Visit our Popular Forums

Brad Mich. · 07-14-2008, 07:39 PM

We just bought a 1976 airstream and gutted it out completely. I need to find out about replacing all of the interior panels. Web sites and materials would help. Thanks.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-14-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

We just bought a 1976 airstream and gutted it out completely. I need to find out about replacing all of the interior panels. Web sites and materials would help. Thanks.

The beginning of each Airstream rebuild project, is to make the trailer waterproof.

From there you can repair/replace other things as your time and budget permit.

Start your search early, before you need some of the items. Sometimes, what may seem to be an easy part to obtain, may quite well be difficult.

You should also start with a "service manual."

If the trailer has been parked for a long time, it may also need axles.

The following article will teach you how to check them out in less than a minute.

Dura Torque Axle

Andy

Brad Mich. · 07-15-2008, 08:03 AM

I removed the inner metal skin and need to replace it after the electric is updated. I dont know what my options are or where to find it. Any web sites?

Inland RV Center, In · 07-15-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

I removed the inner metal skin and need to replace it after the electric is updated. I dont know what my options are or where to find it. Any web sites?

Please be careful of how you block up the trailer before taking the interior metal off.

If not, then when you start putting it back in, you will quickly find that the rivet holes not longer match.

The interior and exterior shell are important for strength.

If you remove some of the panels, the frame will sag.

If you ignore that and rerivet the interior metal as you wish, then you will lock that sag in place.

Andy

HowieE · 07-15-2008, 01:03 PM

Like Andy mentioned the frame alignment may now be off. Before you go any further I would get a laser level and jack and block the trailer back to true front to rear using the floor as the reference point unless you intend to remove the floor and then you can use the top of the frame.

I assume you are going to remove all of the insulation. If so this will give you a Great chance to flood the outside and look for leaks. Most likely you will want the insulation out if you are wiring.

Brad Mich. · 08-25-2008, 09:10 AM

Thanks Andy and Howie, Im back to the remodel now and have it up on blocks at 6 points. The floor is out and am looking at the water tanks at this point. Fresh water tank is in bad shape and needs replacing. Grey water is okay but very very small. Black tank in good shape also. Cant find Fresh water tank and am considering putting one in the front under the bench I will be building soon. Dont know what to do about the grey water tank as my wife says it is not nearly big enough. Any suggestions?

Inland RV Center, In · 08-25-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

Thanks Andy and Howie, Im back to the remodel now and have it up on blocks at 6 points. The floor is out and am looking at the water tanks at this point. Fresh water tank is in bad shape and needs replacing. Grey water is okay but very very small. Black tank in good shape also. Cant find Fresh water tank and am considering putting one in the front under the bench I will be building soon. Dont know what to do about the grey water tank as my wife says it is not nearly big enough. Any suggestions?

We have the tanks.

BUT, a serial number and photo's are a must, since your not sure of the year, and rear bath, center bath.

Also several changes were made during mid year production, in both 75 and 76.

From that info, we can help you. Depending on the exact layout of your tanks, there are others that could possibly fit.

Andy

Brad Mich. · 08-26-2008, 09:46 AM

Hi Andy, The trailer number is E31-A6J-3130 and it is a center bath. Dont have photo yet but the AS number for the tank is 600571. I was told they are not made any more. Can I mix the black and grey water to give a little more quantity? 1976 31ft. Excella 500.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-26-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

Hi Andy, The trailer number is E31-A6J-3130 and it is a center bath. Dont have photo yet but the AS number for the tank is 600571. I was told they are not made any more. Can I mix the black and grey water to give a little more quantity? 1976 31ft. Excella 500.

We have that water tank made and always have them in stock.

If you want to mix the black and gray water, be prepared to have the black water come up into the shower.

The idea of mixing the two, is not a bad idea, it's a horrible smelly idea.

Two tanks are a must, or a tank with two separate sections.

Andy

Brad Mich. · 08-29-2008, 12:28 PM

OK Thanks to Andy I have a new tank being delivered. Now the next ? is what monitor do I use? The sea level models wont work with the thin AS tanks I have. (Less than 4 inches) 3 tanks and pump switch prefered, maybe LP and Battery.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-29-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

OK Thanks to Andy I have a new tank being delivered. Now the next ? is what monitor do I use? The sea level models wont work with the thin AS tanks I have. (Less than 4 inches) 3 tanks and pump switch prefered, maybe LP and Battery.

Your trailer already has a water tank monitor.

Your tank has the same fittings as the original.

Andy

Brad Mich. · 09-02-2008, 07:06 AM

I dont have ANY gauges in my camper. The po stripped everything out. The new tank and the black water tank have sensors in the tank but I dont have any control panel.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-02-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Mich.

I dont have ANY gauges in my camper. The po stripped everything out. The new tank and the black water tank have sensors in the tank but I dont have any control panel.

There are brand X gauges that will monitor the black, gray, and fresh water tanks.

The go for about a little more than $100.00

Andy

jjsantafe · 09-17-2008, 04:17 PM

Looks like we're in the same boat, or land yacht as the case may be. I can't tell you how thankful I was to come across you're thread before I pulled the skins off the interior. Very helpful. Im curious what you're plans are for the remodel. There is a lot to think about. Just tore the interior out and getting ready to pull the floor to check out the tanks. Any advice?

Thanks,

JJ

Inland RV Center, In · 09-17-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjsantafe

Looks like we're in the same boat, or land yacht as the case may be. I can't tell you how thankful I was to come across you're thread before I pulled the skins off the interior. Very helpful. Im curious what you're plans are for the remodel. There is a lot to think about. Just tore the interior out and getting ready to pull the floor to check out the tanks. Any advice?

Thanks,

JJ

You do not need to pull the floor, to check the tanks.

Andy

Brad Mich. · 09-18-2008, 06:27 AM

Hello JJ, You are right on alot to think about. I am starting from the ground up on my remodel. As you have read I completely gutted the whole interior of mine. We are not going to replace anything origanal. The interior skins have been removed and the floor was pulled out, at that time I checked the water tanks and found the fresh water tank in bad shape. Andy is correct that you do not have to take out the floor to check the tanks but if the floor is bad and needs to be replaced as mine did than it sure makes them easier to inspect.

My progress has been slowed dramaticly due the many hours at work for the next 4 to 6 weeks but I will get back at it after that. I have purchased many of the new parts for the remodel but have not had time to install most of them yet.

If you need any info feel free to e-mail any time. I do have a service manual if that helps at all.

monsterboo · 12-12-2010, 09:13 AM

Hi guys,
I'd like to get a Airstream Excella 500 75-76 service manual.
If you've got one, please send me it!
thank you!

Inland RV Center, In · 12-12-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsterboo

Hi guys,
I'd like to get a Airstream Excella 500 75-76 service manual.
If you've got one, please send me it!
thank you!

Service manuals are available from Airstream, through a dealer, unless your at the factory.

However, they are specific to all the models, except the Excella 500.

The wiring, plumbing, etc, is the same for the 31 foot Airstream as it is for the Excella 500, for about 99 percent.

Andy

anthony vest · 12-14-2010, 03:40 AM

Hello Andy, i have an excella 500 from 1976, and i must remodel it in a luxury hotel suite.
i am really beginner in this job and i have lots of troubles. hope you can help me. for instance, i found the service manual, but i can not find how i can remove the vista windows. Should i remove all the external rivet to remove it? all the window have bubbles inside, like a plastic uv film which is dry and destroyed. Should i order new window to the airstream company? what about all those rivets? can i find these olympic rivets and the tool to place them? thanks a lot for your advice and please apologise my bad english! i am based in France, Alsace.

wasagachris · 12-14-2010, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthony vest

Hello Andy, i have an excella 500 from 1976, and i must remodel it in a luxury hotel suite.
i am really beginner in this job and i have lots of troubles. hope you can help me. for instance, i found the service manual, but i can not find how i can remove the vista windows. Should i remove all the external rivet to remove it? all the window have bubbles inside, like a plastic uv film which is dry and destroyed. Should i order new window to the airstream company? what about all those rivets? can i find these olympic rivets and the tool to place them? thanks a lot for your advice and please apologise my bad english! i am based in France, Alsace.

Anthony here is a link to repairing the vista view windows.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...ta+view+repair

You could also order new windows from any Airstream dealer. I reccomend INLAND RV in California. They are specialists in vintage Airstreams.
Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations

Airstreams are built using solid or buck rivets. Olympic rivets are used to replace exterior rivets without needing access to the interior. They install like pop rivets and must be shaved after installation.
Here is a link to a company that supplies solid rivets,olympic rivets,rivet tools and many more parts and tools that you will need.
Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!