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exthemius · 01-09-2011, 02:51 PM

TAC is The Airstreamer's Club, a group of like-minded people who like to have fun in their Airstreams (rallies, caravans, etc). If you'd like to find out more about it, please visit our website: The Airstreamer's Club. PTC, I assume, is the city (Peachtree City).

damonbeals · 01-09-2011, 03:57 PM

Welcome to the forums Rutlege. I'm a huge UK TopGear fan and hoping the US version takes off. Better get started on the refurb, the Nascar Season starts soon.

Damon

P.S. Still confused why it's on History Channel and not Speed, silly networks.

**Kevin245** · 01-09-2011, 04:23 PM

Greetings Rutroe,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the Amby. Feel free to bounce ideas and questions that arise during your rebuild/resto project.

Kevin

moparjohn · 01-09-2011, 04:29 PM

Welcome! Before you dump the gut. please post some pics, belive it or not because of age/availability someone might need some interior bits you might throw away. I for one have several small needs from a 73 interior. MPJ

slowmover · 01-09-2011, 07:24 PM

It's nice to see an essentially original-appearing early '70's A/S with those wheel covers, window arrangement, etc. Hard to improve, IMO.

Ton's of great reading here (as you may already know). A survey of possible/potential problems is a good idea so as to forecast time/cost. Every problem appears to already have several alternative fixes.

My preference is to make suspension, brakes, exterior lights, safety chains, HD TV wiring and rest of towing-related items new (and state-of-the-art) first. Mundane compared to a polish job, but still the best place to spend investigatory time & effort. Each has either a sub-forum or any number of threads/posts. The trailer can then be used with great confidence as interior renovation proceeds.

I'd begin with insurance. Agreed value or stated, etc. Appraisal?

Good luck

.

Aviator · 01-09-2011, 09:01 PM

PTC = Peachtree City, GA

MO Airstream · 01-10-2011, 01:39 PM

Welcome the the Airstream world! Much kudos on the show...great entertainment!!

Bird's Nest · 01-10-2011, 05:28 PM

I looked up Top Gear on the History Channel site. My son said he was having a US Top Gear discussion with his friend(2008 STi) a few weeks ago and they unanimously chose you as their favorite. They said you are the funniest.

Rutroe · 01-24-2011, 09:18 PM

Hi everybody !

Sorry I wasn't here to respond...we had some snow and then I took off for NASCAR testing in Daytona.

Hmm...where to begin. SO, We started to remove the crap from the inside...and by crap...I mean nasty nasty damp crap.

We found all sorts of funny stuff. It seems they were actively using it right before they parked it and walked away. I also found the belly pan after I pulled the carpet up and put my hand through the floor.

I can't lie...I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm currently in the debate of do I try to put 15 grand into this one trying to get it where I want it, or should I sell it, buy one for 15grand, and then try to make it nicer.

I called a guy about doing the axels, so I may let him do them, but one of my best friends is a finish carpenter and one of his assistants rebuilt an airstream with a friend before, so they're coming to check it out tomorrow and try to get an idea of the scope and some prices for it.

I'll try to post some pictures once I load them to my computer.

I was going to tow it with my 2008 Tundra Crew Max, but I sold it to free up some cash for the project and now am debating about a new Suburban 1500 or 2500, or Yukon XL, or a new F-250.

Whatever my tow rig is, I'd drive that to the airport and around town too...

Keep in mind, I'm probably going to have to find people to work on it and pay them since I'm just not home enough to do the project much myself....which may factor in to my previous question.

Thanks also to everyone who has watched Top Gear. I've really loved being a part of it and I hope we get to do it for years to come.

I'm open to any advice people have, especially those who are in GA and know people who can work on/restore.whatever

Beaker63 · 01-24-2011, 09:26 PM

Rutroe,
I spent about 8K( plus the cost of the trailer) to completely rebuild our trailer, took about 18 months. It's now done and all ours. You can do it!
Thanks for finally settling the Ford Chevy Dodge truck question.
We enjoy the show.
Tim

Airslide · 01-24-2011, 09:36 PM

Time to watch last nights episode that I dvr'd

Good luck with the project.. remember it only takes time and money

Great to see you here.

Vinnie

vswingfield · 01-24-2011, 09:40 PM

Hi Rutroe,

Also a fan.

As to your consideration of keep and work on it or upgrade, you can get a nice trailer, especially the larger ones, for $15,000.

It sounds counter intuitive that you can buy more for less used, but many people want one of the cute teeny tiny trailers more than the larger ones-driving the price of cute teeny tiny up.

If you want to do family stuff or spend much time in one, bigger is better.

Check out the classifieds here and you can get an idea of what is available and what prices are like.

Grand Master · 01-24-2011, 10:42 PM

Rutledge,

Just like auto restoration, often it costs more to restore than it will bring on resale. However, there is great satisfation in doing it exactly like you want, and knowing it was done right.

There are restored Airstreams out there selling for bargain prices. Beware of hidden problems lurking. I have seen many nice appearing restorations that are very cute (and show well) but are basically cobbled up messes.

I personally think you will be happier picking a vintage Airstream with a floorplan you like, and restoring it yourself.

Foiled Again · 01-24-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand Master

Rutledge,

Just like auto restoration, often it costs more to restore than it will bring on resale. However, there is great satisfation in doing it exactly like you want, and knowing it was done right.

There are restored Airstreams out there selling for bargain prices. Beware of hidden problems lurking. I have seen many nice appearing restorations that are very cute (and show well) but are basically cobbled up messes.

I personally think you will be happier picking a vintage Airstream with a floorplan you like, and restoring it yourself.

Wise advice! Paula

pwhittle · 01-24-2011, 11:02 PM

G'day Rutledge,

This the second forum I have seen you post on today. I am a wagon guy too!

I have a 1982 Classic motorhome and live in Alpharetta. My efforts have been mainly around the mechanicals of the Chevy P30 chassis but have replaced A/C's, water heater and the furnace. Oh, and Bilsteins, upgraded anti-roll bar and stiffer springs.

PM me if you need some local support.

Paul

Aviator · 01-25-2011, 06:32 AM

I cannot locate his name in my address book, but there is a guy in Fayetteville, GA who does a lot of Airstream work. I spoke with him a couple of years ago. Maybe someone else on the forum can remember who he is. If you need anything specific, pm me and I can try to help with a local source.

Aviator · 01-25-2011, 06:43 AM

One option you touched on is replacing the Airstream you have with one in better shape in order to start using it right away. The classified section of this forum is a good source to start with if you decide to go in that direction.

rebelstand · 01-25-2011, 07:26 AM

A factor in the decision to sell/keep this one would depend on how soon you wish to use it....

However the chance to customize it to your liking...is appealing.

heslinhotel · 01-25-2011, 08:43 AM

I have bought and fixed 2 Airstreams and a Argosy. now have 29' Excella. Great fun renovating even more fun using. Don't wait till its completly done to use it. Even a gutted one is better than sleeping on the ground. People you meet make the experience. Best of luck with your project. If you need advice this is THE PLACE. There is never a shortage of opinions.
I have lots of bits and pieces from my projects.
Love the show by the way.

Rutroe · 01-25-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelstand

A factor in the decision to sell/keep this one would depend on how soon you wish to use it....

However the chance to customize it to your liking...is appealing.

Yeah- that's the big debate going on at our house. I'd love to have my girls all with me as soon as possible...it seems like a quality resto takes months (assuming you're doing it full time) so I have no idea how that's going to work.

I've restored a lot of old cars so I certainly don't want to throw in the towel yet, but I want to be smart about it.

It seems like with where the economy is, this might be the "deal of a lifetime" sort of time to buy...but who knows.