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