New Member... homemade "airstream"

[toreadorxlt]

Wow thank you all for the comments, suggestions and feedback. I'm a little concerned about crosswinds but i dont think its any different than a small landscape trailer. I have a 4" drop axle and the chassis is pretty low. I put the axle back a little more than average to help with some tongue weight/stability.

As far as why so small, I want to keep it light to tow with my truck or jeep. I don't see myself using it for more than a weekend getaway, and I dont want water or plumbing or gas honestly, keep it simple, think tent on wheels.

Here's some more construction pictures for those interested. I drew the whole thing in CAD (Rhino) before I even started. The big shop isn't mine, it's my sheetmetal mentor, Wray Schelin's. He was kind enough to let me do the rough work in his shop for a week. He teaches metal shaping out of MA, and is world known for his Jaguar Restoration. I started down this wormhole about 5 years ago, and built just about every ounce of my shaping/forming equipment, becuase I couldn't afford it at the time. The whole think is 6063 for framing .060" 3003-h14 for panels. Its a bit thicker than a real airstream but i like the idea of some dent resistance.







For the floor, I didnt want to make cardboard templates in the freezing cold for hours, so I 3D Scanned the camper, and printed 1:1 cut templates for the wood. The end result was fast floors that fit great.. Took two hours to make the whole floors and 20 minutes to scan.






I have about $2000 in this thing so far and I started in July, working casually between car restorations and working full time. The finaly budget is hopefully $4,000 or less

[johncook]

Sell the plans, give lessons .. what a great project. Please keep us posted!

[PKI]

Very impressive coach. Skill overshadows snoot, so have no fear. Keep on posting your work.

The Airstreams are now sealed with an adhesive tape that is sandwiched in the panel joints. We talked to an AS owner who recommended a home made (less expensive) version of Captain Crawly's Crack Sealer (SIC?). When we were touring the JC factory, it looked like they were using a similar product to seal leaks found in the shower test. This sealant is supposed to wick into the smallest space. That sounds like a good idea, if the ultimate joint movement does not exceed the ability of the material to remain a viable seal.

Good luck with your research. Pat

[tevake]

This must be one of the all time best first threads.
Welcome aboard, and thanks for giving us a look at your amazing creation. Beautifully done!
I especially appreciate you metal shaping skills, those wheel wells and skirts are truely artistic.

Standing by for more pics, hopefully some interior shots. Please?

Is that beautiful old ford truck your T V?

Cheers Richard

[toreadorxlt]

Using a 3D scanner, I captured The framework and made floor templates. This was fast, accurate and easy. Probably an hour or two once I had all the information.

[55AS]

Love the vintage TV.
Care to share your floorplan?

[toreadorxlt]

Floorplan is being worked out in CAD now... I'll post pictures in a few days!

[toreadorxlt]

Originally Posted by tevake

This must be one of the all time best first threads.
Welcome aboard, and thanks for giving us a look at your amazing creation. Beautifully done!
I especially appreciate you metal shaping skills, those wheel wells and skirts are truely artistic.

Standing by for more pics, hopefully some interior shots. Please?

Is that beautiful old ford truck your T V?

Cheers Richard

Thanks for the kind words... The 56 is my tow vehicle, or will be soon. Its getting a Chevy LS motor and 4L60E in april when my wallet recovers from the camper. Well I already have the engine, but not the transmission or other parts. My primary tow vehicle will be a 2016 Wrangler, not ideal, but i'll take the back roads.


Sorry for the double posts, apparently my first one got flagged as spam as im new here and i posted it agian, then it was approved.

[goransons]

Wow I'm impressed!! Need extra cash? Get some good 60's end cap segments, make the forms and make copies and sell them! Incredible workmanship you have there!

[toreadorxlt]

10 tubes of sikaflex and got the back half of the camper seam sealed. Need about 6-7 more tubes. Also formed the window and door gutters. I was gonna originally buy them from vintage trailer supply but came up with an easy method to forming them.

Pulled the floor and painted the bottom side... gonna give it a second coat and finally bolt it down.

[DFlores]

Really great work, I know it goes against your grain but you could make the interior seal a little wider in order to make sure the seal lasts a good long time, because your metal will last 50 to 60 years.

Great job.


Sent from my iPhone
David & Diane

[Bobpuvel]

That thing looks sweet! I hope it holds up for you!

[streaminwild]

toreadorxlt, Usually we welcome people to the forum on their first post. This time, I'm thanking you, for inviting us to your world. Airstream better watch out...There's a new kid in town. Love the pictures.

[Rocinante]

Hey, check out the Bowlus, that's another tall / narrow aluminum trailer that's pretty inspiring. Love your work here, thanks for sharing.

[silverhawk]

It has been a long time since I have posted to the forum. This (your) post has brought me out of my hiding place. I would just like to reiterate what everyone else has said. Wow! Wow! Wow! Mad skills in abundance. Please keep us up to date on your progress.

[h2ocoolerman]

Very cool.

[toreadorxlt]

Been busy...


Floor bolted down

First tow!

Wheel skirts and tubs shaping up



Quick Cad I did of my interior concept.

[ColoradoLady]

Looking good! You are keeping it simple? No bathroom, cooking, etc? Where are your windows? It could get pretty warm , esp. In summer.

[cabinetmaker]

You need a television show...I would much rather watch you build this than a father son building choppers.

You have $4K in yours...I paid that in taxes on mine...and yours is way cooler.

I work with wood and know the skill set this must take. Very sweet indeed.

Thanks for sharing. Nice to know there are still true craftsmen in our midst.

[Rocinante]

Agreed, let's hear it for the Makers out there.