Anniversary Airstream

[Airica]

My husband and I recently bought our first Airstream - a 1972 Overlander - in honor of our 10th anniversary (traditionally the "aluminum" anniversary). We are a military family from Louisiana currently living in Colorado. When we went to look at the Airstream, we knew it was meant to be as it had an old Louisiana inspection sticker from sever owners before us. We drop it off for a full inspection tomorrow and plan to do any necessary structural repairs then move on to the fun stuff!

The interior is mostly original, and in great shape, but we plan on redoing the inside to both update it and meet our needs. First off, we've got 3 kids, ages 4-9 so we want to add a bunk in the back and some sort of updated bed solution in the front for him and me. I know that it's possible to do that, but I have no idea how it's actually done. How does one build and secure something like that?

We also would like to update the cabinets and flooring. I'm not a big fan of the plastic laminate.

Is painting our only option to change the interior vinyl skin short of making new panels? I've been reading a lot on the forums, but haven't run across a definite answer. We might end up painting them, but I'm not sure how that actually looks when it's finished with the texture.

Any suggestions or tips would be GREATLY appreciated!

[Paddledipper]

We just started painting the walls in our '77 Overlander and it has adhered very well. The texture is also nice and doesn't look bad at all over the vinyl walls. I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't have a better idea as to how to handle the walls so we chose to paint. We are trying to decide how to replace the bathroom mirror like you have as it has become transparent and you can see the adhesive through it. If you have a great idea about that, please pass it on. Your gift of aluminum looks wonderful! The photo I attached is of one coat only and no trim work at all.

[Minno]

Welcome! Colorado, huh? Air Force?

The inner skins are vinyl covered aluminum. If you decide to replace them, replace them with aluminum of the same thickness as the inner skins are part of the shell structure.

We painted our '72 without any problems. During the phase where we had everything torn apart, Kay washed the inner skins very well to remove any dirt, grease, junk, etc. Once we reinstalled the skins, we painted them with Bondz primer, and then 2 coats of exterior latex paint. Has held up very well for the last 5 years.

Chris

[Airica]

Originally Posted by Minno

Welcome! Colorado, huh? Air Force?

The inner skins are vinyl covered aluminum. If you decide to replace them, replace them with aluminum of the same thickness as the inner skins are part of the shell structure.

We painted our '72 without any problems. During the phase where we had everything torn apart, Kay washed the inner skins very well to remove any dirt, grease, junk, etc. Once we reinstalled the skins, we painted them with Bondz primer, and then 2 coats of exterior latex paint. Has held up very well for the last 5 years.

Chris

Yes, Air Force. What did you clean the inner skin with? I've tried a couple things and they are still sticky to the touch.

[cwf]

Welcome! As fellow expats from Louisiana, two sons and a niece in USAF, we appreciate your service!

[Minno]

Originally Posted by Airica

Yes, Air Force. What did you clean the inner skin with? I've tried a couple things and they are still sticky to the touch.

Former Navy here.

Zep orange cleaner/degreaser. Since we had the skins off and outside in the grass, Kay was very liberal with the cleaner and water.

Chris

[Airica]

Originally Posted by Minno

Welcome! Colorado, huh? Air Force?

The inner skins are vinyl covered aluminum. If you decide to replace them, replace them with aluminum of the same thickness as the inner skins are part of the shell structure.

We painted our '72 without any problems. During the phase where we had everything torn apart, Kay washed the inner skins very well to remove any dirt, grease, junk, etc. Once we reinstalled the skins, we painted them with Bondz primer, and then 2 coats of exterior latex paint. Has held up very well for the last 5 years.

Chris

Originally Posted by Minno

Former Navy here.

Zep orange cleaner/degreaser. Since we had the skins off and outside in the grass, Kay was very liberal with the cleaner and water.

Chris

I'll give it a try!

[SeeMore]

You might find these threads of interest for bunk beds-

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ons-64800.html

http://vintageairstream.com/business/

Another approach might be to make one bunk capable of being pulled out to widen the sleeping space and use the back bolsters as the mattress bottom.