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Originally Posted by OAK49
I am new to this and have not been to a chat room before so bare with me. I just picked up my granparents 1949 Clipper airstream serial #2001. Its a bit rough but I have alot of fond memories of summers spent in it while staying with my grandparents. Is there a value to these old airstreams. How about parts to fix them back up?
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Your 49 Clipper is a highly desireable vintage Airstream, and of course valuable to a vintage connosuer. The small Airstreams are fairly easy to work on and can be useable and fun campers. The age and style will actually be a big plus and will comand lots of attention and admiration wherever you take it.
There is probably any kind of information you may need to help you along with fixing it up, right here on the Forum. Check out the "search" function, you'l be amazed at the wealth of information at your finger tips.There are also lots of sources for information, parts and services on the internet. If you wish to update it with modern plumbing and electrical systems, everything is readily available. If you wish to keep it in original, as- built configuration, that will be a bit more difficult and time consuming, but still doable.
The first thing you should do before towing it anywhere, is replace the running gear if it is still original. That would include axcel, hubs, brakes, and wheels. The original wheels were of the split rim type and should be discarded. The tires should be replaced a maximum of 5 years, regardless of appearance, mileage, and tread depth. Your propane tanks will also need to be replaced or updated if they haven't already been.
Otherwise, if every thing else has been maintained, go camping, and may your own grand children someday enjoy it with you.