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Ken J · 02-05-2013, 08:19 PM

The new and improved Vintage Airstream Restoration Rally is now……
VintageTrailerAcademy!
Why the name change? It’s simple. This event has always been more than a rally. It’s an event for the serious restorer to learn new skills, sharpen existing skills, and gain hands-on experience along with a network of friends to share ideas. In addition, the name change reflects our commitment to make this event even better than in prior years. We have some amazing plans scheduled for 2013 – and beyond – including additional locations around the United States so even more vintage enthusiasts can participate.

For the sixth year in a row we are pleased to have Area 63 Productions, the premiere Airstream restoration specialist located in Orange, California, as a sponsor of our event. We want to thank Uwe Salwender for his commitment to our event and his continued support in helping hundreds of restorers acquire the skills necessary to restore their Airstreams. Uwe has brought to the event a wealth of information while demonstrating axle replacement, skin replacement, vintage door reconstruction and Fan-tastic Vent installation. This year Uwe will demonstrate a shell off floor replacement. It’s a big job, but one that attendees have expressed an interest in.

And new in 2013 we welcome Vintage Trailer Supply and president, Steve Hingtgen, as a major sponsor for our event. VTS has always been gracious in providing tee shirts, raffle prizes and discount coupons in past years, however, this year Steve will be on hand to present a seminar on some outstanding vintage parts that will be available to attendees. VTS requires no introduction, as anyone who has worked on a vintage rig is already familiar with this major supplier of parts for vintage trailers of all kinds. This year, don’t miss an opportunity to meet Steve who has contact with thousands of both professional and do-it-yourself restorers. You won’t believe the plans VTS has to keep us supplied with those rare, hard-to-find parts!

Also back for another year is Jim Polk, Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. With a passion for Airstreams and knowledge of market trends, Jim is the premier expert on values and has appraised several hundred Airstreams over the years. Need help in determining the value of your Airstream or are you in the market to purchase or sell a rig? You won’t want to miss Jim’s presentation on current market trends.

On hand will also be Steve Bittner, master cabinet maker and Zolatone expert who hails from Arizona; Susan Tiegs who expertly leads the curtain and upholstery seminars; and Luke Bernander, our resident jack-of-all-trades and master of many, both who travel from Colorado; Ed Frink, our vintage window expert from Wyoming; and last but certainly not least, our resident comedian and vintage polisher extraordinaire, Levon Register who makes the trek from Georgia every year.

As in prior years, we’ll have both classroom and hands-on seminars where you can roll up your sleeves and participate. Topics will include an overview of trailer restoration, rivet and skin skills, cabinetry, Zolatone, electrical, axles, plumbing, window and door rebuilding, interior design, curtain and upholstery skills. In other words, this is THE ONLY event where you will learn the skills and gain the confidence necessary to fully restore a vintage Airstream.

We supply the tools, experts and a Route 66 location in addition to a workbook covering all seminars, a catered meal and continental breakfasts. Not experienced? No need to be as this event is for both novice and experienced restorers. We promise to provide a comfortable environment to pick up the skills you will need to begin, or finish, or renew your enthusiasm for your project. Is your vintage not yet road-worthy? In addition to a few stationary trailers for rent at Enchanted Trails RV Resort, there are hotels nearby!

We look forward to seeing you in Albuquerque in May 2-5, 2013. Don’t delay! Visit our new website VintageTrailerAcademy.com for more details and to register today!

rumrunner · 02-06-2013, 05:16 AM

Count me in again!
Now I just need to see if Cleco can come too

looking forward to this with great anticipation.
tim

Ken J · 02-06-2013, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumrunner

Count me in again!
Now I just need to see if Cleco can come too:

We will have lots of rivets for her when we put the body back in the frame !

Melody Ranch · 02-06-2013, 07:37 AM

I understand that Ken has preserved the "extra" drilled hole in the side of the Cloud....specifically for "Cleco" to practice on.

slowmover · 02-06-2013, 07:43 AM

Wow, would I like to be there . . next year

My browser shows "bad certificate" on link. Vintage Kin welcomed?

.

Ken J · 02-06-2013, 09:21 AM

Oh we have lots of extra drilled holes for "Cleco" - she is now an expert - after last year I think she could teach the course !

Slow - not sure what your are getting on your browser -

epperp · 02-06-2013, 10:45 AM

Looking forward to it! Date change was a little surprise since we had planned on early June, but looks like it will work out well. In a way it might be a stress-reducer--saves us from trying to get the '59 Tradewind road worthy by rally time.

We'll be there in our not-yet-vintage '94.

Thanks to all who organize and present this. My compliments on the registration website--very easy to use and nice to be able to reserve the campsite at the same time.

We'll be there, with the Weber grill ready to be fired up!
Ed and Eileen

AirstreamGypsy · 02-06-2013, 10:49 AM

Great! We'll have lots to learn. You could always bring the real vintage and tinker while you are learning. :-)

Ken J · 02-06-2013, 10:54 AM

Yea - the date thing is because Enchanted Trails has a car show they want to do the weekend that we have normally had it - so our options became May or July - then there was memorial day, and 4th of July - mid May is the Pismo event, June had fathers day and the International - so our thinking was May to give everyone a jump start on the summer restorations!

Those of you who have attended before will see LOTS of great new things - the vendor list is growing almost daily - you won't believe what they have given us to show off and raffle - lot more vendor support this year - especially with Vintage Trailer Supply on board - it takes this event to a whole new level with their involvement !

Jaxon · 02-06-2013, 12:37 PM

This looks exactly like what the doc ordered for us and our “new” ’77 International. Got lots of everything I need! Thing of it is, we’re also restoring a 1930’s house but I’m thinking there ought to be some time-sharing with the Airstream.

Hummm... Have to ponder this one seriously and figure a way to sell the idea!

Wazbro · 02-06-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaxon

This looks exactly like what the doc ordered for us and our “new” ’77 International. Got lots of everything I need! Thing of it is, we’re also restoring a 1930’s house but I’m thinking there ought to be some time-sharing with the Airstream.

Hummm... Have to ponder this one seriously and figure a way to sell the idea!

The skills/training for electrical, plumbing and cabinets would be helpful for both your trailer and house. Have you seen the cost of electricians and plumbers lately?

Jaxon · 02-06-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazbro

The skills/training for electrical, plumbing and cabinets would be helpful for both your trailer and house. Have you seen the cost of electricians and plumbers lately?

Indeed I have, not to mention even getting them to return calls and *gasp*, provide a bid

!

Ken J · 02-06-2013, 03:59 PM

Yea - we will teach skills you can use on your 1930's house and you know Aluminum is very in these days............

Ken J.

rumrunner · 02-06-2013, 07:22 PM

Thanks Robin, Carissa will be glad you remembered

See you there for sure
tim

Area63 · 02-07-2013, 11:21 AM

I so look forward to this event! It is always a huge pleasure for me to see all my friends from last year, and make new friends every year. And I am very excited to have Steve from Vintage Trailer Supply join us.
Uwe

SilverPal · 02-08-2013, 10:28 AM

Looking forward to meeting lots of DIYers at this outstanding event. Like our vintage Airstream beauties, the Vintage Trailer Academy hosts continue to keep current, update and polish our event to give you great value for your hard earned $$$. If you are up to your ears in a restoration or only contemplating one, you DO NOT want to miss this event!

uwe · 02-08-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverPal

Looking forward to meeting lots of DIYers at this outstanding event. Like our vintage Airstream beauties, the Vintage Trailer Academy hosts continue to keep current, update and polish our event to give you great value for your hard earned $$$. If you are up to your ears in a restoration or only contemplating one, you DO NOT want to miss this event!

I agree. Many of the procedures are interactive, hands on style workshops. I don't know of any other event that offers this much value to the attendees. And, all are welcome, and will benefit. From complete rookies, to seasoned diy'ers.

Melody Ranch · 02-08-2013, 10:56 AM

I want a T SHIRT this year. I'd also like a Hooters Girl to do the raffle drawing.

Ken J · 02-08-2013, 12:20 PM

We have much better than Hooters could ever come up with..........

Tshirts may happen - we've actully been talking about that

And I agree, we know of no other "event" that can match this for learning skills needed to restore an airstream trailer - we are stepping things up this year and even more serious about making this a great learning experience - and you don't need a trailer to attend !!

Ken J.

Minno · 02-10-2013, 05:08 PM

We are bummed! We won't be able to make it this year because our Navy boy will be here that weekend with family - doing the transfer from Hawaii to New York thing. We were so looking forward to introducing Little Girl to everyone! (and maybe getting a new awning). Oh well, next year. We should have all the cabinetry built by then and she may be DONE. We have learned so very much when we came 2 years ago. The rally was invaluable to us. It's a must for people to learn those skills.

Kay and Chris