Just Purchased First Airstream - Kansas City

[green-stream]

Hello all. I'm a 22 year old small business owner from Kansas City, KS and I just recently purchased my first Airstream. I've been doing an abundance of research on this forum, so thank you all for your gracious posts and comments.

I'm just beginning the restoration process, and have no idea where it will take me, but excited to say the least. You can follow my progress at greenairstream.blogspot.com. I have the distantly hopeful dream in the back of my mind that I want to work towards outfitting my Airstream in a manner as green as possible, hence the name. I guess we will see. Still, I've got plenty more dreams where that one came from.

I have a couple of questions for all you forum members out there.

1. I was sold a 1970 Sovereign Excella 500. As far as I know, Airstream never made a 1970 Sovereign Excella 500. Yet, my Airstream has the blue siding and all. Any thoughts?

2. Any suggestions on what to check before diving into the restoration process? Mistakes you have learned from?

3. For all you eco-minded Airstream owners out there, where did you even begin?

Thank you all for your input! It will not go unappreciated!

[kennethowens]

Run the serial number through here....folks here can tell you exactly
what and when.

A good starting point is the running gear: Axles, Brakes, Bearings, Hubs, lug bolts,
Tires.

Next: Get it in the dry. Be sure water is not getting in.

Etc. Electrical systems and Plumbing systems.

----------------

That should get you started :-)

[blmitch5]

Congradulations!

Its nice to have another AS in Kansas ive got a newer one so I wont be much help but there is another "greenstream" out there somewhere in the forums. So check them out. It's a great looking trailer with bambo flooring and a wool bed. Also vintage Airstream club would be helpful to join and the people I've met there are very nice. Have fun and welcome to the addiction!

[rebelstand]

If you post pictures or the serial number people can tell you exactly what you have.

There are sub forums here that specialize in the different models. Not to mention plenty of people who are more than willing to help you.

We began with cleaning. We also reused everything we could from our trailer. This was easy for us due to all our PO(previous owner's) great care of our trailer. However, this does mean she looks like she came from the 70's.... minus the shag carpet. We had to compromise on the floor for now...but eco flooring was not in the budget...the replacement fridge was.

[funkill]

You started BIG! Are you planning to live, full time in your new trailer? I'd love to have the extra space but quake about towing & maneuvering it... and needing a bigger truck too.

Here's a couple folks *going green*. My green attitude is to leave everything in place (save the landfills) and just camp!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f483/green-streaming-63033.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f314/full-timing-in-a-green-airstream-69003.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/green-airstreams-32624.html
Have fun and keep us aprised of your progress.... Laura

[EweMama]

Good to hear about another Vintage Airstreamer nearby, at least, 15-20 minutes. Post some pictures and let us know what you plan for your new adoption.

[dznf0g]

I have a newer AS, but It's just like a restoration on an old truck. Clean everything...(you will learn a lot just doing that)...start at the bottom up...(ooops....is it inside?....stop!, seal everything, if not!) Frame and running gear first, floor...sorta at the same time......WAIT TILL YOU HAVE MORE MONEY.....insulate.....rewire....( oh, that would be 12V and 120V)...Buy all new components......Find an expert cabinet maker...(or learn new skills)....Get a second on your house......eventually, HAVE FUN!!!!

[KL's 77]

Welcome, Take your time and enjoy your new hobby.

[farmerfry]

Hey GreenStream,
This is awesome. I am in a very similar situation. I'm in Topeka, 24, bought a 69 Sovereign International in April. I'm planning on full-timing it starting in the next couple weeks! I've been slowly bringing the trailer back to running condition, as well as preparing for the winter. Here's a link to a picture of the skirting I made out of rigid insulation last week, Andy Fry's Photos | Facebook
My goal is to ultimately mount 4 or 6 solar panels on my roof, as well as have a smaller wind turbine. Although a newer trailer may have been easier, you'll learn so much more by having to go through and learn the systems. A tip that'll help you a bunch is go on ebay and find somebody selling pdf or cd versions of your owners manual and service manual! It's a very helpful reference! If you're in Topeka sometime or just want to talk about Airstreams or living or camping sustainably with an Airstream, send me a message and we can talk!
--Andy