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Old 09-24-2020, 11:03 AM   #1
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Across the Pond...

Hi

Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the fantastic resource re this forum.

I'm from Scotland originally and didn't see my first airstream until I was almost eighteen. It was being towed along Princess Street in Edinburgh one summer - and everyone stopped to look! What a sight as it passed under the Castle. I had to have one!

We enjoyed our family caravan holidays on the west coast - but they were always static units; lovely nonetheless. And very quirky! But the airstream was a different thing altogether.

I graduated as a podiatrist and enjoyed a fantastic career - but my other 'job' has been a guitarist - and this took me across the pond in 1990. We did a shoot in Arizona and the production company brought along a Clipper for the video - and I was smitten again.

But unfortunately life got in the way for a couple of decades and the opportunity never arose to acquire one of these gorgeous creations. A couple of years ago, I met Mike Holt who owned Airstream UK - and I visited the showroom in the Lake District and viewed the latest models. They were beautifully appointed.

By Christmas last year, I had completed two albums and written two books. They were due for release in August and I intended buying a new Airstream and doing a tour around the UK and Europe promoting both....then the world changed!

In April this year, someone I met at a festival last summer contacted me to say there was a 1975 31' Sovereign in a field in Wales - the owner had died and it had to be removed. It seemed too good an opportunity to miss. It had a good shell, but US axles and hitch. It had been rewired for a mains supply and lined with plywood - but I wasn't able to view it because of travel restrictions. I said 'yes' on a hunch!

It's certainly kept me occupied for the last few weeks! I had new axles and front chassis replaced - then stripped out the ply lining and wiring. I'm converting it to a mobile recording studio and music venue and will make it available to musicians and artists next year, whilst indoor gigs are prohibited. It's already been booked for two videos next summer!

I've been offered sponsorship with a brilliant musical speaker manufacturer, which will enable me to purchase a new zipdee awning and have the exterior polished or painted professionally. I would, however, welcome any advice and sagacity you care to offer. I'll post the floor and design plans with specs in the next few days - I'm hoping to make the unit completely electric with multiple solar panels and high capacity storage units - not sure if that is possible without a generator but will keep you posted!

Finally, does anyone know where I can purchase new cans and lens covers for the rear light cluster? Watched a video where they purchased the same from Vintage Trailer Supplies - but they don't seem to list any now. Would like to keep the original units if possible. If you know of any other suppliers, I'd be most grateful.

Best wishes.

Mark Russell
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Old 09-24-2020, 11:06 AM   #2
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Some pics..
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Old 09-24-2020, 11:31 AM   #3
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Wow, that’s a great first post!

Welcome, and all the best to you.

Maggie
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Old 09-24-2020, 02:19 PM   #4
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Welcome to the forum!
What a beautiful find! Visit the "Technical Section" on the drop down menu under "Forums". There are many areas under exterior repair, interior repair, etc. where you should find info on what you are looking for.

:0)
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Old 09-24-2020, 02:24 PM   #5
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2019 22' Sport
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Wales: beautiful country, but the lanes are donkey cart narrow. For us tourists, the speed limits were far higher than the terror limits. I can hardly imagine that beautiful trailer making its way through the countryside!
Best wishes for success with your plans.
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Old 09-24-2020, 05:47 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpfate View Post
. . .
. . . Visit the "Technical Section" on the drop down menu under "Forums".
. . .
FYI Mark, in case you are using the App version of this site: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f3/

What a great find!

Happy trails,
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Old 09-24-2020, 06:25 PM   #7
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2021 27' Globetrotter
Dallas , Texas
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Welcome

Welcome to the Forum and Airstream family!
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Old 09-25-2020, 07:12 AM   #8
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Very cool. Thanks for posting it.
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Old 04-21-2021, 09:08 AM   #9
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Quick update...

Hope you are all well and keeping safe.

https://natwestbusinesshub.com/artic...music-recovery
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Old 04-21-2021, 06:16 PM   #10
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1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
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Hello Mark: I happened to see your "update" post today and thought I would welcome you here on these Airstream Forums. Looks like you found an old Ambassador 29' or a Sovereign 31'. I hope you are having good luck and good fun renovating this vintage Airstream.

I renovated a 1975 Overlander 27' that kinda looks like yours. At least the tail lights are the same. We live in Colorado state and in the Rocky Mountains. We still have lots of snow around here. Good skiing though.

David
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Old 04-21-2021, 07:42 PM   #11
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Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Russell View Post
Quick update...

Hope you are all well and keeping safe.

https://natwestbusinesshub.com/artic...music-recovery



Very cool . . . thanks for the update . . . and . . .
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Old 04-21-2021, 11:25 PM   #12
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1951 18' Clipper
1965 17' Caravel
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WOW! You didn't muck around!
Well done, and more pics please?
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Old 04-22-2021, 12:21 PM   #13
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Thanks - the rig featured is the 'Dubai' airstream from the same coach builders. Our 31' Sovereign will have some of the same design features, but not the drop-down stage - we need to keep the shell intact as much for the equipment and layout - but also with Covid in mind. I'll post some updates later in the summer with the specs and plans - and a link to the project website which will have regular video and photos of the work.

We're only keeping the shell - everything else is a bespoke construction. I do hope we can make Wally proud!
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Old 04-22-2021, 01:49 PM   #14
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Thanks is this the correct link for the coach builders?

https://www.arcchurches.com/launch

Good luck.
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Old 04-22-2021, 02:34 PM   #15
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Mark, impressive! Best of luck to you in your renovation and future travels in the UK!
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Old 04-22-2021, 11:04 PM   #16
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1951 18' Clipper
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https://arcairstreams.co.uk
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Old 04-23-2021, 03:46 AM   #17
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Thumbs up

Thanks for that correct link.
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