Our yet to be named, '56 Safari

[safari62]

Originally Posted by steinVT

Thanks guys.

It was sometimes a bit overwhelming but always rewarding. We also had fun doing it, so much so that we soon will be starting on our next project, a 1962 Ambassador.

We'll start a new thread for that one- Mark

Good news and our favorite Airstream model year. Can you send me a pm when the Ambassador thread begins?
Thanks
Gary

[Hittenstiehl]

We'll be looking for it also as we have an empty 62 Ambsdor shell that we camp in but need to finally work on my

[steinVT]

First, here is a link to a video that was shot at a rally we attended last fall. There was a couple there that shoots videos for a YouTube channel. They saw the trailer and then wanted to interview me about the restoration. They really did a first class job shooting, editing and interviewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDD68r6iDT4&t=4s

And finally, we had so much fun doing this Safari, that we went out and got another restoration project, a 28' 1962 Ambassador. I plan to document that one as well.

Here is the link:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f11...me-207080.html

Thanks for coming along on the ride - Mark

[Bubba L]

I watched the video. Pictures on a thread don’t compare to a video. You did a really nice job. Looks great.

[Atomic_13]

Great job, Mark!

[Hittenstiehl]

Nice video and the trailer looks great. We laughed and couldn't stop from saying 'don't touch the trailer" as the lady was pointing things out.

[islandtrader]

E x c e l l e n t!

[steinVT]

In preparation to go to the WBCCI international rally in Fryeburg Maine starting next Friday, we did a few final things that we have managed to neglect up until now. There were some little items like filling left over interior holes from things like old soap dishes with pop rivets and touching them up with Zolatone. Amazingly they just seem to disappear. Biggest item was the second round of polishing with Nuvite C. Always been my least favorite part of restoration, at least it came out pretty nice. Almost makes me want to do the final round with Nuvite S. Maybe next year.

If anyone is going to the rally, please stop by and say hi. We will be in the vintage section. - Mark

[dbj216]

Travel safe and have a great time, which I'm sure you will. Your Safari will be a hit with the crowds.

David

[MrRivet]

Thanks for sharing the video Mark. The Safari does look amazing! David is right, it will be a hit with the crowds. Have a safe trip to the International and we look forward to watching your restoration of the Ambassador.

Safe Travels!!
Tim

[BLTSafari]

Mark,

Thank you for the inspiration and incredible documentary of your 56 Safari’s journey. As it happens, my wife and I just bought a ‘56 front kitchen as well. I have poured over your blog and decided that many of your ideas and solutions simply cannot be improved upon. So I’m going to take a very similar design approach.

I appreciate all the knowledge you shared. Can you remember where you purchased the sump for the shower and the tanks?

We are deep into disassembly now. I’m staring at my rusty frame and debating what to do. Sound familiar? Unfortunately I do not possess all of your talents and will need a fabricator’s help to get out of this one!

One day at a time….

Sincerely,
Stuart

[dbj216]

Welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. You are right, SteinVt is an expert Airstream builder and has been in every nook and cranny of his Safari. It is a great result. You have acquired an excellent project trailer and have made significant progress with the teardown. Maybe you can start a project thread in the Knowledgebase in the Safari 1956 section. Folks would like to follow along with your Safari like they did with Mark's.

David

[steinVT]

Welcome Stuart and thanks, the Safari restoration was quite an experience. We enjoyed it enough that we are doing it again, although without quite the focus we had the first time.

The front kitchen layout is one of my favorites. I love sitting in the dinette, drinking my coffee and looking out all of those windows.

Looks like you are off to a great start. The shower sump and tanks were bought off of Amazon. The pump is a SEAFLO 750GPH 12V 3.0A Shower Sump Pump System Drain Kit. The tanks were from Class A Customs. I am happy with both.

I agree with David, start up a blog in this same sub forum and we will all follow along. These guys were (and still are) a tremendous resource. It is also a great way to document what you have done when it is time to get insurance or heaven forbid, sell. It is easy to get overwhelmed when you get deep into it and these folks will help talk you down. Great community. - Mark

[BLTSafari]

Thanks Mark and David! So much knowledge in this group. I will see about starting a proper blog. We are long time Airstreamers. Actually joined this group when I got my first Safari - a 1965. Now we are on our 5th Airstream and it is our second in hand. We have a 2021 30’ Flying Cloud as well. But we have missed the vintage. And the front kitchen is so cool.

Mark, did you put that sump between the first and second outriggers or one further back? I’m guessing the access was under your dinette behind the bathroom wall?

Ok enough questions. I’ll try to put something together this weekend so y’all can follow along. The frame went to a fabricator for repair today so I’m left to boredom as I ponder next steps.

Cheers guys. Glad you’re still out there for Noobs like me.

Stu

[steinVT]

Stu, I don't remember which outriggers, but you are correct. Access to the second grey tank, shower sump and dump valves is under the forward dinette seat adjacent to the bath wall.

When you start your new thread, post a link here, so we can all join. - Mark