Rebuilding the Gray Lady

[31Sovereign]

Hello - I'm neck deep in the rebuild of a 1973 31' Sovereign and look forward to helpful insight. It is a total frame up project. I'm currently down to removing the interior wall covering on my way to frame rebuild. The goal is to bring the trailer back to as near original configuration as possible with some upgrades desired. Let's see how far I get.

[2wheelin]

I was in your shoes less than 4 months ago!!!! I started down a road i was not prepared for nor did I really want tackle, I thought it was just a clean up and start up endevour? But the further I went to straighten things out. The more I knew to have what I wanted required lot's of work! But in the end I know my trailer inside out, also these things are built like tanks compared to other trailer brands! Any way what I just want you to know is this forum is the "Holy Grail" of knowledge!!! Depth of knowledge from members to archival has no equal!! I can say without the help of said inputs, myself and my wife would not be enjoying our trailer as we speak!!! Once again Thank You to all and help this newbie with his new sickness "Alumititus", as you have helped us into the "Airstream Lifestyle"!

Curt

[Kevin245]

Welcome 31,

Good to hear that you're only up to you neck, not in over your head.

Keep us posted to your progress and a photo or two is always a good way to garner support.

Best of luck,

Kevin

[mello mike]

Good luck, 31!!! Some days you feel like throwing in the towel, but keep a stiff upper lip and keep on going. The rewards are numerous.

[moosetags]

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

You've found the right place for the best Airstream information on the planet.

[Silverfoxrae]

woo-- nice to see two 31's running together - two newer members and two sovereign restos-- cool!! Rae

[tenrsingr]

I think I've got to that point with mine now. Just getting by with small repairs now leaves me at a crossroads to either buy a newer model or refurb this one. We all need a little companionship while going through this process...

[31Sovereign]

This week has seen some progress. As soon as I figure out how and where to post some pictures and a running log, I will. Well, I guess I figured out how to upload a few... These are pretty much as rescued but after removing multiple 50 gallon trash bags of " history ".

[31Sovereign]

Hi Kevin - I see you listed as a Moderator. I am wondering if you can help me select the proper place and way to set up a running account of the process to share this experience. I've never used a site like this so any pointers are appreciated.

Mark

[mello mike]

Hi Mark,
I recommend that you use this thread to document your progress. Lots of members here on AIRFORUMS have done this and it works well.

[tphan]

Welcome and good luck with the resto! One thing I'd advise, from my experience, is to replace the worn-out axles while you've got everything gutted out- it's just easier than doing it later. Figure around a $grand for 2 new Dexters, more for Henschens. Long live the early '70's models! -tim

[Aage]

Originally Posted by mello mike

Hi Mark,
I recommend that you use this thread to document your progress. Lots of members here on AIRFORUMS have done this and it works well.

I would ask the mods to move it to something other than the introduction forum...

How about to the '73 Sov forum?