Hidden Airstreams

DanB · 05-06-2009, 08:34 AM

So last night I was scheduled to give a informal powerpoint presentation to a small group on the history/current status of Airstreams.

I decided it might be cool to bring along the safari so that the group could see what an Airstream is like. This meeting took place at a great little housing community established by the Ohio Voluntary Infantry in Sheffeild Ohio. Yep, were talking OLD houses

After getting parked, a gentleman came up to me and said "I like your camper". Thats always great to hear, but what came next surprized me.

He said "Me & my son just got done restoring a 310 motorhome, it looks like a diner inside now". The motorhome is in Lorain. (I live in lorain)

OK..... So how many airstreams are "out there" probably less than 5 miles from my house undergoing restoration?

Are these things like ants or mice? You might see one, but their are hundreds "behind the cupboard".

I did get the guys name, and am looking forward to getting a hold of him. Gotta see that motorhome!

funkill · 05-06-2009, 11:35 AM

A friend of mine stopped by the house last week and told me that a guy down the street from him is "working on an old Airstream". He said that it's in two pieces - that the top half is on a platform. A SHELL-OFF remodel within 15 miles of me?

No kiddin? Isn't it amazing? I can't wait to pull a drive-by. Wonder if I'll need my spy attire?

Would love to see your presentation. Sounds like a neat gathering.

The first couple years of my life was in Lorain - my dad taught shop in a high school there. That's about all I know. Oh - other than I went to some cheese festival and got sick (and sores on my lips) from eating too much swiss cheese. Didn't know toddlers ate swiss cheese and I guess it explains why I dislike the flavor now!

Melody Ranch · 05-06-2009, 12:00 PM

I went to a local auto paint shop...for customs and classics...and in the course of conversation we came to Airstreams. The owner said that his wife had a couple out back. Well, out back was , in fact, his storage buildings. Yep, an early Globetrotter and a 50 something Overlander.....plus lots of parts. They were pretty nice and the GT was used regularly at lake Texoma. I won't even go into the cars in there....three 56 Nomads a 34 five window...and dozens more. You know the story...."I will restore them someday."

Journalist · 05-06-2009, 01:10 PM

I've noticed that I tend to discover them in the most unexpected places, when I least expect it. I went to look at some warehouse space with a friend of mine who needs it for his business. I'm considering storing my AS there during the winter months. When we walked into the building, low and behold, the only thing inside was the building owner's '67 Trade Wind. I made a bee line for the trailer and after a getting slightly puzzled look, told the owner that I have a '69 Trade Wind. He and I spent the next hour or so talking about Airstreams and my friend who was there to conduct business really didn't get a word in. Even if my friend's deal doesn't go through, I may work a deal with the owner directly and my AS may be hidden away inside a warehouse next to its elder cousin. Lots of folks keep their prized aluminum beauties indoors away from the elements, so they are rarely seen until they hit the road.

**Kevin245** · 05-06-2009, 05:38 PM

I make a point of plugging them in to my GPS as I travel the back roads. It is amazing where they pop up. I also recently found out that a long time associate at work has a 71 that he and his brother have owend for years.

Small world after all......

longdog · 05-06-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin245

I make a point of plugging them in to my GPS as I travel the back roads.

You do that too, huh?

There's one right near me that I'm itching to see, behind a house. I think it's an eighteen footer, and don't know the year. Is there an etiquette used to approach someone about their apparently discarded trailer?

longdog · 05-06-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longdog

There's one right near me that I'm itching to see, behind a house. I think it's an eighteen footer, and don't know the year. Is there an etiquette used to approach someone about their apparently discarded trailer?

So the answer to my second question is, you just drive up after work and ask to look at it.

And the answer to my first question is that this one is not an Airstream, it's a Del Ray.

overlander63 · 05-06-2009, 08:00 PM

There is an etiquette, such as it is.
Obviously, "No Trespassing" signs and barbed wire say "keep away".
Other than that, you can go up to the door (during daylight hours), knock, and ask about their old camper.
One that has worked for me is to tell them I have one like it, and I've been looking for another one for parts for mine...