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Old 08-03-2012, 10:42 AM   #1
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NASA astrovan replica

We are fabricating a photo opp for a local museum and are tasked with replicating the NASA astrovan. From the homework I've done it appears to be a 1983 Airstream Excella 28. Does anyone no if this is correct and more importantly does anyone know where I can purchase one?
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Old 08-03-2012, 07:16 PM   #2
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Look through the classifieds here on the Forum. As well, try searchtempest.com. It's an 'all-over' Craigslist. If the AstroVan is a 28 footer, they are hard to find. Actually, it seems that anything under 34.5 is hard to find.
Good Luck, Derek
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Old 08-03-2012, 08:22 PM   #3
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Here is a thread posted by someone in same situation a few years ago, you might try contacting him to see how that worked out:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f156...les-57207.html
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Old 08-03-2012, 08:28 PM   #4
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It looks longer than a 28 to me. I wonder if 28 is correct. There are several larger and smaller classic motorbikes for sale on craigslist right now, and you can do national and regional searches on allofcraigs.com.

I am a huge nasa fan and have been trying to combine my husband to let me paint our silver ban like the astrovan and our excella 29 trailer like the mobile quarantine facility, the Apollo-era modified airstream trailers used for quarantining the astronauts after moon landings.
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Old 08-04-2012, 06:28 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazeevw
Look through the classifieds here on the Forum. As well, try searchtempest.com. It's an 'all-over' Craigslist. If the AstroVan is a 28 footer, they are hard to find. Actually, it seems that anything under 34.5 is hard to find.
Good Luck, Derek
Thanks Derek
Will do
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Old 08-04-2012, 06:30 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skatiero
It looks longer than a 28 to me. I wonder if 28 is correct. There are several larger and smaller classic motorbikes for sale on craigslist right now, and you can do national and regional searches on allofcraigs.com.

I am a huge nasa fan and have been trying to combine my husband to let me paint our silver ban like the astrovan and our excella 29 trailer like the mobile quarantine facility, the Apollo-era modified airstream trailers used for quarantining the astronauts after moon landings.
Thank you for the feedback
Good luck with talking your hubby into transforming your vehicles!
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Old 08-04-2012, 06:31 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Waipio Rim
Here is a thread posted by someone in same situation a few years ago, you might try contacting him to see how that worked out:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f156...les-57207.html
Thanks for the feedback
I shot him an email
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Old 08-05-2012, 12:12 PM   #8
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I updated my Astrovan page with some cool YouTube videos.
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Old 08-05-2012, 12:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wpnassal View Post
tasked with replicating the NASA astrovan.
The real challenge for your replica will be the windows. The window pattern on the Astrovan is unique. No other motorhome has that pattern.

I would look for an Airstream Excella 28' (1979-1981) or a 280 model (1982-1983). I think a 310 model would be too long to fake.
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Old 08-05-2012, 12:58 PM   #10
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This video of the Astrovan made me proud and sad at the same time, it appears the Airsream outlived the shuttle program!

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Old 08-06-2012, 03:13 PM   #11
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Thanks Fred!
Any idea where I could buy one of the 28' models?
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:45 PM   #12
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There is one on eBay right now, item number 221093217333
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:45 PM   #13
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There are a couple on sale on craigslist right now in different parts of the country. Use a national craigslist search engine like allofcraigs.com. You might look at argosy motorhomes as well if you don't mind painting one, the windows look pretty similar. An argosy is a painted airstream. If you use "airstream motorhome" as a search term you can see what is out there. The prices vary very widely!!!
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Old 08-06-2012, 04:46 PM   #14
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Whats your budget??!

1982 Airstream ISUZU Turbo Diesel 28 Ft' Excellent NO RESERVE SELL WORLDWIDE in RVs & Campers | eBay Motors

I think would be a good starting point.
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Old 08-06-2012, 05:03 PM   #15
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I had an 82 280 it was a joy most of the time. The length for me was just right
But also consider a 310. They have a great back bedroom.
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Old 08-06-2012, 06:13 PM   #16
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$15k
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Old 08-06-2012, 09:29 PM   #17
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$15k is what the seller says he is looking to get in his description. There is a thread in this forum titled "classics for Sale", last post July 28, where members have posted ads that they have found recently. There are some 270's, 290's, and 310's in that mix. The ad for the only 280 has been removed, might even be the same unit that is on eBay now.
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Old 08-08-2012, 04:07 PM   #18
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That coach is (hopefully) sold to our friends in England.
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Old 08-09-2012, 03:41 PM   #19
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I sold mine to people in England as well. Must be a challenge drive over there.
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Old 08-10-2012, 11:11 AM   #20
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I found the 1983 Airstream Excella 280 that i was lookin for. Thank you all for your help. I will post finish pictures of the NASA Astrovan photo opp once it is complete. Also, I have some recent pics of the real Astrovan in front of the Shuttle Atlantis that I'll post. Best Regards!
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