1972 31' Sovereign
1979 24' Argosy 24
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2
S.O.S. Question for Airstream Gurus
Hi I am a newbe to this forum and I am not sure I am placing this in the correct place.
I am looking for guidance from Airstream pros & enthusiast.
I have purchased an 1973 Airstream Sovereign.
I have restored a few Mopar muscle cars, a Merc. Cougar.
Now in progress an 73 MGB for my wife.
I bought the Airstream to move things from Maryland to Arizona.
I was looking for a car trailer but ended up with an Airstream.
It needed minor frame repair in front and rear.
Due to missing window and leaky ceiling vent.
After I got involved and did a little research
I came to the conclusion maybe I should restore.
Many questions that come with restoring so can I ask you guys a few?
1] I want to resell; how far or where is a good stopping point,?
2] Original vintage or modernize, what do people like more?
3] What kind of upgrades?
4] Where do I find parts; side window or exterior door hardware {locks}?
5] Is there an Airstream graveyard somewhere in the US?
I would like to invite ANY opinions or questions!
Thanks for taking the time to read and or reply to my post Alden {dodge4me} Soon to be airstream4me or airstream4u Ha Ha
There are a lot of restorers with a long history and loyal following. There are a lot of old Airstreams that are in pretty good shape for their age which are available over the net and other places. You have some serious competition and your first restoration will take longer than usual and you will be buying parts at retail. You will find it difficult to make many dollars per hour for your work. Learning to use the search function on this site will be your first task. Many of the questions you have asked are fairly easily found in multiple threads on this site. Have fun reading and learning. It is likely more pleasant that laying under an Airstream and getting dirty, Unless you are into that kind of thing.
You passed Colaw in Missouri. They have hundreds of RV's there they are selling parts from, including Airstreams. A quick Google search for "Colaw RV" should find them for you.
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Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
Don't count on making any money in restoring an Airstream. You will be lucky if you break even on expenses. It's a labor of love. First to check is axles and tires. Then I would focus on the furnace, fridge, hot water heater, and AC in that order. People say the one item which most increases value is polishing the trailer. In the case of a Sovereign that is a daunting task.
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