Australian Rookie looking for some help

[Schaos]

Hi all,

I’m very new to the forum and although have always loved the look of the iconic airstream, I know nothing about them.

I actually have a client that has purchased a 1976 caravanner and she has asked me to have it insured, restored, renovated and everything in between so I’m doing my research.

They’re very rare over here with 99% of them never being put on the road but rather becoming a stationary holiday attraction. Something special people hire to stay in for things like weddings or being converted into trendy pop up coffee shops.

They are a very significant investment however, with prices ranging anywhere between $100,000 - $200,000 (sometimes even more!). So it’s important I learn as much as I can to ensure I don’t unintentionally approve works that will decrease value.

It would be fantastic to connect with any other Aussies that have done similar work but I would essentially like to hear from anyone with a word of advice. 😊

[Roadhoop]

In addition to the great repository of info here in airforums. There is a great podcast here. The Vintage Airstream Podcast.

http://thevap.com/

I believe their archives are searchable and they answer questions posed to them.

Good luck on your project.

[tvketchum]

Airstream sells new units in Australia, in partnership with Jayco. You might be able to connect with a dealer to get technical advice.

[dbj216]

Greetings Schaos: Welcome to these Airstream Forums. It is always fun for me to meet someone from a different country. Yours is one of my favorites.

We have a participant here on these Forums who is from Austraulia and has restored and renovated a 1950 Tail Wind. His user name is:

Disco Stu's

You can look him up on these Forums by searching for threads started by Disco Stu's. Once you have his user name, you can click on it and send him a private message asking for some help and advice. I'll bet he would be more than happy to assist you.

Here is a photo of a 77 Caravaner. The Caravaner is a rather unique Airstream as it has an "open floor layout" for easy entertaining with pull out couches that make into beds. It is a 25' long trailer, and it's sister is called the Trade Wind which has a traditional floor layout with a bed room so to speak. A friend of mine renovated this trailer.

Contact Disco Stu's and see if he can get you some information.

David

[Disco Stu]

Hah, thanks David!
Hi Schaos, I've restored a couple of Airstreams in Australia and have another in the queue. Many Airstreams in Australia are parked in backyards but many are out on the road. We have a dozen Airstreams at a rally in eastern Victoria this weekend actually.
A word of advice? First I'd say spend more for something better rather than buying cheaper and doing the work here. Get it polished in the States too. 1970's windows can be $USD500 each plus shipping.
Insurance is becoming quite difficult here, our 1951 Clipper is going away this weekend uninsured. I have only found one insurance broker who may insure it when the restoration is complete.
Anyhoo, give me a call if you like. I've learned lots in the last couple of years, mostly the hard way.
Stu

[OTRA15]

Great recent guidance!

Thank you for the quick feedback and refining . . . truly distilled Spirits IMO.

Happy trails, Schaos . . . and welcome to the forum. [This thread is outstanding IMO!]

[Bubba L]

Originally Posted by Disco Stu

Hah, thanks David!
Hi Schaos, I've restored a couple of Airstreams in Australia and have another in the queue. Many Airstreams in Australia are parked in backyards but many are out on the road. We have a dozen Airstreams at a rally in eastern Victoria this weekend actually.
A word of advice? First I'd say spend more for something better rather than buying cheaper and doing the work here. Get it polished in the States too. 1970's windows can be $USD500 each plus shipping.
Insurance is becoming quite difficult here, our 1951 Clipper is going away this weekend uninsured. I have only found one insurance broker who may insure it when the restoration is complete.
Anyhoo, give me a call if you like. I've learned lots in the last couple of years, mostly the hard way.
Stu

Stu, concerning insurance, you may want to give Hagerty Insurance a call. They have several offices in the US. Historically, they insure vintage cars. But they just started insuring vintage trailers. We had our 55 appraised by Jim Polk in Ca and sent that to Hagerty. They wrote us a policy with our agreed value, no depreciation and salvage rights. According to their website, they insure vehicles in Canada and Great Britain. They’re not the cheapest, but neither is your trailer. Worth a try. Good luck

[InsideOut]

¡sɯnɹoℲɹᴉ∀ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝM

Shari

[Disco Stu]

Thanks Bubba, I'll look into it.