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SuzyQtoo · 03-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Looking forward to being part of the community an making new friends! Just started looking about a month ago. With friends that have been part of the Airstream community for a number of years, we're hoping it won't be long before we find our dream AS.

DEITZ645 · 03-22-2009, 11:13 AM

SuzyQtoo,
Welcome to the forums and enjoy the search for your Airstream dream. Since you have friends that are already part of the Airstream community you will have a leg up in finding your coach. Please keep us informed of your progress and ask any old questions that may pop into your head.

SuzyQtoo · 03-22-2009, 02:55 PM

Thanks so much! One model we're considering has chipping in the clearcoat, but otherwise looks to be in very good condition. Do we need to be concerned?

DEITZ645 · 03-22-2009, 03:28 PM

SuzyQtoo,
What year and model are you looking at? The clear coat chipping and oxidization of the aluminum can be unsightly, but it is mostly cosmetic and can be taken care of. The end caps and some of the roof on our '87 was burnt (the clearcoat was gone due to age and sun exposure). We eventually took it to P & S Travel Trailer Service to have it stripped, polished, and clearcoated. Until we got it there, they said we could clean the affected area and arrest the oxidization with Krylon clear spray. Which is what we did. Like I said, if you are ok with the way it looks you could do the same thing and take care of it later.

If it is a newer model that has filiform corrosion, that is a little harder to address and arrest. Do a forum search for filiform corrosion and you can see what that looks like. We have a few small spots of it on our '06

willyd · 03-22-2009, 04:30 PM

Welcome from Florida - you will certainly find enough information on this site to help you make a decision.

**moosetags** · 03-22-2009, 05:28 PM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Tell us more about the Airstream that you are considering. I'm sure that we can assist you. Post some pictures if possible.

SuzyQtoo · 03-23-2009, 08:09 AM

We were really looking for 23-25' model, but saw this one in our price range that seems pretty good:
Airstream Trailer & Airstream Motorhome Classifieds - 1989 29ft Excella 1000 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

ArtStream · 03-23-2009, 10:30 AM

Hello and welcome sq2!

You'll find great info here, and members eager to help you on your aluminum quest.

Ask questions...

Michael

cathyb · 03-23-2009, 10:38 AM

My husband and I have just purchased a 2008 DWR. We are very excited, but a little concerned over the discussions we've seen on the filiform corrosion. If you wax your unit 2x a year, won't that protect the clear coat, which protects the aluminum?

DEITZ645 · 03-23-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzyQtoo

We were really looking for 23-25' model, but saw this one in our price range that seems pretty good:
Airstream Trailer & Airstream Motorhome Classifieds - 1989 29ft Excella 1000 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

SuzyQtoo,
Hey, that's a really nice looking rig and the upgrades are a big plus. I'd love to have that screen porch! If upon inspection everything checks out, I would not worry too much about the clear coat. If only the roof clearcot is affected, you can have just the top of the coach re-clearcoated. This would be less expensive than having the entire coach done.

SuzyQtoo · 03-23-2009, 05:36 PM

Greetings Carl,

So, what would it cost to re-do the clearcoat? Or, if we do it ourselves, estimate of cost and time? How do I find someone to check it out for me before I take a road trip? Also, I'm concerned about the size and have requested the weight of it. We have an '05 Escaled EXT.

Thanks,
Susan Sandberg

ROBERT CROSS · 03-23-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cathyb

If you wax your unit 2x a year, won't that protect the clear coat, which protects the aluminum?

No....it starts under the coating.

Clean and sealed will help slow it down, but that's about it.

Good Luck

BC

DEITZ645 · 03-23-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzyQtoo

Greetings Carl,

So, what would it cost to re-do the clearcoat? Or, if we do it ourselves, estimate of cost and time? How do I find someone to check it out for me before I take a road trip? Also, I'm concerned about the size and have requested the weight of it. We have an '05 Escaled EXT.

Thanks,
Susan Sandberg

Susan,
Send an e-mail to Steve and / or Kevin at P & S Travel Trailer Service and ask them what it would cost to take care of the roof from the top rivet line and the end caps. Give them the length and year of the trailer. This should give you a ball park on what it would cost.

You could probably do the Krylon clear spray stop gap measure I mentioned before in a day or two at the most. I wouldn't want to venture a guess on how long it would take to strip the top, polish it, and clear coat it. It took me all weekend just to polish two 30 pound propane cylinders.

As for trailer weight...Have a look at this PDF scan of the trailer specifications from 1987. We found it in with the paperwork on our '87. I don't imagine the weights changed all that much from 1987 to 1989.

http://home.comcast.net/~carldeitric...Floorplans.pdf

The document lists the 29' as...

Dry Weight - 5300 lbs
Hitch Weight - 700 lbs
Additional Allowable - 1300 lbs

50 Gallon Fresh Water
30 Gallon Black Water
35 Gallon Gray Water

SuzyQtoo · 03-29-2009, 10:14 AM

Thought I'd let you know, I placed an ad in the "wanted" classifieds and we were able to purchase an '05 Safari. We weren't expecting to find anything so soon, but everything worked out! We are so excited and will be picking it up in about 10 days. This site has been so helpful all around. With welcomes, advice, et al. It won't be long now and we'll be on the road streamin'!

ROBERT CROSS · 03-29-2009, 10:25 AM

Great News!!!

Was your ad in the Forum classified's?

SuzyQtoo · 04-04-2009, 09:19 AM

Yes, we placed our ad in Airstreams Classifieds "wanted" section. We'll be picking up our new beauty April 19/20th and making a stop in Jackson City on the way home! We have a couple of fur kids we plan to take along and really appreciate some of the postings regarding traveling with pets.