Bought our first Airstream (1977) today!

[Breiz]

We bought our first Airstream today. It's a 1977 Ambassador 29. Thanks to everyone who helped us in the forums with our towing questions and umbilical 7 round questions. We didn't get to bring it home today because it needed 4 new tires (one flat + 3 dry rotted). Was a bummer because we drove 2.5 hours to see it, buy it, then drive 2.5 hrs home all to do it again Wednesday (hopefully) after the new tires are installed.The kids were really disappointed to go out there and come home empty handed today. Better safe than sorry though.

This is our first travel trailer (owned a 1971 Apache pop up first). So we don't know the forst thing about sewage, heaters, AC, or any of that. I'm sure we'll have a ton of questions.

It seems to be in pretty decent shape but the vista view windows all need redone (some sort of black goo visible hanging in there). Oven is missing a handle and the sink cabinet is missing the rolling door. Also the sink counter in the bathroom is badly cracked and needs replaced. What's a good source for these types of parts?

We're a family of in Latrobe, PA and are very happy to be here!

[munimula]

congrats on your purchase. sorry to hear you went home empty handed. don't worry, it's part of the process of learning to be an airstreamer and know that that will never happen to you again. you were smart not to drive on bad tires.

take it from someone who experienced a blowout and dealt with the damage that occurs - blown out wheel well. hours of repair work ensued after that episode.

regarding fixing it up, anything you'll ever need to know can be found in this forum. trust that you're in good hands here. use the search box well and all your questions will be answered - especially on how to deal with the vista views.

hope to see you down the road.

--dave

[juel]

ALL vista view windows eventually look just like yours do right now. I have a 76 Sovereign and am not looking forward to "fixing" that problem. It's more fun to work on getting the trailer ready to go camping than the cosmetic stuff. I leave the hard stuff for those long cold winter days. Right now is "get ready for Spring" time in Oklahoma. Take care of the safety issues, check out the gas lines, wheel bearings, tires, battery, 12v and 110 systems, running lights, brakes, gas bottles, heater and plumbing. Then enjoy the Spring and Summer and work on the other problems when you can't get out from under the snow. Congratulations on your new family member. The fun has just begun.

[balrgn]

Sounds like you have a good start.

If you have not already, check out Vintage Trailer

Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

They have a ton of replacement parts at decent prices. 7-Way Molded Trailer Cable Our Price: $23.99

Check out my pages for Restoration tips.

Post a pic of you sink / counter that is cracked It may be repaired.

God luck and welcome!

[Breiz]

I don't have a pic of the broken sink yet. I'll take one when we get the AS home later this week. I have these pics though:

[Ganglin]

If you need some reference for the original interior take a look at this site - scroll down to the Vintage Photo Archives. Good luck with the new toy...

Vintage Airstream Home

[Breiz]

We brought our new (to us) AS home yesterday, yay! Seemed to tow ok. We didn't have time to look it all over yet. I'm sure after this weekend we'll have tons of questions. Thank goodness for air forums!

Thanks to everyone for their advice and comments.