Laws of Airstream Restoration

[Alumaholic]

I thought it would be helpful and informative to capture the governing principles of Airstream restoration that others could consider when deciding to purchase that gem in the rough in the field out behind the barn...


Alumaholic's Laws of Airstream Restoration:

1. Everything on the old Airstream you just purchased is worthless, and everything you need is priceless.

[RickDavis]

When you go to rewire it you will find everything has been carefully color coded BLUE

[markdoane]

Best case: It will take three times as long and cost three times as much as you estimated.

[mistral blue]

You don't have enough beer.

[87MH]

All of the above are essentially true.


Here is one absolute that has not been mentioned:

Fix the frame, floor, and running gear (the entire underbelly) BEFORE making anything pretty on the topsides.

Anything you do on the surface prior to attacking the bottom will probably have to be undone when working below the floor level.

Do yourself a favor - do the bottom first.

[Alumaholic]

It's much easier to replace those "barely used", ten-year-old tires in the shop than it is to wait and replace them on the shoulder 40 miles east of Cline's Corners.

[Sneakinup]

I agree with all the posts so far, and want to add the following...

1. Airstreams never leak.
2. Rust is NOT your friend, and it never sleeps.
3. "Yep, looks like you need new axles."

[Alumaholic]

Rule 1.
Corollary: Your Univolt is worthless, and it must be replaced with something very expensive.

[Melody Ranch]

All the hard work has been done by the previous owner.

[ROBERT CROSS]

If it's not broke.....fix it 'til it is.

Bob

[InsideOut]

Things are going to get worse before they get better!

Shari

[wmarsha]

No permits required: you can create your own governing authority when it comes to material and workmanship.

[worldinchaos]

Reflections of the world in the shiny aluminum will be remembered by you forever, but impacting the world on the aluminum will be remembered by the metal forever. Luckily panels can be replaced, but missed memories can't.

[pbearsailor]

Originally Posted by worldinchaos

Reflections of the world in the shiny aluminum will be remembered by you forever, but impacting the world on the aluminum will be remembered by the metal forever. Luckily panels can be replaced, but missed memories can't.

That's pretty nice.

-steve

[Wabbiteer]

Joe Somewhen duly earned "Public Enemy #1" in our forums from thousands of repair shortcuts submitted into evidence by the 99% of Airstreams with murky & distant pasts....

[Alumaholic]

Those Airstream photos on the internet that fuel your fantasies will always capture the gleam of aluminum but rarely the blemishes and never the smell.

[Minno]

That pretty green color of your fresh water tank is NOT original!

Measure once, cut twice, especially on the curves.

Kay

[kevin242]

In any Airstream there are 5 types of screw head types that have been mixed and matched by previous owners:

• Slotted
• Robertson
• Phillips
• Torx
• ... and the most common "Stripped"!

[aceflys]

The 1st Airstream you buy is never the right one.

Ace on my second Airstream but it's a keeper!

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by kevin242

In any Airstream there are 5 types of screw head types that have been mixed and matched by previous owners:

• Slotted
• Robertson
• Phillips
• Torx
• ... and the most common "Stripped"!

for the vintage owners, add to the list "latex filled Clutch Head"

Oh, yeah...and "Restored"="Patched" when advertising...