space!). and a 16' studio airstream that we use for shooting animations underway. See pictures below... and here is an article on the project. Thanks again for the donation!
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