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davelance01 · 05-25-2009, 08:59 AM

I think I have a new obsession. I paid $3000 for it and already stuck another $600 in it in two weeks.

right now I'm working on

wheel bearings (the previous owner had changed out the braking system from disk brakes to drum brakes and put the wrong size bearing in)

floor (replacing some soft flooring in the back bathroom)

brakes (one brake doesn't work, think its because the wheel bearing not sure yet)

furnace (haven't even looked at it yet)

door latch (no way of locking from the inside)

anybody have any information on where to get a service manual for a 77 excella 500 that would be great!!! I have the owners manual but the information in it is limited.

Thanks for reading
Dave

goransons · 05-25-2009, 10:10 AM

There are several guys selling those on ebay and the like, but you can get it from the airstream website (the store) and I would guess any airstream dealer.

try this link, but if it doesn't work, go to the airstream store, then choose the airstream manual tab in the middle of the screen.
https://store.airstream.com/product_...products_id=96

willyd · 05-25-2009, 10:16 AM

Hello from Ohio and Florida and welcome to the forum. You will find your answers here.

Melody Ranch · 05-25-2009, 10:40 AM

Willyd,
Your answer is something I'd see from the Government.

Blank, nothing, nada, nunca, nadie.

Lumatic · 05-25-2009, 10:47 AM

There is a source called Secretarial Services in Ohio that sells photocopied service manuals. New ones are not available. From time to time you see used ones on ebay. If you see a used one close to your year it is probably close enough.

Mrcrowley · 05-25-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davelance01

I think I have a new obsession. I paid $3000 for it and already stuck another $600 in it in two weeks.

right now I'm working on

wheel bearings (the previous owner had changed out the braking system from disk brakes to drum brakes and put the wrong size bearing in)

floor (replacing some soft flooring in the back bathroom)

brakes (one brake doesn't work, think its because the wheel bearing not sure yet)

furnace (haven't even looked at it yet)

door latch (no way of locking from the inside)

anybody have any information on where to get a service manual for a 77 excella 500 that would be great!!! I have the owners manual but the information in it is limited.

Thanks for reading
Dave

OHHH I know the feeling I have not even got mine on the road yet and sunk about $5000 into her BUT it will be like new and the trailer was left to me by my dad . All new appliences front to back . Welcome to the forums .

willyd · 05-25-2009, 02:23 PM

Melody Ranch, how did you know that I retired from ATF?

easyride · 05-25-2009, 04:26 PM

Yup you got the fever,I just bought a gutted 63 GT,Things to do,rip up rest of floor,box out frame for 36 gal. black & gray tanks,install floor,clean and paint interior.Make cabinets Etc,Etc $$$$$$$$$$$.Have fun Dave

PizzaChop · 05-25-2009, 07:44 PM

From my experience (2 restorations with varying degrees of severity), I can honestly say that $10K sounds pretty reasonable for a restored unit like what you have. Of course I never would have paid that much, but that's why I've logged all the hours underneath, inside, and on top of my Airstreams.

I can always earn more money (I think) but I cannot make up the time I've spent in the "labor of love".

There will be more money and hours spent, of that you can be sure!

Mrcrowley · 05-25-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzaChop

From my experience (2 restorations with varying degrees of severity), I can honestly say that $10K sounds pretty reasonable for a restored unit like what you have. Of course I never would have paid that much, but that's why I've logged all the hours underneath, inside, and on top of my Airstreams.

I can always earn more money (I think) but I cannot make up the time I've spent in the "labor of love".

There will be more money and hours spent, of that you can be sure!

Oh please 10 grand I am at 5 grand now BUT I bet ill put about 3 grand in labor into it. Thank god Airstreams are investments and not money pit's (I hope there not money pits) did I tell you I love my airstream I hope so..

jerrypeterma · 05-25-2009, 08:53 PM

Dave, you came to the right place to learn about your AS
Keep in touch and send a few Pictures
Take Care

PizzaChop · 05-25-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Oh please 10 grand I am at 5 grand now BUT I bet ill put about 3 grand in labor into it.

Yeah, but sounds like you acquired it "right". I'm up to over $7500 (labor not included) with all new appliances front to back, new axles, wheels & tires but gave $2300 just for a straight, essentially empty shell (with rotten rear floor and rusty frame).

The value of the labor? Priceless!

Mrcrowley · 05-25-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrcrowley

Oh please 10 grand I am at 5 grand now BUT I bet ill put about 3 grand in labor into it. Thank god Airstreams are investments and not money pit's (I hope there not money pits) did I tell you I love my airstream I hope so..

pizza I am agreeing with you by the way...

PizzaChop · 05-26-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

pizza I am agreeing with you by the way...

Few end up with the Airstream of their dreams for less than $10K, but it's kinda like donating a few gallons of blood...

Measured by the pint, the cost doesn't seem as high...

Mikethefixit · 05-26-2009, 07:43 AM

Dave
Welcome to the Forums . If you get down and look closely at the inside of the door lock,I think you will find the locking bolt handle has either broken off or has vibrated out. Its only a 6/32 screw. I used an Allen head machine screw and loctited it in. Works for me.
There are a few Streamers in your area. I think you are in the NE. There is a thread here Either MID OHIO Streamers or Informal Something Lou or someone HELP ! We are tryin to get OHIO Streamers together this yr for a few Rallys Informal of course and everyone is Welcome,airstream owner or no. So someone will direct you to those threads I'm sure. You had definitely come to the rite spot to learn all about Airstreams.
Again WELCOME hope to see ya somewhere here this summer
Roger

davelance01 · 05-26-2009, 09:48 AM

Boy, that sure was quick on the replies from the forum, thanks

, I'm going to run the hub up to bearing masters today and get the right set of bearings for the wheels.

The lock I'm going to remove and see whats up, I'm thinking that its something pretty simple, if not I will either order the new parts for it or cast my own I'm not sure which yet, I have a feeling that I'm going to run into some parts that I just will not be able to buy and I'll have to cast my own. I have a lot of prior experience in mold making and I think that will come in handy with this thing.

I'm not going to restore it to original, I'm going to make it my own. I do have plans however on polishing it (I know its a lot of work but I enjoy the work).

Thanks for reading
Dave

Mrcrowley · 05-26-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzaChop

Yeah, but sounds like you acquired it "right". I'm up to over $7500 (labor not included) with all new appliances front to back, new axles, wheels & tires but gave $2300 just for a straight, essentially empty shell (with rotten rear floor and rusty frame).

The value of the labor? Priceless!

That was not ment to be insulting just so you know it kinda sounded that way. I know I am at low end on renovation cost.

easyride · 05-26-2009, 06:03 PM

Best way is to set a budget,then double it,and you may get it the way you like it.Dave

loudruff · 05-26-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

Dave
There are a few Streamers in your area. I think you are in the NE. There is a thread here Either MID OHIO Streamers or Informal Something Lou or someone HELP ! We are tryin to get OHIO Streamers together this yr for a few Rallys Informal of course and everyone is Welcome,airstream owner or no. So someone will direct you to those threads I'm sure. You had definitely come to the rite spot to learn all about Airstreams.
Again WELCOME hope to see ya somewhere here this summer
Roger

We do have a good group of Ohioans who have informal gatherings. We welcome everyone to come and camp, or just to drive in to one of our get togethers and spend some time with us. Besides which we usually give tours of our rigs. We LOVE to show them off! You are welcome to keep track of what is going on in OH. Here are a few links where we post to keep everyone up on what we are all doing.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f290...g-50587-6.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f288/mid-and-northeast-ohio-airstreamers-rally-at-west-branch-41872-15.htm

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f288...-41872-15.html

Larry and I have a 1979 Argosy Minuet 6.7 m. which we have been trying to update.. And we just got a "new to us" '89 Excella 1000 29 footer, which has been updated. We are working on some small stuff and are having fun camping this year. We do alot of driveway camping too and invite lots of folks to join us in our own backyard, where we offer courtesy parking. It is alot of fun. Hope to bump into you down the road.

Lou and Larry...sw of Cleveland by about 30 mi.