Looking for someone to build a frame in NC

[ckecarter]

I've got a 1972 (I think) 31' airstream with a completely broken frame. I've already done the shell removal, and am looking for someone in NC who can build a frame for a reasonable price.

I'd also like to know if anyone has a set of blueprints for the 1972 31' model.

Enough of the frame (minus the last 5 feet) remained for me to put together a rough blueprint of the existing frame. Most of the outriggers are ruined or completely rusted off, so I'm going on best guess for the location of those.

The best quote I have so far from a fairly large metal shop is for $3k for the frame (using existing axles.) That is a bit beyond my budget at the moment, but might be reasonable. Should I keep shopping around, or is that a reasonable cost?

Thanks in advance to any who can offer insights. I'll be posting some pictures of the existing frame soon.

-- Kevin

[Foiled Again]

OUCH. Sorry about your problem. There are better deals out there but you need to find a small shop or mobile craftsman. I know your budget will take a hit, but I'd go ahead and order new axles loaded with brakes, just to preserve the new frame and all of your hard work.

Call Out of Doors Mart - I rather doubt that they can do it less expensively but they might refer you to a reputable restorer.

As for the manuals - check the www.airstream.com website. Apparently they have put all of the manuals into .pdf format. I hope you'll be able to get an exact model of your whole frame.

Happy restoring.

Paula

[Kevin245]

I work in the Charlotte area and the $3K sounds reasonable. I imagine the material costs are half the cost, if not more. Porter Fabrication in Gastonia has a good reputation but I don't know if they would take this on. Most of the fab shops we deal with are extremely busy since the economy turned around. You might try a local community college that has a welding program such as CPCC, or Greenville Technical College.

[NCstreamer]

capitalcitycustomsinc.com


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[ckecarter]

I actually took some welding classes at CPCC when I thought it was going to be a repair job instead of replacement.

Silly me

I may try reaching out to one of my old instructors and see what he says.

Still haven't heard back from the Capital City guys. Thanks to those who pointed them out though! Nice to know there is someone close by who knows old airstreams.

-- Kevin

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

OUCH. Sorry about your problem. There are better deals out there but you need to find a small shop or mobile craftsman. I know your budget will take a hit, but I'd go ahead and order new axles loaded with brakes, just to preserve the new frame and all of your hard work.

Call Out of Doors Mart - I rather doubt that they can do it less expensively but they might refer you to a reputable restorer.

As for the manuals - check the www.airstream.com website. Apparently they have put all of the manuals into .pdf format. I hope you'll be able to get an exact model of your whole frame.

Happy restoring.

Paula

Unless the link is hidden somewhere else those are only the new manuals.
I have a service manual from 1975 and I believe it has the frame layout (not a measured drawing) in it. I will check this evening.

Aaron