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11-22-2002, 12:17 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 52
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Can you shorten an Airstream ?
I am looking for an Airsteam, max 22-24 ft
I found a 28ft one real cheap
NOW for the crazy idea .......
can you shorten one but taking out a couple panels 4-6 ft worth and putting the end piece back on ? yes I will shorten frame etc
I build street rods , so the work is not the problem, and the interior is bad anyway
I just do not have the room for a 28footer
Anyone done this before ?
Or does anyone know of a cheap AS thats shorter ?
Interior not important.....
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11-22-2002, 01:08 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
Bigfork
, Montana
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 204
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I don't build hotrods, but I suspect that one who does would be able to shorten an Airstream. My main concern would be with overall balance, as one of the benefits of the Airstream design is the engineering that went into balancing the trailer in the design process. Don't know what price you are paying, or what year you are looking for, but Airstream manufactures lengths from 16' up, I have a 19'. It would seem to make more sense to locate a used Airstream in the length you really want, then use your skills to restore it.
__________________
Rick Klein
Seeking another Bambi
'08 Honda Ridgeline
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11-22-2002, 01:23 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
LOST
, Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
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I removed and replaced the body of a 24 ft. motorhome in one piece, if you are good at building cars you can shorten an Airstream. The skin panels run horizontally, so you would have to cut them not remove a section, move axles, plumbing, maybe the door. On the plus it would be a great time to replace the floor and sandblast the frame. Unless they were paying to get rid of it I would seriously look for a shorter one though, it is a lot of work to pull a body.
John
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11-22-2002, 01:26 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1965 20' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,002
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To balance it, you would have to cut and splice it on each side of the axles. Splice frame, plumbing, shell...evrything twice.To much engineering involved.
My answer would be no. Keep looking.
-BobbyWright
__________________
BobbyW
AIR# 123
-"You want to make it two inches - or, if you're working in centimeters, make sure it's enough centimeters for two inches."-Red Green
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11-22-2002, 01:42 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 52
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its only $800.....
but its 400 miles away so I do not know the condition other than the interior is trash
Any other cheap shorter ones around ?
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11-22-2002, 02:30 PM
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#6
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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Nightmares
There is tons of wiring between the inner and outer shells, both AC and 12v. All this would have to be traced andspliced or replaced. Same thing for propane piping.
Next question is where would the tanks end up with all the balance and plumbing that entails.
Better to find a shorter model.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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11-23-2002, 01:26 AM
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#7
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Vagabond
1973 31' Sovereign
1991 34' Excella
Fort Meade Md. RV park slot 8!!
, Motorsports Photographer
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 239
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JUST GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________
Never has so few. Done so much, With so little, That now we can do anything, With absolutly NOTHING!!!! AIR# 300
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11-23-2002, 10:01 PM
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#8
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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Please rethink that last advice
DaPlumber
Quote:
JUST GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Trouble is, in practical terms, that probably would mean the loss forever of one irreplaceable vintage A/S. Better to start with a proper sized unit up front. There are enough problems restoring an old unit without trying to change the length.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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11-23-2002, 10:06 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 52
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ummm
then I better not chop the top, put louvers down both sides, paint flames and put a big wing on the back.......
just joking !
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11-23-2002, 10:23 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 414
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I vote for "go for it"
Everytime someone trashes the originality of a vintage,
It makes mine MORE valuable!
Its your trailer, do with it as you may, BUT don't be suprised when you get funny looks from the engineers around us, and/or the preservationists!
There is also the issue of liability when your weld does not hold and the "thing" breaks in two while traveling down the road causing a multiple MVA. I would think that insurance coverage would be hard to obtain if the insurance company knew of the modifications to the structure.
On second thought .... Don't mess with it ... I might be behind you
someday.
DMC
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