Joined the cult today!!

[syrinxjeff]

Hi everyone... just became the proud owner of a 1980 Caravelle 22' Double. It is going to need a whole interior overhaul, but the frame is sound. I cant wait to get started on it. I have to wait to next spring to bring it down from the U.P. of Michigan to it's new home in Tennessee. I am looking forward to learn all I can about this American Classic and to become one of you all!!!

[Minno]

Hey there - welcome to the forums! btw - you're an owner and a member... So, too late!!! You are one of us!

Chris

[KeithC]

Welcome to the aluminum side of the force. You are among friends here.

[overlander64]

Greetings syrinxjeff!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!

Originally Posted by syrinxjeff

Hi everyone... just became the proud owner of a 1980 Caravelle 22' Double. It is going to need a whole interior overhaul, but the frame is sound. I cant wait to get started on it. I have to wait to next spring to bring it down from the U.P. of Michigan to it's new home in Tennessee. I am looking forward to learn all I can about this American Classic and to become one of you all!!!

You have one of the more unusual 1980s Airstreams. The Caravelle series was something like the Minuet series in the Argosy line.

• Minuet 6.0 Metre corresponded to Caravelle 20'
  • Both coaches were single axle
• Minuet 6.7 Metre corresponded to Caravelle 22'
  • Minuet was single axle while Caravelle was tandem
• Minuet 7.3 Metre corresponded to Caravelle 24'
  • Both coaches were tandem axle

There was speculation prior to the unearthing of documents that have since been posted to Airstream's website that there was likely a very close connection between the Minuet and Caravelle series and there is strong evidence that such probably is the case.

• There was sales literature published indicating that a 1980 Argosy was planned with particular emphasis on the Minuet (half or more of model line).
• Owners and service manuals have also surfaced that designate 1980 Argosy and Minuet adding more intrigue to the situation.
• The basic dimensions of the coaches including the reduced width made comparisons quite frequent . . . and a late decision to discontinue the Argosy may have left contracts in place for chassis or other components that Airstream needed to utilize to build the narrower coaches.

So far as I have heard, none of the Caravelles had composite aluminum floors nor did they utilize the panoramic windows. Thus far all links are specualtion, but it has been an interesting puzzle to learn about.

Good luck with your coach!

Kevin

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by syrinxjeff

... and to become one of you all!!!

We're glad to have you with us and congratulations on the Caravelle. As Kevin indicates, you have a desirable model.

I'm sure it'll seem like a long Winter's wait until next Spring. You'll find plenty of archival material here to keep you occupied while Fall and Winter pass. Hopefully you can use the time to formulate your Reno/Resto plans.

So how did you come to own this rig?

Kevin

[Jimarq]

Originally Posted by syrinxjeff

Hi everyone... just became the proud owner of a 1980 Caravelle 22' Double. It is going to need a whole interior overhaul, but the frame is sound. I cant wait to get started on it. I have to wait to next spring to bring it down from the U.P. of Michigan to it's new home in Tennessee. I am looking forward to learn all I can about this American Classic and to become one of you all!!!

Congratulations on your new baby. Tammy of Silver Threads helped us so much with the interior of our first vintage Airstream. Made beautiful new drapes - exactly to our specifications. She and John have owned (and restored) multiple Airstreams and they live there in Tennessee.

[syrinxjeff]

Wow Kevin!! Thanks for the information regarding this trailer... I am very new to all of this, and you have opened the door indeed to learn about all I can!!! http://www.airforums.com/forums/imag...es/biggrin.gif

[syrinxjeff]

Thanks Kevin. I will spend the winter planning my attack of this cool rig! There is a ton of work to be done as soon as I get it to TN. My Step-Dad gave this to me. He purchased it in 1980 new from a dealer in SE Michigan. After the purchase, he transported it out to Vegas where he used is as a residence when he visited the area. He finally brought it back to MI a few years ago to rest in the Upper Peninsula. He asked if I wanted it, and without hesitation, I said HECK YEA!!! History has yet to be made on this one!!

[dznf0g]

Definiton of cult below. you actually made my skin crawl, so Here is the definition of a cult:

cult

   [kuhlt] Show IPA
noun 1. a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.

3. the object of such devotion.

4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

5. Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.

It's not like we sit around a fire and obsess over an object while sipping mind altering liquids, with like desires and obsessions, can think of not much else, worship aluminum........oh wait....crap.....ARE WE A CULT?????????

[mello mike]

Welcome to the club and welcome to AIRFORUMS. This site is an invaluable resource to tap into during your restoration.