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lydia-n-eli · 01-10-2011, 07:41 PM

We just visited our 1969 23' Safari for the first time in daylight. With a hand over our mouths...for the dead mice and a few dead former inhabitants...we toured the trailer and checked in all the closets and compartments and tried to get a ton of images of what we--first time airstream owners--could see.

Eli and I are about to head overseas for a month for work, and are looking to learn as much as we can about the work we have in store. I will have an indiscriminate amount of free time come mid-February, and am willing and able to take on a lot of the interior work--maybe even some of the exterior although I am quick to admit I know nothing about wiring, plumbing, propane, etc...Eli does, but he has a full time job, so I think a large portion of the undertaking will be mine.

I'm excited for this journey--and hope to learn as much as I can along the way!! I'm including all the pictures we've taken, and welcome any feedback ("Don't do it!" "That trailer is beyond workable!" "Oh, that's not so bad" etc.). Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!

Pictures of our Airstream:
Here on our Flickr

Mel · 01-10-2011, 07:49 PM

Welcome to the forums! I checked out a few of your pics - looks like you've got a bit of work ahead of you on this restoration! Don't worry - there's plenty of help here from folks who have gone through this before!

Aviator · 01-10-2011, 08:04 PM

First, welcome to the Airforums. You have definitely found both a big project, as well as a source of information to get you through it.

Your first step with the trailer is to reseal the exterior. Do not use silicone as it will eventually eat the aluminum. I used a product called Vulkem which is the same thing Airstream uses during the manufacture of the trailers.

From your pictures, you have had some significant water damage to the interior. The flooring is wood and has likely rotted in some places due to the water. This is fixable. There are many threads of people doing everything from fixing floors to completely removing the body from the frame.

Take it one step at a time and enjoy the process.

You will find a host of people here willing to help, share their expertise, and support.

lydia-n-eli · 01-10-2011, 08:11 PM

Amazing! Thanks so much for the quick responses. I knew this would be the place to go.

First, we knew there was some water damage, but we have no idea where it's coming from--the ceiling and roof look intact, as does the side where that major leak (the balck staining) seems to be coming from. So, how can we tell where that leak is coming from? Is there anything around there that is a common leak area?

What's a good first step to attack this problem (tearing up the floor? starting from the outside?) or a first place to look at? I'm all for resealing once we make sure the exterior seems in good shape.

I think we'll take it up to a mechanic tomorrow to look at all the potential issues with the axle and the wheels and whatever else they can see. But I know you guys are probably the best with all the Airstream specifics. I have a bit of time to get resources and info and field some personal responses, so let me know what you think the ultimate first steps are--and if it's totally possible for newbies like us to attack it.

Thanks again, and thanks for the warm welcome!! I'm totally excited to start this great project with such a great support system.

-Lydia