For sale w/missing door - how big a problem?

[Alluminatrix]

Greetings! I'm looking at buying a 62 Tradewind that does NOT currently have a door. I've done some poking around on the internet, and it's making me worried that it'll be really hard to find a replacement door. Can anyone tell me if the lack of a door should be a showstopper? Can a talented metalsmith make a door of reasonable quality and integrity?

Thanks,

Shiree

[flyfshr]

Greeting and welcome Shiree ~

A competent metal smith should be able to fabricate a door without too much trouble providing he has photos and possibly measurements of an existing door. This particular year of Airstream had the door-in-a-door feature and, if you wanted to have this, would increase the level of difficulty increasing time and labor cost.

BTW, a door may come available in the near future off a parts trailer a couple of us are trying to acquire. Cross your fingers.

Brad
FF

[Alluminatrix]

>A competent metal smith should be able to fabricate a door without too
>much trouble providing he has photos and possibly measurements of an
>existing door.

Thanks for the reassurance, Brad. I am fortunate to have a master metalsmith working with me on this project, so if there aren't any exotic seals or mouldings I have to worry about, then he'll be more than competent to fabricate something himself.


>BTW, a door may come available in the near future off a parts trailer a
>couple of us are trying to acquire. Cross your fingers.

I'd sure love to be in on that. Let me know if there's anything I can do to assist.

Thanks for your reply!

Shiree

[CanoeStream]

If that's the one where they started the shell off redo, you'd be okay if you have moderate skills and tons of time. Hope he has the banana wrap in near-original condition carefully set aside! I sure wouldn't do as the seller suggests and drive it without shocks. If things are just half done as it looks you'd have to ask yourself if you want to spring for putting it on a car hauler. Costs will be significant start to finish and I wonder if it is worth it -- but I think you're looking at that. Tough thing is -- if they built or rebuilt the frame, how do you assess the job from afar without personal inspection, and then metal working knowledge at that?

I know there are other threads about missing titles. Search the forums -- sorry, you'll get a lot of dead end threads but I know this is a common enough problem and has been addressed quite a number of times. Exactly how to proceed will be up to the Texas DMV in the end.

Good luck!

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

...moderate skills...

Maybe I should say that putting the 'shell off redo' back together will probably involve the full gamut of RV electrician skills and plumbing with PEX. All of a sudden my moderate skills statement looks like it is not nearly strong enough. This is a huge job and might take you a couple years on weekends you could spare...

[flyfshr]

Hi Shiree ~

I went back to the Ebay listing and I'd have to say - if you're not the one who took it apart, you'd have a real challenge putting it back together. The outer skins at the bottom have been bent out and, without a closer inspection, really concerns me. Unless you or your metalworking associate have prior experience with vintage Airstream aluminum, it may be best to find one locally you and your associate can inspect in person. I'm not saying it can't be done but it will be a real challenge, so say the least. Don't give up hope. Texas is a great place to find an older unit.

Brad
FF

[Alluminatrix]

Man, I just love the forum! Folks are always so amazing here.

Thank you Brad and Bob for giving me some great advice. I'm leary of this trailer because it seems like an incredible amount to take on (especially without a title), and it's great to get enouragement that I just need to wait for something better to come along.

Thank you everyone - I think I'll pass on this e-bay listing and keep looking a bit.

Happy trails -

Shiree

[1961 Cruiser]

Flyfshr - I've been looking for a front or rear escape window for a 1961 Overlander for a couple of months now. Please let me know if you guys would be willing to sell me one if the parts trailer deal happens! I'm feeling pretty desperate after having zero luck so far!

[Zeppelinium]

I've seen a door with frame at Cherokee RV Salvage in Denver. It looked like it was out of a 70's model. If you are interested, I'll take a closer look, and photos, next time I'm up there.

Roger

[flyfshr]

Cruiser ~

I will let you know if anything develops on the parts trailer.

Brad
FF

[fabofabo]

There are two Sovereign models ('69 and I believe '73) that are gutted but
have all the exterior intact (mostly). I am sure some of these ladies can donate to all of us looking for spare parts. We just need someone who can
dissect them.
$700 for the two.
Fabian

[Alluminatrix]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

I've seen a door with frame at Cherokee RV Salvage in Denver. It looked like it was out of a 70's model. If you are interested, I'll take a closer look, and photos, next time I'm up there.

Roger

Thanks, Roger - I think I'm going to pass on this trailer. I sure do appreciate your offer, though!

Shiree

[GreatPumpkin]

Originally Posted by fabofabo

There are two Sovereign models ('69 and I believe '73) that are gutted but
have all the exterior intact (mostly). I am sure some of these ladies can donate to all of us looking for spare parts. We just need someone who can
dissect them.
$700 for the two.
Fabian

Three words - Location, location, location?