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05-18-2023, 05:10 PM
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#1
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Who's CURRENTLY RENOVATING???
Hey everyone! There's such a wealth of knowledge on this forum from so many of you who have renovated Airstreams in the past and so firsty, thanks greatly for that!
Secondly, how many of you out there are CURRENTLY at this very moment, RIGHT NOW going through the renovation process and what Airstream are you working on?
It's intriguing to find out, and I guess, kind of comforting to know how many of us are in the same boat... well, the same RV.
Thanks!
- Lee
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05-18-2023, 06:36 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1966 22' Safari
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Fredericksburg
, Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,931
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Lee, there aren’t as many forum members in the middle of a renovation as there a few years ago. But, there are a few. If you scan the new posts on Airforums every couple of days you’ll see new posts by renovators. I follow mainly those that target the pre-70s. But I do glance at any renovation in progress.
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05-18-2023, 07:03 PM
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#3
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Got it! Thanks Bubba L - that's good to know and I'll definitely keep an eye on the forums for active renovators
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05-18-2023, 09:54 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
1981 25' Excella II
Palo Alto
, California
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 86
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We have an ‘81 it’s mostly finished and we are using it regularly. But we still have a project list as an arm of more things to do to it.
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05-18-2023, 11:17 PM
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#5
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Love hearing that Mullers!
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05-19-2023, 10:32 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
1970 23' Safari
Marion
, New York
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 194
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I have a 1970 Safari Special Land Yacht that I'm restoring.* I am doing a shell on floor replacement and will restore the interior, keeping the original look.* So far I have removed the interior, had the frame repaired and treated for rust, replaced the axle, and caulked numerous leaks.* I'm currently installing the new floor.
This has been a long and challenging project, but interesting and satisfying as well.* The knowledge I've gained from other Forum members has been an enormous help.**
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05-19-2023, 11:02 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
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I'm working on the record for the longest time spent rebuilding a trailer. I think I am over 10 years now, and still at it. '73 Globetrotter.
The good thing is that the general design of these trailers really hasn't changed much since 1969, so there is plenty you can learn to prepare you for you 2000's + shell-off from the guys who worked on their 70's vintage rigs 10 years ago.
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05-19-2023, 09:20 PM
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#8
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DremStremer
I have a 1970 Safari Special Land Yacht that I'm restoring.* I am doing a shell on floor replacement and will restore the interior, keeping the original look.* So far I have removed the interior, had the frame repaired and treated for rust, replaced the axle, and caulked numerous leaks.* I'm currently installing the new floor.
This has been a long and challenging project, but interesting and satisfying as well.* The knowledge I've gained from other Forum members has been an enormous help.**
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That's fantastic @DremStremer, yah its satisfying work isn't it!? But long and challenging is for sure... was your subfloor rotted out?
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05-19-2023, 09:25 PM
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#9
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel
I'm working on the record for the longest time spent rebuilding a trailer. I think I am over 10 years now, and still at it. '73 Globetrotter.
The good thing is that the general design of these trailers really hasn't changed much since 1969, so there is plenty you can learn to prepare you for you 2000's + shell-off from the guys who worked on their 70's vintage rigs 10 years ago.
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Sweet! @Belegedhel 10 years is a long time!! But all good things come to those who wait hey!?... must be a real passion proj by now. Thats a great point about the long-jevity of the vintage design though, I'm loving seeing the consistency across the years. Our '77 seems to be built pretty damn well, though it feels there's a massive learning process at ever curve, literally everything custom to fit... but... Step by step!
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05-19-2023, 09:51 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2013 23' FB International
aldinga beach
, south australia
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 232
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hi lee...
im working on a 2013 23fb international Aussie model with 2x doors
today i hook up shower back to grey water tank
so far ive been modifying or undoing past wrongs from origional owner with great sucess:
acaicia benchtops
flooring
toilet
gray water tank back on line.
galley bench seat and table.
lift kit
wheel upgrade
rear death wobble bin removal.
oak trim replace with tasmanian oak.
new bed
ourdoor slide out cabinet cooker grill.
new appliances
new curtains
new steps
future mods to go are:
new awning fabric
mudflaps for offroad
touch screen radio
shiplap and wallpaper on certain walls.
stone guards to all underbelly stop cocks etc etc etc
Attachment 432090
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05-19-2023, 11:43 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1958 26' Overlander
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 871
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Renovations rarely end. There is always something to improve on or add.
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05-20-2023, 05:25 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1974 31' Sovereign
Sunset Beach
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 402
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'74 Sovereign
My '73 took 8 years, (shell-off) renovation, and used it twice, now gone, then bought a '74 Sovereign, and have been at it, on a (shell-on) renovation, for 3 or 4 years....losing track of time. The hi-light of this build is the 600 mile, white knuckle journey I had to make from Columbus to Myrtle Beach...without any bulkheads or inner skins, as we moved to the Carolinas for retirement.
Currently wrestling with the belly wrap UGH!. The new floor is in, and will start electric, and plumbing next. Hope to be ready to roll at years end.
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05-20-2023, 06:11 AM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
1970 23' Safari
Marion
, New York
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 194
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee_RP
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That's fantastic @DremStremer, yah its satisfying work isn't it!? But long and challenging is for sure... was your subfloor rotted out?
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My Airstream had the typical floor rot in the rear. About a foot of the rear floor was rotted right through. Same thing in front of the door. Plus there were some soft spots under the front window and along the sides.
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05-20-2023, 09:29 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
1976 Argosy 24
1961 28' Ambassador
1968 26' Overlander
Lakewood
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 403
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Hello, hoping I can squeak in with the "Vintage Kin" category. Currently chest deep in a 1946 Spartan Manor 25 foot. Past projects include : 76 Argosy 24, 61 Ambassador, 68 Overlander (current rig), and several other smaller projects, all involving frames and floors and partial to full renos. The Spartan had been gone through once before so there was nothing original to try to save. So far I've dealt with sliding windows, rebuilding vents, door latches and hinges (yes, there are 2), plywood floor overlay remove and replace and on and on. Some polishing done. Most insulation done. Front curved windows resealed/replaced. The list goes on. One of the most interesting features is that the trailer has what I can only describe as a "plastic" sublfloor just as an Airstream has a plywood one. It is in amazingly good shape so I didn't replace it, just layed a layer over it. I've been at this one since Oct of '21. Currently experimenting with bending ply for the curved ceiling, seems to have promise.
Keep at it, Mark D
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05-20-2023, 03:12 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1971 21' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,527
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Been working on a 71 Globetrotter for what seems like forever. Currently trying to get the tanks all installed.
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05-21-2023, 11:48 AM
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#16
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DremStremer
My Airstream had the typical floor rot in the rear. About a foot of the rear floor was rotted right through. Same thing in front of the door. Plus there were some soft spots under the front window and along the sides.
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Man, I've seen those horror stories of foot-going-right-through-subfloor images and such. Luckily our '77 was always kept mostly in the Nevada desert and so other than water stains there was no real rot or holes to contend with.
Good job you replaced it all - no easy feat!
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05-21-2023, 11:49 AM
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#17
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by baggs
hi lee...
im working on a 2013 23fb international Aussie model with 2x doors
today i hook up shower back to grey water tank
so far ive been modifying or undoing past wrongs from origional owner with great sucess:
acaicia benchtops
flooring
toilet
gray water tank back on line.
galley bench seat and table.
lift kit
wheel upgrade
rear death wobble bin removal.
oak trim replace with tasmanian oak.
new bed
ourdoor slide out cabinet cooker grill.
new appliances
new curtains
new steps
future mods to go are:
new awning fabric
mudflaps for offroad
touch screen radio
shiplap and wallpaper on certain walls.
stone guards to all underbelly stop cocks etc etc etc
Attachment 432090
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Lots of work there Baggs! Sounds really great. How'd it go with the shower hook up?
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05-21-2023, 11:54 AM
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#18
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 57Vintage
Renovations rarely end. There is always something to improve on or add.
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True True @57Vintage!
///
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bauxter
My '73 took 8 years, (shell-off) renovation, and used it twice, now gone, then bought a '74 Sovereign, and have been at it, on a (shell-on) renovation, for 3 or 4 years....losing track of time. The hi-light of this build is the 600 mile, white knuckle journey I had to make from Columbus to Myrtle Beach...without any bulkheads or inner skins, as we moved to the Carolinas for retirement.
Currently wrestling with the belly wrap UGH!. The new floor is in, and will start electric, and plumbing next. Hope to be ready to roll at years end.
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Hey @Bauxter, that's a tonne of work! So rewarding though I'm sure, especially making it through that 600 mile mega journey!! Belly wraps certainly don't sound fun to wrestle with... are you posting pics anywhere of the process?
////
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrdes8
Hello, hoping I can squeak in with the "Vintage Kin" category. Currently chest deep in a 1946 Spartan Manor 25 foot. Past projects include : 76 Argosy 24, 61 Ambassador, 68 Overlander (current rig), and several other smaller projects, all involving frames and floors and partial to full renos. The Spartan had been gone through once before so there was nothing original to try to save. So far I've dealt with sliding windows, rebuilding vents, door latches and hinges (yes, there are 2), plywood floor overlay remove and replace and on and on. Some polishing done. Most insulation done. Front curved windows resealed/replaced. The list goes on. One of the most interesting features is that the trailer has what I can only describe as a "plastic" sublfloor just as an Airstream has a plywood one. It is in amazingly good shape so I didn't replace it, just layed a layer over it. I've been at this one since Oct of '21. Currently experimenting with bending ply for the curved ceiling, seems to have promise.
Keep at it, Mark D
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Hey Mark, wow the '46 Spartan Manor sounds incredible - any photos of that one? Seems there's so many parts to focus on and each one because a mammoth project before moving onto the next. That plastic subfloor sounds smart!
I'm wonding, how are you bending the ply? The soak-in-water then clamp method? Or...?
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05-21-2023, 11:55 AM
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#19
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Lee from Retro Projects
1977 31' Sovereign
SoCal
, CA
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aerowood
Been working on a 71 Globetrotter for what seems like forever. Currently trying to get the tanks all installed.
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Nice one @Aerowood - is it the rear-bath model? Trying to picture the tank placement. And wondering whether you're equalizing them or keeping separate?
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05-21-2023, 03:20 PM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2013 23' FB International
aldinga beach
, south australia
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 232
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee_RP
Lots of work there Baggs! Sounds really great. How'd it go with the shower hook up?
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well i think ok...2 hrs of cutting and checking ...i had to make my own trap out of shortened elbows..must have crawlled underneath AS quite a lot...used 2" all the way...
today i take a bucket and check joins
hope your projects are more simple hahah
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