Newbie With An Oldie '73

[72BamaStream]

Hello! Just bought a 1973 Sovereign this past weekend (for even less than the window says... if you can see it) Very excited and a little baffled by where to start but... this seems like a great place to be with questions. I'll be honest, it was an "impulse" buy... that is to say, I had looked at the "little" fella about 2 months ago only to drive by it again last week and the guy had dropped the price substantially due to desperation and somebody stole the tanks off the front (yep, that'll be an easy purchase to figure out)... so, here I am!

Look for many questions to come!

First question: Anybody know of a good person to turn to for 'Stream-Help in the Biloxi-Mobile-Pensacola areas?

[Aage]

Wow, looks good for that kind of money! When do we get to see the inside?

MORE pictures!

[Jim & Susan]

Welcome to the '73 club and welcome to the forums. There's a bunch of us around here. Take some time reading here to find out the things you need to look at first. You've come to the right place for all things Airstream.

Jim

[72BamaStream]

Thanks for the WELCOME!

Honestly, I'm at work, finished all that I need to do and now? I have been reading a few threads about sealants and such, very addictive these threads... TONS O' INFO! Love it! I've got my notepad out and I am writing vigorously.

Here's a couple more pics.... I haven't cleaned it yet, just gone through and assessed whatever it is I could assess... I can fix the cosmetic (so I firmly believe), but it's the systems (gas, electrical, etc.) that I will have to get some help with, make sure it's safe to travel in. My favorite item? The 8 Track player at the front! Previous owner claims it all works, I haven't witnessed so we shall see! Gotta tear out the "bunk" bed they created for their grandkids.

Thanks!
Shar

[magna1111]

The selection was fun to look through.
I found some christmas, disco, and classical (ok, I did buy the polka too).
They were a quarter at our local thrift store.
Now, to crank up the 8 track on my new old airstream. It was an impulse buy too. I made them a low offer and they said yes.

[Aage]

Say, isn't that a CB radio in one of the shots? The interior doesn't look bad, apart from being dated, of course. Yes, the "fresh two-by-four" design of the bunk would probably be best left for someone else

And putting in a simpler design of carpet would do wonders for the overall look.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

[DPeakMD]

Welcome, BamaStream!

You can check your serial #, but your trailer does not have the pattern of clearance lights typical for a '73. In '73 the front clearance markers were moved from the flat-side of the trailer to the mid-portion of the front curved panel and the rear side markers were moved down close to the stop/turn, tail-light bezel. Your exterior would suggest a '72 configuration. Granted, things often shifted in production a little and it could be an early '73. Go to RJ Dial's site and you'll see examples of what I'm talking about.

If your serial# starts with I31T2 it's a '72. If it's I31T3, it's a '73. If the next character is a 'J' it's from the factory in Jackson Center, OH, or an 'S' then it's from Cerritos, CA.

Good luck with your restoration!

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by DPeakMD

Welcome, BamaStream!

You can check your serial #, but your trailer does not have the pattern of clearance lights typical for a '73. In '73 the front clearance markers were moved from the flat-side of the trailer to the mid-portion of the front curved panel and the rear side markers were moved down close to the stop/turn, tail-light bezel. Your exterior would suggest a '72 configuration. Granted, things often shifted in production a little and it could be an early '73. Go to RJ Dial's site and you'll see examples of what I'm talking about.

If your serial# starts with I31T2 it's a '72. If it's I31T3, it's a '73. If the next character is a 'J' it's from the factory in Jackson Center, OH, or an 'S' then it's from Cerritos, CA.

Good luck with your restoration!

good catch!
I didn't notice the clearance lights, but I did notice that the entry door has a single hinge; mine has 2.

(this is the only pic I could find that shows the door clearly)

[DPeakMD]

Good eyes, Chuck! That's another '72 vs. '73 differentiating feature.

[72BamaStream]

Awesome! Thanks, I will pull the numbers and check! I had already discovered that I have paperwork that shows both years... I think it may say '72 on Airstream production paperwork (not sure if that's the right verbage... but it's something like that) and then the registration from the previous owner say '73.

More than likely was this a slip up at the DMV and the PO didn't catch? Or some sort of "other" confusion?

Thanks everybody! I feel great about my upcoming adventure knowing that I can come here for help... Cheers!

Huh.... I guess this means I'll have to change my name on here... wow, learn something new everyday

[72BamaStream]

... it's a 72... checked the numbers

Thanks for the info!

[79nTOW]

hi, we're in mobile also. a great place for Airstreams to be taken to for work of any kind is hill-kelly rv parts and service in pensacola ,fl. phone # 850-476-9078 or 1-800-633-8591. the work is excellent. also,visit mystic springs cove airstream park 30 miles north of pensacola. there is a rally the third weekend of every month. a nice group of people to to meet and greet you. the phone # is 1-850-256-3280. we'll see you down the road.

[72BamaStream]

I appreciate the phone numbers... thank you, thank you, thank you!

I look forward to seeing you on the road as well ... wish us luck with all the unknowns, which are quite a few