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soldiermedic · 10-29-2006, 10:53 AM

Over the past few weeks I have looked at many trailers and asked many questions on the forums. I looked at a 1971 Overlander 27', a 1967 Tradewind 24', and finally a 1968 Safari 22'.

I purchased the Safari today. Many of you have seen it on Ebay. I paid him off early to end the auction. Renovations for Freedom will begin soon. I was thinking patriotic since the wife and I are both in the Army.

After speaking with a collector, I fould that I was getting a phenomenal deal on the trailer and that I should jump on it before a person who knew more than I did so.

Here are the pics in current condition.

Any thoughts or ideas???

LI Pets · 10-29-2006, 11:18 AM

Looks great, but what about underneath?

soldiermedic · 10-29-2006, 11:42 AM

No pics yet...there was dust and dirt, but belly aluminum is in tact and looks great.

Anyone have any manuals for a 66-69 Safari?

Jim Clark · 10-29-2006, 12:27 PM

Very nice looking unit. Very orginal, enjoy.

Jim

balrgn · 10-29-2006, 12:34 PM

Very nice. Looks sweet!

Eddy · 10-29-2006, 02:12 PM

Congratulations!

That's a beauty!

dijer · 10-29-2006, 02:33 PM

Wonderful idea to have a patriotic theme. Looking forward to seeing pictures. Red, white & blue and silver look so nice together.

overlander64 · 10-29-2006, 03:08 PM

Greetings soldiermedic!

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

No pics yet...there was dust and dirt, but belly aluminum is in tact and looks great.

Anyone have any manuals for a 66-69 Safari?

Prior to 1972, the only manuals published by Airstream were Owners' manuals and they only became available beginning in 1964 so they were still in their infancy in 1968. You can obtain reproductions through the Airstreamer store at Airstream.com, or photo copied manuals through Secretarial Services.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Airstream Club . . . [URL="http://www.airstream.net"

www.airstream.net[/url]]
Manuals

Q: I need an owners and service manual for my Airstream. Where can I get one?
A: The first owners manuals were published in 1964. Prior to that, the owner received a brown envelope containing parts lists and other helpful information on the accessories in his trailer. The VAC has started making these available in the Members Archive section. A service manual with instructions for performing service operations did not exist until 1972.
You can get photocopies of owners manual (1964+) and service manuals (1972-1986) from:

Helen Davis Secretarial Services
PO Box 484 Sidney, OH 45365
(937)492-8885

Prices are about $33 and $70 respectively. After 1986 the Owners Manuals included available service information.

or from the Airstreamer Store at:

http://www.airstream.com/shop/dynami...n=cat&offset=5

If your model isn't listed on the drop-down for the Airstream Store, it is my understanding that other editions are available by writing or calling the store.

Another option is to watch E-Bay or the other web auction sites as these manuals to become available periodically; but prices seem to be increasing.

Good luck with your Safari!

Kevin

P.S.: You will find that coaches made between 1966 and 1968 share many similarities, but that 1969 was a transitional year that shares far fewer commonalities with the 1968 and earlier coaches.

Sugarfoot · 10-29-2006, 03:42 PM

Woohoo Soldermedic! That rig looks awesome! Congratulations, looks like you find one of those rare "just needs a little cleaning" Airstreams that's for real.

Neophyte · 10-31-2006, 09:11 PM

Man, I'm glad you skipped that '67 Tradewind. Looking at "Freedom", you should be too.

wheel interested · 11-01-2006, 04:02 AM

It's a beauty, enjoy!

john hd · 11-01-2006, 04:25 AM

from the interior shots it would appear to be a creampuff!

john

markdoane · 11-01-2006, 06:51 AM

That looks like the deal of the century.

Square cornered windows RULE!

soldiermedic · 11-01-2006, 08:38 AM

Hey Neo,

Sent an email to your nephew...he may come out this weekend and take a look. The trailer has only a few minor cosmetic flaws. Once I refinish the wood, reuphoster the cushions, and put new flooring in, it should look DyNaMiTe!!

The stove has some pitting and rust on it. Someone said to get it sand blasted, but I don't have access to one, and I don't want to spend alot of money (don't know the cost of it). Anyone else use a polish or scrubbing compound of some kind for the same thing?

Update: Small soft spot in bath floor. Seems like the subflooring has some rottenness and will need to be replaced, but will have to find out for sure this weekend.

Mark, thanks for thinking it was the deal of the century. If you search 1968 airstram safari under sold ebay auctions there is one that went for $11,000. I have much, much, much, less in this!

C Johnson · 11-02-2006, 12:12 AM

Looks great ! You have the early vista views too ! Very cool and hard to find.

Congrats !

soldiermedic · 11-02-2006, 06:32 AM

C_J,

Looked through your pics. Let's just say that if I had to do to mine what I saw on your site, I wouldn't own this trailer. I really hope it is in good shape in the places we can't see.

Boondocker · 11-02-2006, 08:48 AM

Hey there,

I have a '68 Trade Wind, if you like yours half as much as I like mine you are going to be delighted! The pics look fantastic!

soldiermedic · 11-02-2006, 08:53 AM

I have to goto Illinois tomorrow to pick it up, but I'll be going to Champaign. Three hour drive from the STL. I know some people around SIUE Carbondale thought.

soldiermedic · 11-02-2006, 08:41 PM

Is there a chance that A/S was using asbestos tiles in these 66-69 models?

overlander64 · 11-03-2006, 03:52 PM

Greetings soldiermedic!

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

Is there a chance that A/S was using asbestos tiles in these 66-69 models?

My understaning is that 1968 is close to the time the marterial composition of the tiles changed. One characteristic of the asbestos containing tiles was their size. I believe that Shari (Inside-Out Design) posted that the tiles containing asbestos measure 8" square, and if the tiles are larger they are the more modern vinyl tiles that do not contain asbestos. I don't know wheter there has ever been any discussion regarding whether the adhesives utilized to attach the tiles contained asbestos -- I know that there were some instances of asbestos being added to the mastic used to glue down tiles in the housing industry around the time of our coaches.

You have certainly had beautiful weather for your trip -- if a bit on the chilly side. I am only about an hour West of Champaign, IL.

Good luck with your newly acquired coach!

Kevin