Hi - new here

[71_safari]

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I bought a 71 Safari off Ebay a couple of weeks ago, drove out to Wisconsin and pulled her back to the SF Bay Area. Kind of a spur of the moment thing - usually I agonize over these decisions. This one took about 45 minutes. Highly recommended as therapy for anal retentive/neurotic worriers like me. Aargh! So, two weeks, 5400 miles, 14 states, and about $800 in gas later... I'm still pleased! Lots of fun. Pulls like a dream behind my older 3/4 ton 4x4 ton pickup.

Pretty nice shape overall - clean, solid - but a few typical problems here and there, some of which I sorted out on the way back due to necessity, like er, the furnace. It's still COLD in most parts of the country! Or at least it was last week. Also mounted new Marathon tires (all 5) which I felt was cheap insurance. Luckily no major suprises and a great seller to work with (thanks Steve).

My Safari is very original on the inside - original curtains, upholstery, all the tambour doors work, etc. Solid floor and perfect glass. Feels like stepping back in time when I am inside. Plumbing was still winterized so I have had all that to figure out, along with the waste water system. I learned the hard way which way is open on the dump valve when I removed the cap to hook up the sewer line the first time in an RV park - Oops! Luckily I hadn't used it for you-know-what, in anticipation of that sort of thing happening. Whew!

Heck, I've already had some great adventures just getting her home!

Appreciate all the tips I have read on this forum over the past few weeks.

Thanks,

john

[Van]

Welcome to the club.

[luckydc]

Welcome, John. I understand the learning curve, being a newbie myself and an anal retentive virgo, accountant (yikes).

Would love to see you Safari. First trip was to a WBCCI rally. Lots of older trailers in excellent shape. I love going in them. It is like a time warp. You are lucky yours is in good shape. Will look forward to pictures.....

[85MH325]

Congrats, and welcome John!

My first Airstream was a '70 Safari single axle. We had it for years, and I really miss it. (of course I miss all of the Airstreams I've had and sold...) Have a ball; sounds like you're well on your way to being an Airstream veteran already!

Roger

[AirHog]

Congradulation John on your exciting newwwwww purchase! You couldn't have made a better choice. My husband and I considered buying an older AS, but were skeptical about buying something used without knowing what to look for. Now that we purchased a new AS, we are excited to find an older AS and restore it. Never can have enough, right? Will call on the experts when we make our second purchase.

Have fun streamin'

Gail

[tin can luv]

Our first was a 68 Safari bought in Jan. of this year!!! Still haven't figured out how all of this stuff works. I;ve been working the interiors instead...

Welcome, you have found a new home, and plenty of new friends!!!

Ron

[Safari Tim]

Congratulations!

I have the same one as you. I have done a lot of work on mine some of which I posted on my website.

Feel free to browse around if you want. And be sure to ask as many questions here as you need. This group is great for opinons.... eerr uh... help I mean ;-)

[mtpalms]

We've had our safari for almost a month now, and we're planning our maiden voyage in 2 weeks! Seems like there's been a bunch of new A/S owners come online this month.

[uwe]

Welcome to "THE" forum, John.

[Dbraw]

Welcome,
We have had our 23' Safari for a couple of years and love it. I have fixed or replaced a lot of items. Great fun and a wonderful learning experience.Couldn't have done it without this Forum. Leaving this weekend on a loooooong voyage with the Silver Fox.
Dan

[Safari Tim]

Where are you going Dan. And how far?

Farther we have been so far is about a 3 hour drive. Thinking of going further....

[tin can luv]

Originally Posted by Dan Brawner

Couldn't have done it without this Forum. Dan

You've got that right....I think we have ALL said that about this place....

[Dbraw]

Safari Tim,
We are leaving Tennessee and going to the Grand Canyon and take a right. With a lot of side trip on the way. Then up through Utah and back East through Denver with lots of turn arounds and back ups along the way. 3-4000 miles I guess. Who cares, gas is cheap. Did I say that?
Dan

[Tin Hut]

Congrats Dan. I'm envious, I'm from Northern California there are so many great spots to camp that I have not found comparable to any where else I've lived. Saw someone else on this site that just bought a '67 Tradewind and they live in east bay.

[Safari Tim]

Cool Dan. Hope you have a fun trip. Be sure and report back!

Tin Hut, I also live in Northern Ca. What places do you like to camp?

We have been to South Lake Tahoe, Gilroy, Yosemite, and a couple of weeks ago Columbia.