1972 21' Globetrotter

[Harland]

Hello,
So i picked up this old Airstream about a month ago.



I was going to strip the 1/3rd of the interior that was still inside and just build a bed and cabinets/counter tops/couch and ext.



Then realized that there were more dead mice in the insulation than i could have ever imagined.





As well as the rear subfloor under the bathroom is completely shot.



Replacing the rear subfloor now.


At this point i need recommendations (assurance) as to what should i buy in terms of:
-Converter
-Inverter
-battery
-200 watt solar panel set up

I have an electrician friend that is going to help me do a more or less complete rewire.

We are planning on, but not limited to:
-LED lighting.
-12v car stereo
-two burner ignitor
-tankless water heater (also looking for recommendations)
-4 or 5 110v outlets
-12v water pump
-No shower or toilet

Marine style wood burning stove

I know its all been gone over on this site, but this is faster and more direct this way. Also i wanted to start a "build feed"

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Harland

[Pams72]

welcome, looks familiar to what Pam and I faced with our 72 23' Safari, check out our project. have fun

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f420...ted-98384.html

[HiJoeSilver]

Consider dropping the belly pan, probably full of mice as well. You want to make sure the belly pan is well sealed, no gaps larger than. 1/8". To keep the mice out. Need to ensure the rear where the drain piping is is sealed well too. And if you look on the a frame in front of the jack post, the 2 frame rails end and are open, easy entry to the belly for mice as well. If the mice can get in the belly they can get anywhere.

[Harland]

Ok started pulling the bumper, in order to pull the corroded belly pan.
its in real bad shape under there.



Looks like the mice chewed up all the insulation under the subfloor, and it all probably blew out on the various trips made by the PO.



Besides the rear board, the wood is in pretty good shape.
The belly pan probably needs to be replaced.




Im having a hard time getting the back subfloor board out due to the body sagging all the way to the frame rails.

[calais66]

I had the same problem. The shell will flex back up with a bottle jack and some lumber. Just place it under a rib and raise it gently as you can so as not to bend the rib. If you're taking out the entire subfloor it's also a good idea to build some bracing to keep the shell from flexing in ways you don't want it to.

[HiJoeSilver]

There's a hold down plate/angle iron that goes across the back sandwiched between the rear shell and wrapping under the back of the wood floor but above the last cross member. It'll block the wood coming out the rear if it's still there.
Consider pulling up the floor from the inside.

[HiJoeSilver]

That rear cross member definitely needs to be replaced. You can get someone local to do it. Use same thickness sheet metal and have it bent on a brake to same height and width giving you a solid piece all the way across, giving you a tall c. Then cut out the holes for pipes to go through. Helps seal up the rear from mice.

[HiJoeSilver]

That sheet of aluminum that's slid in above the rear frame rails and under the floor. Get it out of there. One of the big causes of rot back there. Water goes down rear shell hits it and flows/wicks forward to the wood floor. Most refer to it as anti flashing.
Rear rot is very common!

[HiJoeSilver]

Here's one post on the rear and ideas,

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f477...ign-23121.html

[Harland]

Well i had my local metal shop bend this C channel for me. I welded it in today and POR-15 tomorrow then new floor on Thursday.



Also ordered my new inverter: Samlex PST-1000-12 Pure Sine Inverter

And a new converter: PowerMax PM4B-60 (60 Amp 4-Stage Converter/Charger)

These were recomended by Randy at Bestconverter.com

[HiJoeSilver]

Looks good. You can weld I'm jealous.
Plans for the dent? Lower right.

How was the tank support pan for the back? If you make it end at the bottom of the new flange it helps keep water and mice out.

Randy's a very good source.

[HiJoeSilver]

For your solar try to get in touch with lewster on the forums. Check out amsolar.com for good info.

[Aerowood]

Hi, I have a 71 GT and live in Arvada, see the link below for my never ending project.
Welcome to the forums

[Harland]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

Hi, I have a 71 GT and live in Arvada, see the link below for my never ending project.
Welcome to the forums

Wow amazing thread!!

[Harland]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

For your solar try to get in touch with lewster on the forums. Check out amsolar.com for good info.

Thanks for the info i will check out amsolar.com

[Harland]

Well finally got around to putting in the rear floor replacement.
Used Marine Grade plywood (stuff is expensive(120$ for one sheet))



Painted the top and edges with a latex outdoor pain.



This process took a lot of "persuation"



This rear angle iron brace was in pretty haggard condition.



So it was coated with the last of the Silver POR-15 for the frame.



Forgot to take a pic of the painted frame before i put the new floor in...

[Harland]

Well had to move the AS to my friends shop with a large gated yard.




My electrician friend came by and we decided to tear out the original 12v loom and are going to completely rewire.




Hope everyone is doing well.

[HiJoeSilver]

Hope you're doing well, looks like brains spilled out, oh sorry just wire.
Floor and frame looks good. Hope you made a map for all the 12v wire locations.

[HiJoeSilver]

I'd keep with running in the overhead and down the sides.

[airjeff]

Your making good progress. Check out my pics of my 72/21 globetrotter, on my photo page.

Oh, you would never regret a natures head composting toilet. Very convenient.

From the road, good luck.

Jeffery