Excited new member

[InHogHeaven]

Hello everyone,

I just picked up my first Airstream ! It's a 73' Excella 500. I picked it up from a guy who had let it sit in an open field for 3+ years. nearly every window leaks and the floor has rotted in my spots(Likely need a full replacement floor). The body appears straight and both the 12v and 110 systems tested positive. The Zip-dee is in mint condition(I'm not sure it had ever been extended). The plumbing appears altered to fit more of a stationary, full-time, tenant. Anyway, I'd eager to begin communication with you guys. Let me know what you think.

Tommy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by InHogHeaven

Hello everyone,

I just picked up my first Airstream ! It's a 73' Excella 500. I picked it up from a guy who had let it sit in an open field for 3+ years. nearly every window leaks and the floor has rotted in my spots(Likely need a full replacement floor). The body appears straight and both the 12v and 110 systems tested positive. The Zip-dee is in mint condition(I'm not sure it had ever been extended). The plumbing appears altered to fit more of a stationary, full-time, tenant. Anyway, I'd eager to begin communication with you guys. Let me know what you think.

Tommy

Looks great.

The first big job is to make the coach waterproof.

All the exterior gaskets will need replacing especially the sewer vent pipe cover gaskets, which only last 2 to 3 years.

Torsion axles, under load must be exercised somewhat frequently. Sitting long term causes the rubber rods to fail. Your photo's clearly show that.

You can easily check the axles out by reading the following article.

The Dura-Torque Axle

Sealing the vinyl gasket on the wing, stack and vista view windows, is another must. You can use gray Sikaflex sealer for that job.

Andy

[Melody Ranch]

It looks great. Start by sealing it up...stop the leaks to the max possible. As you do that you will be on a voyage of discovery.

[InHogHeaven]

Thank you guys. Yes Andy, I'm going to be in contact with ya'll tomorrow to order those 'D' gaskets, and anything else i may need to seal up those windows and roof.

[Fly at Night]

Looks pretty good.

I don't understand how people just let them rot in a field somewhere.

[Travel Bird]

Wow!! Congrats!!! And good luck with your reno's!!

[Lumatic]

From the photos it looks like a good possibility the axles are shot. This model/year is also prone to rear end separation. There are more threads than you could ever read on these subjects.

Replacing the floor is a major undertaking. If the rot is not too extensive you may be able to just replace the rotten sections. Again, there is plenty of threads on the subject.

I know what your enthusiasm feels like. Anyone who has done a resto has been there. But make sure you know what you are getting into as far as time and money. A lot more of each than you would think. Anyone who has done a resto will tell you the same.

[InHogHeaven]

So I've taken out all my hinged windows and am attempting to reseal them. I just received my 'D' gaskets and 3m gasket adhesive in the mail. Ive got a little more cleaning to do but am almost ready and now i've lost my understanding of the procedure. Am I to use the 3m between the window and new gasket or is the 3m adhesive used solely between the new gaskets and window frame on non-opening windows? It seems to me that on my hinged windows I should just be using the gasket and the self-adhesive it's got under the peel-off flat edge.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by InHogHeaven

So I've taken out all my hinged windows and am attempting to reseal them. I just received my 'D' gaskets and 3m gasket adhesive in the mail. Ive got a little more cleaning to do but am almost ready and now i've lost my understanding of the procedure. Am I to use the 3m between the window and new gasket or is the 3m adhesive used solely between the new gaskets and window frame on non-opening windows? It seems to me that on my hinged windows I should just be using the gasket and the self-adhesive it's got under the peel-off flat edge.

Aloha.

The adhesive is applied to both the white backing of the gasket and the back side of the window sash (metal framing).

Then wait about 5 minutes and apply the gasket to the window. Start at the bottom center.

Do not cut it for the corners on the front window.

Mahalo.

Andy