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Old 10-02-2024, 04:45 PM   #1
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gilmer , Texas
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76 as

Looking at a 76 AS and was wondering about some gotcha items to look for on an Airstream. Im not new to rvs just airstreams.
Know about axl s tires battery electric etc and actually have fair amount of shertmetal repair ecpetience
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Old 10-02-2024, 09:05 PM   #2
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1973 21' Globetrotter
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Look at the top of the page, just below the Air Forums logo, and click on the Portal tab. Scroll down, keeping your eyes to the right, and you should find a link to The Trailer Inspector's checklist. All of the Gotcha items are built right into that list. Approximately where the link to the list is, there is also a utility to help connect you to volunteer trailer inspectors.

All that said, rotten subfloor, and frame rails that are rusting away will result in a shell-off rebuild, and years of commitment. If a bunch of work has already been done to the trailer, then you will need to learn what "good" looks like (look at the Full Monty threads). There are many disappointed buyers who buy trailers advertised as "refurbished" only to find rotting subfloors underneath new flooring.

good luck!
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Old 10-04-2024, 08:47 AM   #3
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RE: Looking at 1976 Airstream

Greetings sayoung!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Airstreams!

Quote:
Originally Posted by sayoung View Post
Looking at a 76 AS and was wondering about some gotcha items to look for on an Airstream. Im not new to rvs just airstreams.
Know about axl s tires battery electric etc and actually have fair amount of shertmetal repair ecpetience
There are two areas on longer (Sovereign, Ambassador, and sometimes Overlerlanders as well as occasionally in the shorter Airstreams) Airstreams that can prove problematic. The first is the well-documented Rear End Separation where the body of the Airstream becomes separated from its attachment to the frame in the area of the rear bumper. The easiest way to identify rear end separation is to have someone sit or stand on the rear bumper while observing the gap between the body and the frame rail as it exits the body -- if that gap opens noticeably, there is at least the beginnings of rear end separation. The second issue, and one that isn't mentioned as often is Stress Cracking of the frame. The stress cracks on the frame are most often seen between the axles when viewed within the wheel wells. Airstream has Service Bulletins outlining the repair procedures for both of these issues, and at least at one time, offered a steel plating kit to reinforce the frames of trailers with stress cracking on the frame.

I second Belegedhel's recommendation to utilize the Volunteer Inspector's Checklist when inspection a potential purchase as it helps you to keep your inspection organized and includes all of the systems.
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Old 10-04-2024, 02:23 PM   #4
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gilmer , Texas
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I went and looked. I've restored several TT's of other brands and maintained our RV's since 1979. This one , a 1972 Safari, has sat on a deer camp for over 40 years. The bathroom was completely gutted and the tanks removed. The frame , axles, & torsion suspension is going to need a shell off restoration. I'm going to pass as I'm 75 and just don't want a project of this magnitude anymore. It can be bought cheap enough. It's on Tyler Tx Craigslist
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Old 10-04-2024, 05:02 PM   #5
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Sounds like a good choice!
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Old 10-04-2024, 07:16 PM   #6
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Hello from Colorado: I've renovated a 75 Overlander 27' and helped my friend renovate his 76 Sovereign 31'. Both trailers had rear end separation due to rusting. It is my opinion that the mid-70s Airstreams have more problems than normal. I speculate Airstream was trying to build light due to the gas shortages, and build low cost due to the economic conditions. Airstream discovered plastics back then which was much cheaper than wood. The 76 Airstreams had 1/2" plywood subfloor which was quite inadequate.

But I do believe all the problems can be solved and a mid seventies Airstream can be built into a quite comfortable and solid travel trailer. It just takes time, hard work, and dollars. Here is a couple photos of my 75 Overlander 27'. It is very comfortable and very reliable. And with your skills, you could even make it better.

David
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