Airstream Virgin

[nd48463]

Today I became the proud owner of a 1977 Excella 500 in pristine condition. It was a barn find with some nice customizations and a solid foundation for the future! I can't wait to go pick it up! I have a feeling I will be visiting this site pretty regularly. I have always wanted an Airstream and my dream has finally come true!

nate

[azflycaster]

Congratulations on your dream coming true. It's a great feeling when it happens.

Welcome to the forums as well!

[AirsDream]

Congratulaions, Nate! I think you'll find this site is chock full of folks who know a TREMENDOUS amount of information about these wonderful trailers.

Enjoy, and get out there towing!

Ryanh

[Condoluminum]

Nate;

Welcome to ownership and to the Forums.. You will be spending time here, since very few things built more than 30 years ago remain in perfect condition without some owner assistance...

If you haven't had lessons in using Search here, that is huge, as there are more than half a million existing posts, and by clicking on the link and cleverly using keywords, you can probably find one or two threads with pictures directly addressing any possible question you might have... There are thousands of links addressing questions you haven't even thought of, and probably never will...

Looks like a good find, and early challenges may revolve around testing and cheklists, or finding parts, or finding shops.. One of the other real valuable links here is finding similar folks in your area, who are willing to help lead the way...

[TBRich]

Nate...

Congratulations and welcome to the Airforums! You are in the absolute best place to find all the information and moral support (a big plus) you will need on your aluminum journey... If you can't find answers to your questions in the subforums and through searches, just ask...lots of helpful and knowledgeable folks here to pitch in...

See you down the road!

[warbler5]

Nate.....welcome to the AirForums.....your Airstream looks to be a beauty! Post some pics when you get a chance.

Cheers!

[Alumin8]

Sure looks like a beauty. I have the 1973 model and the first thing to get is the repair manual. I think it is available as a copy from "Helen Davis secretarial services, PO Box 484, Sidney, OH 45365 (937) 492-8885. Be sure to be very clear about it being the Excella model as that is a special manual. It is invaluable. Your ship sure looks beautiful. It would be great to see more pictures. If you don't mind, how much did you pay for this well preserved model.

Joe

[nd48463]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will post more pictures once I get her home and washed up. Purchase price was 5,000 but it iw well worth more. It came with all original manuals, even the service manual! It has some custom cherry cabinets installed by the previous owner. he was a ship-builder in Alabama and did really nice work. There is also a small washer/dryer unit installed! I am not sure if that was original, or added.

The problems I am aware of:

1. Needs new tires.
2. The stitching on the awning is deteriorated, fabric is still good though.
3. There is a small crack in the corner of the tub.
4. There is a dent in the rear lower roadside corner, and a chip out of the spray on rock guard.

I am sure there will be more finds.

Thanks again for the warm welcome. I am sure I will have many more questions!

Nate

[2Alaska]

Congratulations on your great find! Welcome the the forums. This is the best place to come for information. Looking forward to your pictures...
Keep us updated on your new adventure.
~2Alaska

[azflycaster]

That's a small list of items, with new tires being the most important thing on the list. The coating on the front (segment protectors) was most likely done by a company that sprays truck beds.

BTW, you need to update your profile to display your trailer year and model next to your posts. It's located under the option "edit your details".

[centennialman]

Wow!!! A barn find.....found mine the same way. Adds a bit of mystery to the experience. Be sure to check for signs of critters. They love things that are stored in barns.

Post more pics when you get her home. We all love the pics!!

[jerrypeterma]

thats a great looking find.
congrats and will see your progress in the forum

[WBCCI9898]

you are lucky you got their first.... we are looking for a second airstream just like that. I hope you post some more pics of the interior. wanna sell? lol lol
Happy Airstreaming!

[Alumin8]

Wow, I found mine for sale on the internet - 1973 31' Excella. Mine had been owned by the former president of the Wally Byam club in Tennessee and started the Airstream campgrounds in Tellico Plains. Mine had been sitting for some time but has retained it's beauty. I needed axles and tires and the refridgerator was shot. These have been replaced and I am now working on the plumbing, electrical and other cosmetics. These are fine trailers and will live an eternity if cared for properly. I paid $5,000 as well and hope to have it back to near perfect with a total of $10,000. I,ll try to post pictures of the work so others may benefit. Hope to polish it to look like jewelry before going on the road this winter.

Call anytime for advice.

Joe