Hello from Texas.

[Aeon Crew]

I've been lurking for a bit, this is a WONDERFUL forum! We bought a 1976 31' Sovereign mid bath last year. We often go camping with our 3 children, ages 3, 6, and 11---and decided it was time to get a trailer. My family always had campers growing up, but this is our first one to own. I've forever loved vintage airstreams so I'm really excited about getting ours up to speed. The kids have had a blast painting and cleaning it up.

The previous owner had put in all residential fixtures in the bath, so that's my biggest project to finish before taking it out. I've got a leak somewhere between the kitchen and bath that I'm hoping to find w/out having to rip out all the plumbing I've already learned so much from this forum, looking forward to getting to know everyone!

[ricks-vt]

Welcome aboard. Nice looking unit, and yes, this is a wonderful forum. Good luck with your project.

[SteveSueMac]

Welcome and thanks for pre-lurking. Your inclusion of a picture without prompting must be worth some amazing amount of points :-)

Enjoy your new-to-you rig!!

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. You are now part of the most comprehensive source of Airstream information on the planet.

[Aage]

Howdy and welcome to Airforums.com, Shannacrew! We're glad you decided to join us

As for that leak, start with the roof: there are two roof vents over the bathroom (black tank, grey tank), and likely a third one for the fresh water tank, and they are famous for leaking.

Let us know how you make out?

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Aage

Howdy and welcome to Airforums.com, Shannacrew! We're glad you decided to join us

As for that leak, start with the roof: there are two roof vents over the bathroom (black tank, grey tank), and likely a third one for the fresh water tank, and they are famous for leaking.

Let us know how you make out?

Howdy! From Central Texas!

I agree with above... The shell is where I would begin if you can't see a pipe leak at this time.

Now, congrats on starting with an AS! We tented and did popups (yuk)... Finally blessed enough to find AS we could use without sedating my lovely bride due to claustrophobia.

Peace and happy trails! The memories will be priceless.

[switz]

Welcome to the fountain of Airstream knowledge.

You will be able to use the search engine for lots of information. Focused questions sometimes lead to more replies that anticipated, especially with three or four "hot button" topics like tires, best tow vehicle. car vs truck towing etc.

Lots of humor and seriousness of purpose here. Enjoy this important auxiliary to the actual trailer experience!

[Aeon Crew]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! As for my leak, it's a split copper pipe between the kitchen and the bath, unfortunately located behind the shower. I'm not quite ready to switch over to PEX, so I'm just going to cut out and replace the copper pipe between the two areas. So far the only signs of remaining leaks are the door seal and a faulty window seal, which were both easily repaired. There is evidence of a really ugly--but effective---seal job on a few other windows, but I'm closing my eyes to that until I get ready to polish :-]

Thanks again for being so welcoming, and Happy New Year!

Shanna

[Aage]

To do a plumbing repair behind the plastic wall on our 1974 31-footer wasn't as complicated as I thought it would be. If you have the Service Manual, it lays out all the details, but they really just boil down to taking out the right screws so that the trim will come off. You then remove a few screws and rivets, and voilà there you go!

Here's where the post I have done for the major repairs starts for that, one of my few plumbing repairs.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f221...ml#post1039947

You don't say whether you have a rear or centre bath, but as you can see, mine is a rear bath model.

Ask lots of questions on things you aren't sure about, and post pictures, too, OK?

[adonh]

Originally Posted by shannacrew

I've been lurking for a bit, this is a WONDERFUL forum! We bought a 1976 31' Sovereign mid bath last year. We often go camping with our 3 children, ages 3, 6, and 11---and decided it was time to get a trailer. My family always had campers growing up, but this is our first one to own. I've forever loved vintage airstreams so I'm really excited about getting ours up to speed. The kids have had a blast painting and cleaning it up.

The previous owner had put in all residential fixtures in the bath, so that's my biggest project to finish before taking it out. I've got a leak somewhere between the kitchen and bath that I'm hoping to find w/out having to rip out all the plumbing I've already learned so much from this forum, looking forward to getting to know everyone!

What kind of leak, fresh water or drain. I have the same trailer and replaced all of the old copper "patched" water lines with Pex starting at the pressure regulator in the back. So where is it leaking??

[adonh]

Originally Posted by shannacrew

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! As for my leak, it's a split copper pipe between the kitchen and the bath, unfortunately located behind the shower. I'm not quite ready to switch over to PEX, so I'm just going to cut out and replace the copper pipe between the two areas. So far the only signs of remaining leaks are the door seal and a faulty window seal, which were both easily repaired. There is evidence of a really ugly--but effective---seal job on a few other windows, but I'm closing my eyes to that until I get ready to polish :-]

Thanks again for being so welcoming, and Happy New Year!

Shanna

OK I see now you have a leak in the copper water line. It will probably be impossible to fine any copper fitting that will fit the copper lines in the AS. I ran into the same problems, either they are not standard size as today's copper fittings or the copper has expanded due to freezing. After running into this problem I went to Pex. Pictures would help us see what the problem is.

[Aage]

We had no problem at all finding the proper size of copper to effect our repairs. If the copper has been stretched, simply replace it; it is defective.

Your leak demonstrates how important winterization is.

[Clopticon]

Howdy! I am a new AS owner from Austin! Good to see a fellow Texan on these boards

[tommcc99]

I just bought a 1975 Sovereign. Seeing the interior of yours give me hope as mine is in original (old, faded, floor stripped to plywood, etc) condition. Thanks for posting the picture and good luck! Tom