Restoration Opinions Needed

[CindyandBob]

We have a 1972 Argosy 20 trailer. It's a jewel in the rough with the accent on rough. It needs paint outside, rebuilding the bathroom, it's floor and plumbing, new furnace, replacing the belly skin, window/door gaskets and probably some surprises, etc, you get the picture. Anyway after communicating with several restoration options in the Indiana area we have narrowed it down to two and without ever having seen the work of either one we're looking for opinions/recommendations. Both have the same basic estimate for the work, so we're down to who will do the best job. The contenders are Airstream itself in Ohio and Woodland Travel Center in Michigan. There are pluses and minuses for both, but lets base these opinions strictly on the finished product we'll be left with after the work is complete. Where would you go? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Cindy and Bob

[DanielB]

Which one is closest? It would be good to monitor any progress. If you were building a house and contracting out, you would inspect each stage. Things come up. Dealing with curved surfaces on the interior and sealing the exterior are not trivial matters. Do the Woodland people have any history with Airstreams?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

With a list like that, you are looking at a complete restoration. Once you do half that, you will wish you had done it all.

[87MH]

Originally Posted by CindyandBob

We have a 1972 Argosy 20 trailer... Both have the same basic estimate for the work, so we're down to who will do the best job. The contenders are Airstream itself in Ohio and Woodland Travel Center in Michigan.

As far as I know, the service facility in Jackson Center works only on Airstream products....for the same price you get a whole factory of AS specific expertise and experience.

Please follow through with scope of job and actual cost.

I agree with 62overlander above...sounds like a frame off restoration is called for. From someone who has "been there and done that" it's time to read my signature line.

[CindyandBob]

Thanks for the feedback. Let me lay out a few facts and answer your questions. Woodland Travel is an Airstream dealer and does repair/restorations on them regularly. Actually, Steve, at P and S in Ohio recommended them when he declined to do this same work. Airstream is closer, 200 as opposed to 300 miles. Pros and Cons: Airstream is Airstream and your right its a whole factory that does this day in and day out. However, they do not paint exteriors and they only do ZipDee awnings. We have Carefree hardware, so we'd have to replace the whole thing as opposed to just getting new fabric. As to Woodland they do paint, they do Carefree awnings and they have a pickup service. Both places have wonderful customer service reps. They couldn't have been more helpful. All that being said do you have any further opinions? Thanks for your help so far. Cindy and Bob

[toastie]

Originally Posted by CindyandBob

We have a 1972 Argosy 20 trailer. It's a jewel in the rough with the accent on rough. It needs paint outside, rebuilding the bathroom, it's floor and plumbing, new furnace, replacing the belly skin, window/door gaskets and probably some surprises, etc, you get the picture. Anyway after communicating with several restoration options in the Indiana area we have narrowed it down to two and without ever having seen the work of either one we're looking for opinions/recommendations. Both have the same basic estimate for the work, so we're down to who will do the best job. The contenders are Airstream itself in Ohio and Woodland Travel Center in Michigan. There are pluses and minuses for both, but lets base these opinions strictly on the finished product we'll be left with after the work is complete. Where would you go? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Cindy and Bob

Highly recommend P&S Trailer Service - Airstream Restoration and Refinishing

toastie

[SL4BLLT]

Did you check with Vintage Camper up in Peru Indiana? I've been on their site a few times to see some of their older Airstream. They have a renovation menu. I didn't look at a map to see the difference in travel, but it may be something to consider.

I hope to make a trip out to P&S to get the Airstream redone this coming fall. Understand the travel distance for sure.

Good luck

SL4BLLT

[CindyandBob]

Thanks, but P&S declined to do the work. They were our first call. To much for them I guess. Besides they don't paint either. Thanks again, Cindy and Bob