Saved a 1986 Sovereign 29' .......Maybe (Manuals???s)

[tinstar]

Saved a 1986 Sovereign 29' from the scrapper.

Local Person bought some land and this Airstream was abandoned on it.
Been sitting there for at least 15-20 years.
It was free and only had one wheel on it. Was sitting directly on the ground.
Had to cut a lot of trees with a chainsaw just to get it out.
Left rear has significant damage, but rest of trailer is in weathered, but good shape.

It's complete and original inside. Very rough inside as the door had been left open by thieves for who knows how long. No vandalism except the entry mirror. LOTS of rodent droppings and trash inside. Frig was full of stuff.
Floor is horrible and missing in corners. Center part is solid but clearly it all needs replaced.

I put 4 new wheels/Tires on it and towed it 25 miles home.
Original mag wheel will be the spare and get a new tire.
Still has the tire on it from 1986.
It's now cleaned out inside as best as I could get it.
Impossible to get to some areas without full disassembly.

Now what to do...........
Airstream will not repair damage because the floor also has issues.
They no longer do "restorations" even though they say they do on their website.
I've contacted two restoration places but cannot get any return calls.
The intent is to get a full restoration done.
I know trailer isn't worth that kind of money, but I want to save it.
Also in the process of obtaining legal ownership through the courts.
Unless any surprises, that should be complete in a few weeks.
Not doing much to trailer until title in hand.
I did check, it's not stolen or had any insurance claims on it.

I did go over entire trailer and seal anything that might leak.
Also installed new bathroom vent, since the old ones cover had rotted away.
Luckily, the trees prevented most rainwater from entering.

I desperately need a parts/service manual.
Not available on Airstreams website and members links are no longer valid.
Also would like an original owners manual and any other literature that would have come with the trailer when new.
I know Owners manual copies are available on eBay, but would like an original in color.

Also looking for 3 or 4 original mag wheels.
Will also post in the classifieds.


I want to save it and restore it to original condition.
No changes to interior, just like it was new.
If I can find someone to do it that is.

Will still be cheaper than a new one!

[crispyboy]

I'm glad you saved this trailer. There are places that will restore the trailer for $$ as that's their business. Airstream restorations can be done by the owner if your handy, know how to use a tool, not afraid to learn, have some capital to purchase the needed items and of course the big factor is motivation. Look at the project through the lens of reality. It's a big job but could be very rewarding when your complete.
BTW - I have some original aluminum alloy mag wheels with center caps that I restored last year. PM me if your interested.

[Minno]

If you're willing to travel a little for a restoration, try Midwest Airstream Service: 608-495-9978. Steve Prouty is a nice guy, very down to earth and does very good work. We have friends who've had work done by him and we've toured his shop during a Wisc-UP Rally last spring.



Kay

[tinstar]

Will travel as far as it takes to find someone who can truly do a full and complete restoration and do it well.
This trailer will never be worth what I will spend on it.
Its saving history and leaving a shiny legacy for my family.

I did hear back from Ultimate Airstreams today.
Sent them pictures of the damage and will see if their willing to tackle it.
They usually work on brand new trailers, but will work on older stuff.
Repair Price potential is about what i expected.
$100K+
Funds aren't the issue. Finding someone to do the work is.

Thanks for the other restoration shop recommendations. I will be contacting them as well.


Worse case.......It will be a hunting cabin on my Ranch.

[tinstar]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I have some original aluminum alloy mag wheels with center caps that I restored last year. PM me if your interested.

PM Sent

[tinstar]

Forgot to add......

I would like to do the work myself.
Have a lot of the tools and space to do it.

Problem is, I'm not as capable as I used to be.
Was Rear Ended on Route 66 about two years ago.
Person did a hit and run.
He was caught, but the damage to my neck and left arm ended my flying career.

Yes, I would LOVE to take about 3-4+ years and rebuild it myself.
Not scared of the challenge and work.
......Just can't do as much now without my body parts hurting.

[overlander64]

Greetings Tinstar!

While I do not have firsthand experience with the company, I have been following the progress of Ang Granieri's 1974 Argosy called JoyBug over on Facebook. She turned the restoration/remodel over to Silver Moose Restorations in Monmouth, Maine. The photos of their work are absolutely beautiful.

JoyBug's restoration can be viewed on this Facebook link.

The discussion of JoyBug here on the Fourms can be found at this link.

Good luck with your search! Maine certainly would be a distance to travel, but it appears that the shop does excellent work.

Kevin

[tinstar]

I will check them out.
A few shops I saw on YouTube are no longer in business.

I do not do facebook, but will check out the thread.

Maine would be a nice trip in the spring.

[tinstar]

Originally Posted by overlander64

Greetings Tinstar!

While I do not have firsthand experience with the company, I have been following the progress of Ang Granieri's 1974 Argosy called JoyBug over on Facebook. She turned the restoration/remodel over to Silver Moose Restorations in Monmouth, Maine. The photos of their work are absolutely beautiful.

JoyBug's restoration can be viewed on this Facebook link.

The discussion of JoyBug here on the Fourms can be found at this link.

Good luck with your search! Maine certainly would be a distance to travel, but it appears that the shop does excellent work.

Kevin

They haven't posted for almost 4 years so I'm curious as to what happened to the trailer.
I did send a PM but am not very optimistic about a reply.

Silver Moose looks to do awesome work. Have sent them a email.

The joybug issues with crooks is exactly what I want to avoid.

[tinstar]

Will be having the restoration done at Silver Moose.
Excellent communication and they were very candid about trailer.

Bad part is I have to wait over 2 years for a build slot.

Trailer sat for decades, left to rot.
2 more years will not hurt anything, especially since I've sealed it up and it doesn't leak any longer.

[10Smiles]

Another restoration possibility is GT Services in Montana.

gtservicesvintagetrailers.com

[tinstar]

Originally Posted by 10Smiles

Another restoration possibility is GT Services in Montana.

gtservicesvintagetrailers.com

Appreciate that.
Will check them out.

I'm more interested in a company that has a excellent Reputation and satisfied customers than overall price.

[jhanson622]

It’s a long way from you, but my nephew had good luck with Sierra Trailer Restoration in Nevada City, California. Here’s a link to it: https://www.sierratrailerrestoration.com/Root.html

[Paulz]

Originally Posted by tinstar

Saved a 1986 Sovereign 29' from the scrapper.

Local Person bought some land and this Airstream was abandoned on it.
Been sitting there for at least 15-20 years.
It was free and only had one wheel on it. Was sitting directly on the ground.
Had to cut a lot of trees with a chainsaw just to get it out.
Left rear has significant damage, but rest of trailer is in weathered, but good shape.

It's complete and original inside. Very rough inside as the door had been left open by thieves for who knows how long. No vandalism except the entry mirror. LOTS of rodent droppings and trash inside. Frig was full of stuff.
Floor is horrible and missing in corners. Center part is solid but clearly it all needs replaced.

I put 4 new wheels/Tires on it and towed it 25 miles home.
Original mag wheel will be the spare and get a new tire.
Still has the tire on it from 1986.
It's now cleaned out inside as best as I could get it.
Impossible to get to some areas without full disassembly.

Now what to do...........
Airstream will not repair damage because the floor also has issues.
They no longer do "restorations" even though they say they do on their website.
I've contacted two restoration places but cannot get any return calls.
The intent is to get a full restoration done.
I know trailer isn't worth that kind of money, but I want to save it.
Also in the process of obtaining legal ownership through the courts.
Unless any surprises, that should be complete in a few weeks.
Not doing much to trailer until title in hand.
I did check, it's not stolen or had any insurance claims on it.

I did go over entire trailer and seal anything that might leak.
Also installed new bathroom vent, since the old ones cover had rotted away.
Luckily, the trees prevented most rainwater from entering.

I desperately need a parts/service manual.
Not available on Airstreams website and members links are no longer valid.
Also would like an original owners manual and any other literature that would have come with the trailer when new.
I know Owners manual copies are available on eBay, but would like an original in color.

Also looking for 3 or 4 original mag wheels.
Will also post in the classifieds.


I want to save it and restore it to original condition.
No changes to interior, just like it was new.
If I can find someone to do it that is.

Will still be cheaper than a new one!

I am actively restoring a '65 Caravel and last year I ended up going to Sierra Trailer Restoration in Grass Valley, Ca. They do excellent work, and they will do all of it or partial restorations, as I wanted to do the bulk of it, but I did not feel confident working on the body as there were some badly damaged panels. There are several Airstream restoration specialists in California, but I met with this company and liked the small town business model. It was expensive, but they told me it would be, they will not quote a price, but they communicated with me every step they were taking and kept me aware of every change and an excellent accounting of every dollar spent. They are airstream experts, and I can't say enough how much I appreciated their work on my project.
Paul Z

[coolwhip40]

P&S Trailer Service Helena Ohio 419-638-6261 Kevin Great people.

[tinstar]

I'll drive anywhere in the US.

This trailer needs a complete rebuild inside and out.
From axles to air conditioner.
Propane tanks to water inlet at rear bumper.
Not a job for the faint of heart.
Just replacement skin panels/supports alone will most likely be in the $15k+ range.
I think trailer is able to be saved, but the critters did do a lot of damage to it.

I will happily spend $100K+ to have a like new vintage trailer.
Still cheaper than a new one and I don't like those new interiors anyway.
Will not be polishing the exterior.

Thanks to everyone who has suggested a shop.
I do research them and reach out to them.

I'm ready to get started.

[Redbarron55]

I have a complete set of manuals that I got with my 1985 25' Sovereign and while I will not sell them I could, perhaps scan them to a PDF file, but it would take a little while even with my Scan Snap double sided scanner.
I think that I have three manuals.
The service manual for the 1984 Sovereigns and the 1985 - 1986 supplement and the owner's manual ( printed from a PDF file).
I can probably find the PDF for the owner's manual and email that to you. It is too large to post here.

[tinstar]

Originally Posted by Redbarron55

I have a complete set of manuals that I got with my 1985 25' Sovereign and while I will not sell them I could, perhaps scan them to a PDF file, but it would take a little while even with my Scan Snap double sided scanner.
I think that I have three manuals.
The service manual for the 1984 Sovereigns and the 1985 - 1986 supplement and the owner's manual ( printed from a PDF file).
I can probably find the PDF for the owner's manual and email that to you. It is too large to post here.

Whatever you can send will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!

[tinstar]

Redbarron55

If you need to go by and have a Kinkos/FedEx place print them for you, let me know the costs and I will of course reimburse you.

Thanks!!!!

[Redbarron55]

I am bust replacing the Penguin AC with a Tosot Go Cool unit and other projects but I will try to get the scans done.
The PDF file I have I can email you if you PM me your email address.
The scans of the other manuals I will send in PDF format when I get a chance to remove the bindings and run through the scanner.
As to going to Kinko's and having them printed and scanned I think that it would be easier for you to take a thumb drive to them and have them print and bind them for you rather than have me do it and then ship them over.
It may be a while as I am pretty busy currently.