Don't know what I'm doing, but having fun. '57 Bubble

[FrankM]

I just bought a 1957 Airstream Bubble. Not too messed with (yet). Don't have any real plans. I can't decide how to approach this; make camp ready or restore. I don't have a lot of time or any real budget, so maybe my mind is made up.
But it's home and at least I get to look at it every day!
California built whale tail. Numbered in the high 300's. Interior has some modification (restroom removed), but overall pretty original.

[kposey]

Awesome find! I vote for make camp ready for now and enjoy it! Then you can take your time about deciding on restoration.

And, oh yea, post pictures! Lots of them!!!! We love pictures!!!!!

[Janet H]

Very Cool! Welcome to the forum

[cwf]

Wow... 3 years younger than me! Now.. where did I leave my mind?

[thumbelinadj]

Welcome!! This is great! My friend has a Bubble too! As long as your frame and brakes and floor are solid, just go have fun. I bought my Globetrotter in October 2014 knowing I was gutting and doing a complete shell off restoration. You will find amazing support here as I did in all steps you take. Dena

[thesignlady]

She's yours...Do what your heart tells you to. What would make you happy? Do you envision winning trophy's at events with her or sitting quietly in a forest enjoying the sounds of nature. Go outside one quiet evening and sit inside with a drink of your choice and stare around her. You will be guided to what is right for you. The one sure thing is...She's yours...You can take your time and do whatever you plan incrementally as your budget gradually allows.

Enjoy

[mandolindave]

She looks great. The forum just had a similar discussion last week.( to put a vintage collectable back to original, or to modernize ) My question to the owner was if wanted to camp, or make money. It's tough to make much money on redoing a trailer. You have to get a good trailer at a good price, be handy, and then find a rich buyer

If you want to camp, how do you want to camp? Campgrounds have restrooms

So you have a trailer with no rest room. I used a porta potti while I waited for a new toilet. When I got a new toilet, I felt like the porta potti was more convenient
I boondocks so I like having a shower, but to put one in would be mega bucks. ( Installation, shower stall, plumbing, fixtures, water heater, pump, tanks, etc $$$$$) An option some of my friends took was to build a portable outdoor shower

[FrankM]

Thank you all for the greetings and input. I bought this spontaneously (I blame it on the A.D.D.). I saw it in a driveway, fell in love, drove home to gather all the money I could, knocked on the door, and drove home with it.

I love camping with my family of four. We trailer all the time. My fifth wheel is 37' with four slide-outs, washer/dryer, etc. I love it.

Now that I have had this sweet little Bubble for a couple of days, and after spending today browsing this forum and reflecting on all the posts, I think I really only have two options. First, I can set this up in my backyard, surround it with Schwinn bikes and knick-knacks and enjoy looking at it while I swim in the pool. Or two, I blow it apart and restore it just for the fun of restoring something so beautiful (I restore classic cars).

I think I need to sleep on it for a few nights. Thank you again.

[thumbelinadj]

Sucking in my breath......wow you too. What's with us all on this forum? It's a great experience. Great energy from generous minds.

I keep telling friends this: some women turn 50 and strive to run a marathon, I decided to restore an Airstream.

Good luck!
Dena

[cwf]

Oh.. BTW..
AFTER you restore it, you can park in your backyard, surround with Schwinns, etc.. swim in your pool and enjoy the view.....then dry off and YardCAmp or take a trip... put the kids in the SOB and take your bride for a ride... =)

[FrankM]

Some pictures finally

[FrankM]

Intrerior

[dbj216]

Hi Frank and welcome. Very interesting old Airstream you found. Thanks for the pictures. I think it is quite valuable. And it appears someone has many, many hours in the thing already.

I think most would agree being more original is more valuable than renovating. Your classic autos that you have restored are likely close to original instead of hot rods. You can have a lot of fun showing it a Airstream rallies and such.

David

[FrankM]

Things change quickly in our household. I paid a lot of money for this (at least a lot for us), probably full market value. I am 30 years old and we have two children so not much play money. After some interesting conversations here we decided that maybe spending what I did for a piece of yard art was not the smartest thing to do. I listed this and my 37' fifth wheel on eBay and we'll see what happens. I can't afford to restore this right now, starting a resto and not finishing in no good for anyone, and I can't afford to stare at it just for fun.
Wish me luck.

[tvketchum]

Camp ready, and after a few outings, you will have a firmer grasp on how to proceed.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Tom
TVKetchum

[aquinob]

Originally Posted by FrankM

Things change quickly in our household. I paid a lot of money for this (at least a lot for us), probably full market value. I am 30 years old and we have two children so not much play money. After some interesting conversations here we decided that maybe spending what I did for a piece of yard art was not the smartest thing to do. I listed this and my 37' fifth wheel on eBay and we'll see what happens. I can't afford to restore this right now, starting a resto and not finishing in no good for anyone, and I can't afford to stare at it just for fun.
Wish me luck.

Probably the right idea, it may be cute and is certainly vintage, but to go camping in it with two kids won't work. Unless you plan on setting up a tent and putting the overflow in it. Good luck moving it along.