We are currently in the process of investing way too much money in our 1981 Excella Diesel motorhome. This is going to be our home for at least the next two years so we are not leaving anything untouched. The polishing was one item that may not have been necessary but a polished Airstream is a fantasy that we've had for several years.
Now we are having the Diesel injection system rebuilt and tuned, the suspension upgraded, repaired and an alignment. Replaced the refrigerator, air conditioner and vent fans (every other appliance is in good working order). Installed a satellite dish, new furniture, carpet, automatic leveling jacks, etc.
I retired this year, we sold our home of 27 years and have not decided when and if we are going to buy again. You can follow our progress on our Web page:
In my first year and the coach was obtained in relitively good original condition.So far only expenses have been under $500 to get everything functional,but will be buying new alum.LP tanks,replacing running lights ,brake assemblies and gaucho foam and fabric..
Murray
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Murray
AIR #189
"If aluminum isn't magnetic- why am I so attracted to to it?"
Well here goes, my very first post. The last year has brought me two new projects. The first being learning to use a computer from scratch. The second being restoring a 73 31ft soverign airstream. My progress with the compute
r has been very slow and frustrating. Thanks to andy at inland rv my airstream project has been a real pleasure. It has been a real savings in time and money to have the right information and the right part or advice available. Some owner or owners in the past had made repairs or alterations using materials that just were not authentic or pleasing to look at. I hope ,with all the effort it takes, to have a coach that I will be happy to claim as my own. My first choice for proffessional help and quality parts will be inlandrv.
well went to jackson center and had some service done and stoped and payed a visit to the ruths . for a refinish to the skin .during that trip we spent $8000.00 but in the future i figure maybe $500. if i fix most of the problems .. at 60to80 dollars an hour service becomes a bit pricey.. an 84 rv is like a 80 year old unexpected failures are not predictable.
AL
We have 71 31'Excella. It's mostly in good mechanical condition. We just bought new mattresses/cushion and upholstery. Still need to have them upholstered. Did new window treatment. Need to fix a minor (hopefully)roof leak and loose door hinge. Would like to have wheel covers and new lighting (thanks to all the recent discussion!). Could use a good polish job.
As newbies, we've enjoyed the discussions and learned a lot about our "new" airstream!
Tom and Glenda
I bought Airabelle, 71 Safari, this spring and rennovation has been slow as I have to hire most of the work. The list of things which must be repaired or revamped fills an 8 1/2x11 page. I've purchased new gas tanks and regulator, new parts for the old stove, weatherstripping for all the windows and the outside panel doors, Vulkem for caulking most of the exterior seams, Olympic rivets, expanding insulation foam, new foam for the beds and upholstery material. A carpenter will be building a dinette to replace the front couch. In the near future I will pay for furnace repair or replacement and an electric jack. Addition of an awning will have to wait until next year. Airabelle has seen hard use and will require mega transfusions of money to get her safely on the road again. I'm trying to keep down the costs by fixing instead of replacing where feasible. I'm keeping receipts but don't plan to tally them until I have the major work done. That way I don't get discouraged.
$1800 to buy
$400 to ship across country
$1000 to date for work on my baby
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
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1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.8L, E4OD, 3.55 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
I guess I am pretty lucky. I just bought my airstream this summer, put $500 into cosmetic stuff (new cushions, outdoor carpet etc). The only mechanical issue (other than the turning signal fiasco) was a leak in the pump, replaced it for a $100.00. We'r painting the frame this winter, my husband manages that. For a 33 year old camper, I think we're lucky! I'll post a picture when I figure out how to do this.
My insurance company had an expensive year....4000* spend replacing the front panels, rock guards after what seemed a minor back up error on my boyfriends part. I have learned that minor and inexpensive and Airstream are words that dont go together very often. Uncrinkling aluminum is tough to do!!
Of course this work was done by a dealer, so that could account for the huge expense.... labor rates of $85. and 30 hours estimated time....
We found a great deal when we bought our 1987 29' Motorhome, expecting to spend much more than we did. A new set of tires was our first purchase. We do most all of the maintainence ourselves.
The inside is in great shape, but we want to have the "Skin" refinished. For those of you who have had this done, are you happy, how long does it take, and where can we have this done?
Quick Links
I'll post a picture when I figure out how to do this.
Jan
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