So close and yet Sa-fari (adventures with our new 1971)

dmroot · 04-03-2007, 11:44 AM

Big excitement...We've just purchased a gorgeous 1971 Safari from another forum member. And now that we have it, there are a few things we'd like to have done. Is there a place in the forums to learn about recommended RV service centers? We are in Portland, Oregon.

Thanks much.

thecatsandi · 04-03-2007, 12:10 PM

Based on my recent experience with Sutton in Eugene, OR I cannot recommend them. I can recommend Airstream of Spokane.

2airishuman · 04-03-2007, 12:20 PM

hi dmroot and welcome to a/s ownership...

a/s lists all dealers and factory approved service centers on their web site....

still most people (with older units) are not willing to pay service center hourly rates...

buying parts and diy repairs, like home improvements is the norm...

most, but not all NON a/s rv service centers will not or do not like working on a/s...

many reasons for this.

still there are good shops who can and will repair or replace specific items....

axles, hubs, wheel bearings, water pumps, water heaters, fridges, a/c, jack assemblies, lp gas appliances and so on....

cosmetic issues and interior design upgrades are an entirely different beast...

again like hiring someone to remodel a room at home.

the parts aren't so expensive but labor is....

especially if done poorly...

i'm sure someone will offer up some repair spots in oregon....

but you might get more from the forums by starting a thread specifically on YOUR trailer.

post some pictures, ask some specific questions and read some of the many repair threads....

what needs to be done,
how much are you willing to do and
what's the budget?

happy travels

2air'

dmroot · 04-03-2007, 12:40 PM

Great points. We are pretty darned handy but some of this is just new to us. The forums will be a huge resource (have been already!) but we may want to pay for certain expertise having to do with the running gear. Hopefully there will be some good resources here in the Northwest.

I also like the idea of starting a thread in the Safari area of the site, that would help us a lot...and get more perspectives on issues we may encounter during our update process.

dmroot · 04-03-2007, 02:54 PM

Specifically we'd like to have a professional look at the brakes, shocks, axles, bearings. And we need new tires.

Has anyone had this type of work done in Oregon or southern Washington?

Here's a picture of the new beauty:

dmroot · 04-03-2007, 03:22 PM

And while I am asking questions (and have been newly moved to the Safari forum) I will ask one more:

The inside of our trailer had some modifications done on the kitchen cabinet fronts (only) and overhead storage compartments (fronts only). You can see what I mean in the attached picture. Light colored wood has been bolted on the fronts of the existing wood-grain laminate framing.

I'd like to restore it back to the rolling wood-grain laminate type if possible. Does anyone have a recommended resource for new fronts?

2airishuman · 04-03-2007, 05:42 PM

ok dmroot...

NOW u r rolling!

next think up a catchy-kitchy name for the thread and ask a mod to change it...

something like...

'adventures in my pretty safair' or
'rockin' and rollin' in a 70s safari' or
'surfin' safari'

ok u get the idea

70s style tambour doors are often removed and discarded during renovations....

so vintage spare parts are sometimes available here 4 the price of shipping....

i've seen several folks offer up their tambour bits.

there are still tambour door products available....

a quick google...

Tambour Doors, Panels, Wallcovering, Roll Top Desks, Wood and Storage Products: National Products, Inc.

Winona Manufacturing: Decor Tambour, Ceiling Systems, Kitchen Cabinet Doors

TAMBOUR DOORS AND TRACKS

and there are plenty more....

vintage tambours can be repaired but it is time consuming to reglue the backing...

as for the running gear,

any qualified rv/trailer service shop should be able to check out your set up.

we've got a whole bunch of n.wetters on the forum to suggest shops.

and get to a forums rally asap! you will get lots of advice first hand....

and good food, good friends and good times....

there is a rally memorial day weekend, just up the road.

cheers
2air'

lewster · 04-03-2007, 07:35 PM

Like 2 air said, any competant trailer shop should be able to do your brakes/bearings /axels and any other running gear related problems. As far as a service center to work on the rest of the components in the trailer, I would ......................................

FIRST: find a service center who is familiar with Airstreams and WILL work on them

SECOND: see how many CERTIFIED MASTER RV TECHS they employ. This rating is earned only after intensive schooling in many areas of RV repair and scoring 85 or above on a 5-6 hour exam. Any CMRVT should know what they are doing and are WORTH the price you pay for their services. (OK, I'm a little biased here, but you get my drift!)

THIRD: I'll be in Hood River for most of July ans August and would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

dmroot · 04-03-2007, 09:04 PM

Thanks for the guidance you two.

2air: here's my idea for a catchy title - So close and yet Sa-fari...Ha! Or, maybe I will think about it a little more...

We are knee deep wading through the tambour links. They are so 70s-orama that I wouldn't have expected them to be so readily available. In addition to checking with the suppliers I will post a "wanted" in the forums just in case others aren't as fond of 70s laminate as I am.

Lew: the advice on the Certified Master RV Tech is great to know. It sounds like you are choosing the right months to be back in Hood River