Feel bad not ripping trailer apart!

Trophycare · 10-12-2009, 11:01 PM

I have my 1962 Tradewind and it was in really good shape for the age when I found it. Reading all the post about floor repair, belly ban removal, complete gutting of the trailer. It makes me feel bad that I'm not tearing my trailer apart! Am I wrong for not going that far? I'm just not seeing the need to go down to the frame etc. I have layed new floor, refinished the bathroom, kitchen etc. some of my pics in the 60's gallery. I did get the running gear up and good condition. One bad spot in the floor was under the sink. I repaired that section only. Please give me some advice.!!

vswingfield · 10-12-2009, 11:21 PM

Enjoy it!

Post pictures.

**overlander64** · 10-12-2009, 11:25 PM

Greetings Trophycare!

Welcome to the Forums!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trophycare

I have my 1962 Tradewind and it was in really good shape for the age when I found it. Reading all the post about floor repair, belly ban removal, complete gutting of the trailer. It makes me feel bad that I'm not tearing my trailer apart! Am I wrong for not going that far? I'm just not seeing the need to go down to the frame etc. I have layed new floor, refinished the bathroom, kitchen etc. some of my pics in the 60's gallery. I did get the running gear up and good condition. One bad spot in the floor was under the sink. I repaired that section only. Please give me some advice.!!

You have more company than you may realize when it comes to refurbishing verses complete body off frame restoration - - there just isn't as much documentation on the forums regarding these refurbishments projects. My 1964 Overlander has never been totally disassembled; rather, what has needed to be done has been done . . . outriggers replaced that were failing, new blackwater tank, rear end separation repaired, cabinetry refinished in original shade of stain, floor recovered in Congoleum sheet vinyl, new upholstery . . . . I couldn't see any advantage to taking the risk of damaging the original cabinetry and fittings if there weren't a pressing need to . . . the floor was solid other than two places where patches were made by an experienced Airstream service technician.

Good luck with your '62 - - I am sure that you will enjoy its original beauty!

Kevin

Trophycare · 10-12-2009, 11:30 PM

I have posted some before and after! Take a look at my floors! Out side the box a little!

Maryw164 · 10-13-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trophycare

I have posted some before and after! Take a look at my floors! Out side the box a little!

Love those floors!

Can't go wrong with shiny silver

.

Mary

Homewrecker · 10-13-2009, 04:19 AM

what is a running gear? does a '63 safari have one? thanks

**Kevin245** · 10-13-2009, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homewrecker

what is a running gear? does a '63 safari have one? thanks

Hey Homewrecker,

Good question.

Running gear can be classified as every moving thing below the frame. This typically consists of the springs, axle(s) shocks, wheels, tires, brakes, and bearings. Some systems are different, but this is the basic configuation.

Yes you have running gear unless your AS is up on blocks at a permenant camp site and the parts were removed by a previous owner.

It is important to perform periodic running gear maintenance. Some vital areas of running gear maintenance are:

Brake inspection

Wheel bearing re-packing

Tire replacement - Along with tire/wheel/hub balancing

Shock replacement

Periodic visual inspection of connections and components and steel leaf springs (if applicable).

If one has a rubber rod torsion axle there are no external springs, as the rubber is inside the axle tube. This configuration can develop a "Set" and/or can lose resiliency. When this happens, alxe replacement is in order.

Running gear maintenance is easy, but often neglected until problems arise.

Hope this helps...And we're glad you're here.

Regards,

Kevin

**Kevin245** · 10-13-2009, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trophycare

I have my 1962 Tradewind and it was in really good shape for the age when I found it. Reading all the post about floor repair, belly ban removal, complete gutting of the trailer. It makes me feel bad that I'm not tearing my trailer apart! Am I wrong for not going that far? I'm just not seeing the need to go down to the frame etc. I have layed new floor, refinished the bathroom, kitchen etc. some of my pics in the 60's gallery. I did get the running gear up and good condition. One bad spot in the floor was under the sink. I repaired that section only. Please give me some advice.!!

If it ain't broke...Don't fix it.

Many of the issues that cause problems are water intursion, and frame fatigue. If your AS is in good order and has been well maintained, then you can focus your efforts in other areas of AS up-fitting and enjoyment.

Regards,

Kevin

Homewrecker · 10-13-2009, 07:14 AM

thank you Kevin, alot. I've learned alot from this site. I was imagining a sprocketed gear.
btw I was thinking how nice it would be if there was a olympic rivet shaver sharing system. registered website members send in $10 through paypal to buy the thing. then have access to borrow the shaver by paying shipping costs, for a website-owned loaner tool.

funkill · 10-13-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homewrecker

thank you Kevin, alot. I've learned alot from this site. I was imagining a sprocketed gear.
btw I was thinking how nice it would be if there was a olympic rivet shaver sharing system. registered website members send in $10 through paypal to buy the thing. then have access to borrow the shaver by paying shipping costs, for a website-owned loaner tool.

add a cyclo polisher to that list too! Laura

mwells4654 · 10-13-2009, 07:32 AM

I have a 71 Overlander - The interior is in good shape - there were issues with the exterior lighting (replaced all the running lights with LED models) and the axles need replacing. I am going to replace the floor covering with cork. I am not going to completely refurbish it. All of the seals need replacing on the doors and windows. This is what I am concentrating on.

Minno · 10-13-2009, 07:42 AM

Hey Trophycare,

Not everyone is as nuts as those of us that have taking on a complete gut job, including total floor replacement and frame repairs. It’s really a question of doing what you feel the need to do, and what you enjoy doing. If there’s no need to rip out the entire floor, then don’t! Certainly, don’t go looking for extra work you don’t need to do. And don’t feel bad about not going as far as some of us have had to go. Like others have already said, the main part is that you enjoy your Airstream!

Love your floors!

Chris

Trophycare · 10-13-2009, 12:39 PM

Thanks everyone. It just seems like once I dig into one thing I find something else. example recoated the rear sink. looks great with new faucet etc, then I found copper drain pipes with cracks in it. (Back to Lowes) Its the typical nickel and dime! Went to check out with new brass connectors for the copper lines and few cans of paint ect. $90 ( I went for $2.00 piece of pvc pipe)

Go Fiqure!!

Maryw164 · 10-13-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trophycare

Thanks everyone. It just seems like once I dig into one thing I find something else. example recoated the rear sink. looks great with new faucet etc, then I found copper drain pipes with cracks in it. (Back to Lowes) Its the typical nickel and dime! Went to check out with new brass connectors for the copper lines and few cans of paint ect. $90 ( I went for $2.00 piece of pvc pipe)

Go Fiqure!!

But having an Airstream to enjoy = PRICELESS!!!

Mary