Installing a rear hatch on an '71 Globetrotter

[JoeatIconic]

Hey guys - we are using our '71 Globetrotter as a mobile office and trade show booth for an adventure travel company in Colorado. We love the new Eddie Bauer edition (Eddie Bauer Airstream) that lets you load your kayaks in a rear sport hatch. Question for you guys - has anyone tried to retrofit a new door or window on an older Airstream? We've put swing-out windows on enclosed trailers, but this job feels a bit bigger

Any help would be appreciated!
Joe

[Aerowood]

Yes people have done it, some not so good, some quite well. The big thing here, is understanding the way an Airstream is constructed, with the shell carrying part of the load. By removing structure from any part of the shell it will weaken it, especially in the back. The structure remaining will need to be reinforced to cary any load around the removed portion, and then a suitable door, hatch, etc fabricated.

If you want to see a 71 GT gutted check out my thread below.

[kidjedi]

Wow. I guess people were so astounded by Aerowood's excellent work on the '71 GT that the thread just died. Found the thread wondering about the same thing. I'm not sure I want to install a huge fold out hatch (like the Eddie Bauer and new Pendleton Nat'l Park models), but I am thinking about some external ports for more storage, etc.

[super_kev]

Didn't want to start a new thread here, but wanted to bump this to the top and see if anyone has successfully installed a rear hatch in one of these older Airstreams in the past few years? Or perhaps Airstream can modify or supply a hatch and frame assembly for an older unit that's stripped down for a remodel?

[jayseejay]

This ‘65 Overlander, once advertised here, had a hatch added.

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...er-26-florida/