Frame/floor repair... how much $$$?

[utee94]

Baltimore? I hear there's this great new trailer reno/resto shop in Baltimore.

Can't remember the name, though... something about international pancakes...?

[RoverOwner]

Thinking about Rob's trailer, what amazes me is when people fixate on the cost. When all is said and done, he will have spent much(?) less that he would have if he'd bought a new trailer off an Airstream dealer's lot. But he got more than that. He got a trailer that is lighter, easier to clean, and more family friendly than anything currently available from any RV manufacturer. Forget that he got to pick his exact colors, layout, wood, etc. Heck, if I could find a trailer like Rob's new on a lot somewhere, I wouldn't be going around bragging to everyone that I'm a vintage owner because I would buy that thing in a heartbeat. Sure it's fun rebuilding one, but the only reason I'm rebuilding an old one is because I just don't like the new stuff that's out there.

[centennialman]

Half the fun is "feeling the fear and taking the plunge". Patience is a virtue when fixing up these old trailers. We definitely do put a lot of $$ into them but what price is there for the love of these old beauties?

[Silverwanabe]

The last time I added up the costs including tools, I have spent a minimum of 9k to bring the trailer back into go working order. Polishing tools also.

But, I still need new axles and an A/C.

With these repairs, the unit will be good for another 42 years,
knock on wood

[87MH]

Originally Posted by menormy

Hello guys, I sure you've all likely heard at some point from somebody that Airstream owners are independently wealthy, however not the case with me.

Here is what one couple did with an Argosy.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...ish-33361.html

The trailer is in "new" condition.

More info here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f372...get-45902.html

[nilsstolz]

HI

Just started on our first airstream so new to this. I am very crafty and think you can do pretty much all of it yourself, unless the frame is bent or the steel beams rusted out. That not being the case it will just take time and patience to get things fixed up. My frame has pretty good rust damage that caused floor damage. Good thing in a way is that on the 1987 Sovereign all was original and the rotten floor actually pointed out where the damage was on the underbelly. Once you take the floor off, you can get a good view of what's going on. The forum is full of instructions on how to fix things and really there is not much needed to replace an entire underbelly, just as mentioned time and your own labor. You will need to crawl underneath and yes, be patient. I am done with the floor repairs, cost me about $ 200 all in and now have to take off the old and rusted out underbelly sections, clean up and rust stop the beams, and then put on the new belly. Material costs on 5053 .25 aluminum under $ 300. Lots of drilling and pop rivets.