Proud New Papa, Meet Jalopy!!

[70CT]

Howdy,

Proud new owner of a 1970 Globtrotter! Bought ol' Jalopy here on a whim this weekend for what I thought was a great deal! (I have also always loved Airstreams in my short 30yrs on this rock)

I don't have any history with camper trailers or motorhomes, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. (Never even set foot in one until I bought this one!)

To say I am a newbie would be a misrepresentation of the most serious nature. It took me 30 minutes to figure out how to plug the dang thing in when I got home to see if the lights and AC were functional. I still am afraid to hook up water to it, because I have no idea where it is going to come out! (I am open to suggestions)

As with all things brought to us by the fine folks at PO, there is lots of silicone, false promises of no leaks, and in my case what looks to be a futile attempt at making my retreat "all electric".

I will provide lots of pictures for your viewing consumption, but really because I have no earthly idea what I am talking about. Apologies up front for being "that guy" who asks a ton of ridiculous questions.

So now on to the good stuff!

Dan

[weirdstuff]

NICE!!!! Very funny post too. I can relate!

One thing is, you might not want to call your new baby, "Jalopy." Could be bad karma, or a case of your child living up to expectations. I would pick a more optimistic name!

[weirdstuff]

Just noticed the bumper sticker, "Expect A Miracle." Maybe you could call her "Miracle," or refer to her as "The Miracle." That would be a good, positive name for her!

[70CT]

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

Just noticed the bumper sticker, "Expect A Miracle." Maybe you could call her "Miracle," or refer to her as "The Miracle." That would be a good, positive name for her!

Haha didn't even think about that! It's a fitting name "Miracle", because after reading some of these threads, it will be a miracle if I ever finish it!

[GCinSC2]

70CT,

Congrats on the adventures to come. I'm not versed in older stuff but I can relate to the caution about hooking water to the rig to find out what's what. How about compressed air instead? Ever notice new construction, the plumbers apply compressed air to the roughed in lines and see if it holds pressure for a period of time. You can make up a pressure test fitting that will attach to the fresh water connection, pressurize to maybe 30 PSI, and watch the pressure and listen for leaks etc. Air don't make a big mess like water can. You do not apply a continuous supply of compressed air, charge, seal and observe.

Good luck and you found a great spot for real help and been there, done that folks in all disciplines Airstream.

Gary

[kmaggard]

Congrats and welcome! When it comes to water first try some water in the fresh water tank and then turn the water pump on. Pump should come on and run for a few then stop, until you open a faucet. After running some water pump should kick on and build the pressure back up. If system holds pressure you may be good. City water pressure can blow older pipes, be sure to get a pressure regulator before you try city pressure.

Good luck and you should have a ball with that nice looking Airstream.

[70CT]

More photos of PO patch work. "Doesn't leak!" he says. We knows better don't we Smeagol? Tricksy PO'ses

[70CT]

Thank's Gary! That is a great idea.

[70CT]

Originally Posted by kmaggard

Congrats and welcome! When it comes to water first try some water in the fresh water tank and then turn the water pump on. Pump should come on and run for a few then stop, until you open a faucet. After running some water pump should kick on and build the pressure back up. If system holds pressure you may be good. City water pressure can blow older pipes, be sure to get a pressure regulator before you try city pressure.

Good luck and you should have a ball with that nice looking Airstream.

Thank you kmaggard! What happens to the water once it runs down the drain? From what I read, there is no gray tank in this model "yet", so does it go straight to the black water tank? Or is there some way I can run it off city water and not fill up my black tank?

Also where does one find the fresh water tank? Haha man I'm screwed

[kmaggard]

go here if you have not seen this...
Airstream, Inc :: 1970's

Sounds like you only have one holding tank the will take used kit sink, shower and toilet water. May be a bypass way to drain sink and shower water out on the ground but it would be model specific.

There should be a water fill door and/or cap somewhere on the outside that maybe someone that has a model closer to yours can tell where to find.
In general there are two places to put water in. One to fill up a fresh water tank and one to hook a hose to for city water.

[kmaggard]

BTW, I lived in a 1956 Airstream when I was in college with the same floor plan.

[70CT]

Very helpful that makes all of the pieces fit! Thanks!

Must have been fun!

[enived2]

I am loving the rock guard . Good luck! I love Globetrotters! You will be fine. Take your time and enjoy the ride

[aluminitus]

HAHA a wood rock guard...fixin' on the cheap! Can't wait to see what you do with your jalopy!

[RM66caravel]

Okay I am taking it that your globetrotter (the caravel) needs a few tweakes? You should be able to do it with no problem. So have you looked under her yet? Maybe find the drain access and peek at the frame to see how it looks. so far with the exceptions of the patches on the floor and the redneck rock guard she looks pretty good and must have been a real good price or why did you buy her?
Cliff

[mimiandrews]

Originally Posted by 70CT

What happens to the water once it runs down the drain? From what I read, there is no gray tank in this model "yet", so does it go straight to the black water tank? Or is there some way I can run it off city water and not fill up my black tank?

The gray water lines should run to a fitting that T's into the main sewer line downstream of the black tank's dump valve. Back in the day, it was OK to allow gray water to drain onto the ground. Now we use portable tanks on wheels to collect gray water when we don't have full hookups.

[70CT]

Originally Posted by mimiandrews

The gray water lines should run to a fitting that T's into the main sewer line downstream of the black tank's dump valve. Back in the day, it was OK to allow gray water to drain onto the ground. Now we use portable tanks on wheels to collect gray water when we don't have full hookups.

That makes sense, I took a look at it again this morning before heading out to work. Thank you, I will need to try it out tonight and see how it all works!

[70CT]

Originally Posted by RM66caravel

Okay I am taking it that your globetrotter (the caravel) needs a few tweakes? You should be able to do it with no problem. So have you looked under her yet? Maybe find the drain access and peek at the frame to see how it looks. so far with the exceptions of the patches on the floor and the redneck rock guard she looks pretty good and must have been a real good price or why did you buy her?
Cliff

Thanks! I take it you noticed that I created a handle before I really figured out what kind of trailer I had.

[70CT]

This weekend, Jalopy (aka "Miracle") will make the trip from our home in Houston to my parent's home up in Waco. I am not terribly excited about this because it means I will only be able to work on her on the weekends, but they do have a massive barn that I will keep her out of the elements which is a huge plus.

Here is the list of planned re-works on the inside:

• Increase the size of the bathroom. My 6' frame and our 100lb Goldendoodle will really appreciate this.
• Move the fridge and microwave in with the rest of the kitchen on the street side.
• Remove the front goucho and find a way to add in a foldable queen sized bed.
• Redo all electrical, and add solar
• Redo all plumbing, add a gray tank
• Figure out what I want to do about propane. I like the Idea of all electric.

Outside needs a lot of help as well; shell work, LED lights, sealing, new gaskets.....

Ordered new window and door gaskets from inlandrv (very helpful) so off we go!

[John&Vicki]

Congratulations on your purchase. Let the fun begin!

Don't forget your running gear: axle, wheel bearings, brakes and tires.

Poppy