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kaydee · 09-23-2008, 05:22 PM

Ok, So, it is a 1971, so I will switch to this forum.
I have not decided wether to rip the interior out and start all over. I suspect the flooring uder the bathroom is rotten. I can see a metal brace that is all rusted out and hanging down, so no jumping in the bathroom area. This thing is going to sit in my driveway till I get it road ready for sure. I bought it for $3,000 from a guy in the next town over who had it sitting in his driveway for years. And no, it was not on any kind of jack stands. Im hoping that it is going to get an overhaul and be an investment project. Not sure if I will ever get my money out of it and turn it around.
Pictures will come as soon as it is delivered on sunday, if it makes the 10 mile trip down the road.!

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 08:41 AM

Seeling an expert Airstream Inspector in the state of Maine.
Contact me at
ssgkboo@yahoo.com

purman · 09-28-2008, 09:18 AM

So did you get the '71 do you have any pics.... I have a '68 ambassador... I'm in the process of ripping it apart now...

Lumatic · 09-28-2008, 10:40 AM

Make sure you send photos of how the AS sits on it's axles so we can all say in unision, All together now, 1 2 3................

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 10:44 AM

It was just pulled into my yard....

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 10:48 AM

The electrical looks kinda scary.
I havent tested anything yet.
It came with 2 futton frames and a futon matress.
I suspect rot under the tub shower. All in all its in prestty good shape.
The exterior lights were working when he pulled up to my driveway.

Lumatic · 09-28-2008, 10:59 AM

Yup, looks like you need axles. Send a few more pics showing how the wheels sit in the wheel well. What is the relationship between the top of the wheel rim and the bottom of the fender well. They should be at least level or show some sidewall at the top of the tire. There is lots of info on Axles on the forums if you do a search.

Another common problem on this vintage is rear end sag or separation. Again there is a plethora of information in the archives if you search. If there is rotten floor if the bathroom it will increase this risk. Get a linebacker to stand on the rear bumper and jump up and down a little. There should be practically no up and down movement of the bumper that the shell does not follow.

Congradulations on your new to you Airstream

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 11:02 AM

more pics....

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 11:07 AM

Any know a good travel trailor inspector in Maine?

Lumatic · 09-28-2008, 11:11 AM

From the one wheel photo above, you may be OK on the axles. But the axles and rear end sag should be checked out more thououghly.

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 11:11 AM

1971 hunk of what?
OK, was it worth it?

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 11:16 AM

Ekk, yeah the rear end is sagging.

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 11:19 AM

E, added me, SSG Bee in Iraq.
-----retired...

**azflycaster** · 09-28-2008, 11:37 AM

I like it! The body appears to be in great shape and the interior is mostly intact as well. It appears to have a few POMs (Previous Owner Modifications) that you will have to figure out over time. From the picture I see that this trailer has the elephant ear patches. This was an attempt to deal with the rear end separation issue which has been an issue in some older units. Other members have dealt with this issue. Hopefully one will join in and tell you what to look for and how to address this issue if you have it.

You may want to start thinking about your water system. You will need to protect the water lines and components from the damage that freezing weather can cause.

Welcome to the world of vintage Airstreams.

Lumatic · 09-28-2008, 12:42 PM

From what I have read in the forums about rear end sag the fix is: remove bathroom and lower inner skin. Pick up the rear end while pushing down the rear of the frame. Slide in a couple of pre cut pieces of flooring. Reverse the process to put Humpty bac together again.

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 12:56 PM

more pics...

Lumatic · 09-28-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaydee

1971 hunk of what?
OK, was it worth it?

I don't want to discourage you but personally I would not have touched it at any price if it has a rear end separation problem. But that's only me. If the rest of the trailer is good I think you paid top dollar, maybe a bit more. But, $3000 is just a part of what you will probably end up spending if you do a restoration. So it kind of washes out. Are you going to restore her, or just fix what needs to be done to be funcitional. Are you doing the work yourself? If you have the AS fixed by someone make sure you get someone who knows 70s Airstreams, or they could make it worse. Having the rear end sag fiixed by a pro will be expensive. I am guessing at least what you paid for the AS. Anyone else out there have any figures on having a rear end sag done? Andy? Also, if the trailer truly has rear end sag towing it around very much can only make the problem worse. Sorry if I am the bearer of bad news.

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 02:57 PM

Hmmm. where to start...

kaydee · 09-28-2008, 03:25 PM

more pics once the dust has settled

73Overlander · 09-28-2008, 03:31 PM

"where to start?"

The very best thing I did after my purchase was to get an owners manual. It is amazing how much more understandable the systems will be after a quick read through.

The second most important thing, IMHO is to purchase a service manual. I was lucky, mine came with one.

Both of these are available from Airstream.

Value is subjective. I think your trailer could be quite wonderful, and there is a tremendous amount of help available here.