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Old 07-22-2014, 12:23 AM   #1
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1974 31' Sovereign
Moscow , Idaho
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Question Dropped my lease, bought an Airstream.

Hello friends,

I just purchased a 1974 31' Sovereign and a 92, 454 Suburban. Both in what appears to be in great shape.

The inspiration to purchase an Airstream was to become independent of debt and honestly I needed a change in life style. I'm 24 and already having a midlife crisis.

I'm planning to do a modest restore/modernation of my Airstream.

Can't wait to share my questions and stories with you.

XOXO
Cody
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Old 07-22-2014, 12:38 AM   #2
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Cody, from the pic it looks like you have a nice rig there! Best of luck, and welcome to the forums!
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Old 07-22-2014, 04:54 PM   #3
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Welcome to the forms! Nice setup!
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Old 07-22-2014, 05:06 PM   #4
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Cody

Welcome
My first was a 31, that was 5 or 6 airstreams ago. Not to say aluminum is addictive (have not seen one study about it), yet here we all are at alumaholic publicis.
Hello my name is heslinhotel and I am a alumaholic, and proud of it.
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Old 07-22-2014, 05:53 PM   #5
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1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
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That is about as close to Classic Airstream Americana as you can get...

Nice setup.

Aaron
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Old 07-22-2014, 06:38 PM   #6
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Welcome, nice setup.
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Old 07-22-2014, 07:18 PM   #7
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A midlife crisis at 24? I think an Airstream cures just about any crisis ... especially when you wake up in the morning and KNOW you can wake up the next day in a completely different place -- but you slept in the same comfortable bed....awesome way to live.
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Old 07-22-2014, 07:40 PM   #8
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Your airstream and tow vehicle are awesome!! Looks like good times ahead for you! Best of luck!! Have fun and enjoy the ride!!


Let the good times roll! Laura & Tom
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Old 07-22-2014, 07:49 PM   #9
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Welcome Young Cody! I'll bet your 74 Sovereign has served others with comfortable living quarters for many years. The old 454 big block was a real workhorse in it's day. My 86 was pulled with one for several years. Fuel economy was not a strong suit, but the reliability was good.

Learn all about your new Sovereign in the Knowledge Base toward the bottom of the home page. You will find threads on how to light the water heater to complete restorations. Keep your tool box handy as you will likely need it from time to time.

Keep us posted on your adventures.

David
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Old 07-22-2014, 08:17 PM   #10
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Hey Cody, Welcome and it looks like you have one heck of a start. Most all the information you need is right here. So take your time and try to do it right the first time. Live and Learn. Good luck.
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Old 07-22-2014, 08:36 PM   #11
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Ottawa , ON
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Welcome aboard, Cody. I think we have the same year and model trailer. That is, if you have the mid bedroom with twin singles...

If I was in your place again, I would start looking for great sale prices on new appliances. I say that because most owners of TTs (travel trailers) that age seem to need them all replaced. Which in a way is to be expected: you wouldn't dream of using a 40-year old water heater, furnace or fridge in your house, would you?

You'll eventually come to see that repairing them isn't practical, with the possible single exception of the refer (fridge) if it is in good condition from a cosmetic point of view. The water heater, and furnace eventually rust out, doesn't seem to be any way around it, and the refer's guts (the cooling unit) that make it cold eventually leak out and die a horrible smelly death. The cooling unit can be replaced, thankfully, although it costs around half of what a new one runs.

Who knows though, you may be lucky and they have all been done!

Anyways, welcome to the Forums, and don't be shy to ask any questions you might have. Also, please post lots more photos, including some good ones of the interior?

Aage
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Old 07-22-2014, 08:50 PM   #12
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Smile

Thank you all for the the kind and warm welcome!

Here are a few shots from the inside.
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Old 07-22-2014, 09:08 PM   #13
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Congrats.. maybe not a 'midlife' crisis.. but one of growing up....sorta...
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Old 07-22-2014, 09:24 PM   #14
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Wise words cwf. It's a perfect mix of adventure and financial reasonability.

Thanks,
C
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Old 07-22-2014, 10:21 PM   #15
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I wanted an Aristream at 22, but was not able to buy one until about 36 or 37. I was living in Pullman when your trailer was born in '74. I have had a bunch of them since my first one.

If I can help any with understanding your Airstream, I am only about 125 miles from you, and great camping down here, if you can get away. PM me if you want, anytime.
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Old 07-23-2014, 11:13 AM   #16
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If you don't mind the question, what do you do for a living? Are you able to pursue it while traveling, or are you kind of nailed down to going into a job everyday? Making a living while traveling is the only thing that stops us from grabbing the trailer and hitting the road.
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Old 07-23-2014, 11:31 AM   #17
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Stefrobrts,

I work as an in house photographer and videographer/ marketing content producer for a company in Pullman WA.

I travel all the time for work so I'm gone a month at a time. A lot of my work is international or requires me to be at a certain location last minute so I typically fly. Wish I could just take my airstream

I'm living in the trailer full time and exploring on my time off
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Old 07-23-2014, 11:36 AM   #18
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I wish I had done what you are doing at your age. I always dreamed about it.
I wish I could full time now in my current rig. I would love to get out from under utilities, insurance, property tax, upkeep, yard work-
I can't get my wife to go along with me.
If I ever find myself a widower I know what I'm gonna do. If I die first, I guess I'll just dream about it.
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Old 07-23-2014, 11:40 AM   #19
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Haha! I'm sorry m.hony!

I'm sure being married is wonderful but being single has its benefits!

If you would like some help convincing her I got your back!
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Old 07-23-2014, 11:47 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cody Madison View Post
Stefrobrts,
I work as an in house photographer and videographer/ marketing content producer for a company in Pullman WA.
That's awesome I'm a hobby photographer, got a few sales and regular customers, but trying to work my way towards making more money at it. For now I'm a software tester in a cubicle 8 hours a day. If I could make money while traveling that would be the key. As it is I have to just travel on weekends like everyone else!
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