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ladypixie · 08-23-2012, 06:51 PM

I shared the discovery and purchase of my childhood Airsteam on my indroduction:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/wondering-what-have-i-done-95501.html

This thread will focus on the repair and restoration.

Here's what we've discovered after a complete outside inspection:

Skin
The skin is in very good condition. I checked multiple sites with a white cloth and toothpaste and it does have the remains of a plasticoat on it. There are a handful of small dimples in the skin. All seams are tight. I counted 5 missing rivets but may discover more.

Windows

Street-side windows will require replacement. Forward streetside window is broken out and is the culprit for most of the interior water damage. Crank mechanism is froze or broken. Aft streetside window is cracked vertically top to bottom. All other windows unbroken and operational. Gaskets need replacement on all windows.

Vents

Astrodome cover is whole but badly cracked, inner screen & mechanism intact. Aft hatch operational but leaking.

Doors

Door-within-door is complete and operational. Everything aligns beautifully. Hinges are solid. Weatherstripping needs replacement. Gutter/cowling over door needs re-sealing. Access doors, vent covers, latches intact.

Rock Guard

Front window rock guard needs new wing-nuts but is otherwise intact. (Will probably replace the green fiberglass with smoked Lexan down the road.)

Light Covers
50% are complete, but still discolored, so will plan on replacing all when it's time. Wiring will have to be replaced throughout due to water, rodents, etc.

Misc
Battery box is intact but empty.
Water-tank fill cap/valve is complete.
Propane tanks are old & gnarly...new ones will be needed.
Dad has already re-habbed the tongue jack to make it operational.

Will post pictures of belly in next post.

colberjs · 08-23-2012, 08:12 PM

I like it. Look forward to seeing more pics.

Becky B. · 08-23-2012, 08:51 PM

I just read your acquisition thread. Really cool story! Your project will be a labor of love! The window rebuilds will probably be the easiest part of your project (and the least expensive!) I'll enjoy watching your rebuild!

ladypixie · 08-24-2012, 05:12 PM

Here's the underside:

ladypixie · 08-25-2012, 09:55 PM

Started gutting the interior yesterday and we're nearing 80%. Water and rodent damage more extensive than we thought. So it looks like a shell-off floor repair is in the future.

Refrigerator and Bowen water heater are headed for the dump, but Princess 3-burner cooktop and oven are in great shape, so we'll be keeping that.

I wanted to keep it all original (childhood memories and all) but I'm no thinking I may change the front gaucho to a dinette since everything has to come out and the cabinetry was severely delaminating. Lots of time to make those decisions, though. In the meantime I'm measuring and templating every piece for reconstruction later.

That's my Dad working on the Carlson Furnace removal. He knew this trailer inside and out 25 years ago. He's getting an up-close and personal re-acquaintance now!

Max Well · 08-25-2012, 10:14 PM

Looks good! Keep the pictures coming!

ladypixie · 08-25-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Well

Looks good! Keep the pictures coming!

Thanks for the encouragement, we need it right now. Have been reading all of the "shell on" vs "shell off" threads. Daunting!

Becky B. · 08-26-2012, 02:27 PM

You do quick work! It's nice that your dad is helping you. Great bonding time!

ladypixie · 08-26-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

You do quick work! It's nice that your dad is helping you. Great bonding time!

My dad is a bit like a freight train on projects like this...once he gets started he's hard to stop. I'm running like crazy to document everything before he tears it out!

aceflys · 08-26-2012, 04:24 PM

Great thread I will be watching you live the AS dream once again.

Ace in PA

ladypixie · 08-27-2012, 04:31 PM

Well, it's nearing the end of Demo Day 4 and everything is out except rotten floor remnants. I've heard of "trailer trash" but our yard is looking pretty ridiculous!

We're getting our first good look at the frame and it isn't pretty.

I've known what been expecting this, but it's still hard to face the reality...

ladypixie · 08-28-2012, 04:59 PM

We are down to bare frame and belly pan. We will need to replace 2 frame crossmembers at the back and possibly one by the door, but otherwise the frame looks good. Planning on sandblasting and coating with POR-15. We're still leaning toward shell-off floor replacement just to "git 'r done"

My reading of other threads tells me that 2 quarts of POR-15 should do 2 coats on the frame and then I should plan on adding 2 coats of POR-15 Stirling Silver to the bumper and tongue. Does that sound right?

colberjs · 08-28-2012, 06:09 PM

Man you guys are moving right along!! I tried to tear some flooring out but it seemed to be hung up under the interior skin and walls. Did you have to do anything special?

ladypixie · 08-29-2012, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colberjs

Man you guys are moving right along!! I tried to tear some flooring out but it seemed to be hung up under the interior skin and walls. Did you have to do anything special?

Wish I had some magic insight to share, but no, we didn't do anything special. Apparently the rot was so advanced that it made it easier to tear out. The old plywood just kinda shredded around the elevator bolts and pulled right out.

It's been a dirty 5 days but my Dad is unstoppable on a project like this...don't know what I'd do without him.

The GT is only 19 feet so there's less of it everything compared to your Sovereign.

Now that it's all out we have to make a plan and budget for the rebuild. Hoping to have the frame welded, POR-15 applied, and new floor in by mid-October. I had to rent a storage unit to park all the pieces in until we're ready to reconstruct...no more space in the garage.

Hope you find a good method for getting your floor out.

ladypixie · 09-04-2012, 11:24 PM

Not much new to report, continuing to prepare for shell-off floor repair. Dad has removed all the lower interior panels in preparation and is working on removing the belly pan & banana wrap rivets. The lumber is for blocking up the shell but handy to walk on in the meantime!
My brother will be here tomorrow to help with the rest of the process. He's got a welder/fabricator lined up for frame repair.

ladypixie · 09-05-2012, 07:05 PM

Any ideas out there on how to make these look better? Is there a thread out there that discusses this?
Thanks in advance!

65CV · 09-05-2012, 08:52 PM

Great thread and an even better Dad!

Watch out for leaks behind that scripted logo. We took ours to a re-chromer and had it redone for $75.

ladypixie · 09-10-2012, 08:33 PM

Well, the shell if off and she's up on blocks.

Unfortunately I was in the driver's seat pulling the frame out from underneath so I didn't get a good view of the whole show.

Welder is coming tomorrow to look at the frame now that it's fully exposed. We're hoping to put her back together next weekend...we'll see...