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Danec020 · 12-24-2015, 10:11 AM

While searching I came across this ad and thought it was interesting. I was unaware there was a "kit" to turn a trailer into a motorhome. Interesting to look at but still needs some work, anyhow for those of me who just like to see airstream related projects here you go. :P

airstream motor home project

-Dane

bkahler · 12-24-2015, 10:20 AM

Dane, that's actually a dual purpose RV. It can be a trailer or it can be a motorhome!

I don't think you could pay me to take on a project like that

PeterH-350LE · 12-24-2015, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Dane, that's actually a dual purpose RV. It can be a trailer or it can be a motorhome!

I don't think you could pay me to take on a project like that

FC7039 · 12-24-2015, 04:58 PM

It is called being not confident in your mechanical abilities. But at least they are honest with themselves.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Danec020 · 12-26-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Dane, that's actually a dual purpose RV. It can be a trailer or it can be a motorhome!

I don't think you could pay me to take on a project like that

You are totally right, I didn't think of it like that! I have been looking for a MH this whole time so I could have both a TT and a MH... Maybe I should sell my Caravel and just pick this up since it can be used as both a TT and a MH! I am sure towing this heavy thing would give me great gas mileage!

-Dane

Kota · 12-26-2015, 11:20 AM

Some projects are challenges. Some are turn, run, don't look back! That one is the latter.

scorpiontimo · 12-26-2015, 06:09 PM

You bet this is a project inside not so much but with a cad 500, and front wheel drive you got to be on top of it. I know I am the builder that is selling it. It made a trip to Alaska and cruised the usa from 84 till its resting place in 2002 best we can figure. Built by a custom builder in Dallas for himself, 71 solv mid bath , cut the front installed a 71 cad, underneath. than the kit from airstream factory in 82. info I got 6 kits were sold we received it about 8 months ago , built most of inside with different parts had left over from airstream builds fun play time used as a guest quarters , never tried to get it up to run, now just don't have the time so we decided to sell it as a project for someone not so faint at hart. But it would sure be interesting to drive it at least once humm

Danec020 · 12-27-2015, 08:37 AM

Definitely an interesting project, that's what lead me to share the post. From the pictures it looks like you guys did a great job converting it so far. It is like you said though, not for the faint of heart. That is pretty neat that Airstream had made a handful of kits and this is one of them.

-Dane

Kota · 12-27-2015, 01:00 PM

The real beauty of the front wheel drive GM Motorhome was the semi monocoque very low slung body. No driveshaft or rear axle. They were really lightweight and probably the most sophisticated chassis even today. They were underpowered and drank a lot of gas.

I just don't see any advantage using it on the Airstream. I don't think it would be a very durable or efficient drivetrain.

scorpiontimo · 12-28-2015, 07:21 AM

GMC made this type of unite for a drive train, pretty good results in drivability, but now days hwys are faster requires more and better braking ability this would be a drive for the experience and pure classic vintage fun like a classic car you drive it with a tool bag and knowing that the fun may come with some work but the excitement of it, it just has the horse power but not the high gears for our freeways today

Smartstream · 12-28-2015, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiontimo

GMC made this type of unite for a drive train, pretty good results in drivability, but now days hwys are faster requires more and better braking ability this would be a drive for the experience and pure classic vintage fun like a classic car you drive it with a tool bag and knowing that the fun may come with some work but the excitement of it, it just has the horse power but not the high gears for our freeways today

Doesn't this apply to driving any classic Airstream Motorhome?

Bethany533 · 12-29-2015, 08:09 AM

My in-laws have a 1978 GMC. They love it. She sits very low, you barely have to step up to board. Biggest complaint is lack of storage space.

ViewRVs · 12-29-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bethany533

My in-laws have a 1978 GMC. They love it. She sits very low, you barely have to step up to board. Biggest complaint is lack of storage space.

I know of one Airstream motorhome on a GM front wheel drive chassis. I think it was a custom job. The front grill matches the 1977 and later units. The side windows also resemble a trailer. Also, the GM front drive units first appeared in 1973.
Fred's Airstream Archives - 1972 Airstream Motorhome Class A motorhome custom (A)

One clear advantage of the GMC units is the air bag leveling system. No hydraulic jacks!

scorpiontimo · 12-29-2015, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViewRVs

I know of one Airstream motorhome on a GM front wheel drive chassis. I think it was a custom job. The front grill matches the 1977 and later units. The side windows also resemble a trailer. Also, the GM front drive units first appeared in 1973.
Fred's Airstream Archives - 1972 Airstream Motorhome Class A motorhome custom (A)

One clear advantage of the GMC units is the air bag leveling system. No hydraulic jacks!

looks like mine except I have the cad unite under , Mine was built in 84 by Barneys Motor and body in Dallas TX, titled as a house car in 85. 72 solv, and 71 cad joined together maybe for ever who knows inside of Freds pictures looked just like mine before our changing took place,

Isuzusweet · 12-29-2015, 10:36 PM

I have a neighbour down the road that has one of those Barbie mobiles. Powered by an Oldsmobile Toronado 455 FWD drivetrain If I recall. Interesting, but old fibreglass (below waistline and ends) is not as good as our aluminum.

Cheers
Tony

dspaw · 12-30-2015, 04:51 AM

Airstream 345 Motorhome-silver aluminum-33k miles-Self Contained-Rare!

martin300662 · 01-01-2016, 04:28 AM

Heather Anderson has just listed another 20 footer on Ebay......inside is virtually removed but the body is in good shape.

RARE Vintage Airstream 20"

Last two she has sold have gone for around the $20k mark, but were rear bath, this is the first rear bed I have seen her list so it is any ones guess how high it will go - I am betting at least $25K

bkahler · 01-01-2016, 06:02 AM

$25k with the interior half torn out? I'm not so sure it will go that high. If it does maybe I ought to polish the outside of mine real quick and sell it!

Martin, are you back in the states now?

martin300662 · 01-01-2016, 06:17 AM

Shiny sells Brad, the last one (that went for around $20K) had a non-functional interior as well. I get the impression that any one looking for a 'stubby' will be gutting anyway, the original layouts are not at all practical, compared to (for example) a modern Sport.

Yep, we are back in the US, but I spent most of yesterday at the docs (main reason for flying back before NYE) and today the shop is closed so I have to wait until tomorrow to get an update/hope to get some photos and measurements of the battery tray.

bkahler · 01-01-2016, 06:32 AM

I forgot the last one had a messed up interior as well. You've got a point about shiny! I wonder how much the seller pays to have the exterior polished and prepped prior to putting up for auction. She seems to have found the key to maximizing return dollars on these little 20s.

Sorry you had to cut your trip short, I hope all is well.

Maybe you could drive by the repair shop and peek inside