Hi from Virginia

[69OL27T]

Greetings all,

Thanks so much to everyone who has posted on this forum so far. It's been a pleasure to read and the sharing of resources and experiences is invaluable.

I have a 1969 Airstream Overlander 27' T model, completely gutted inside but with a title, manual and all the original parts except the fridge. I'm looking at it as a blank canvas. I'm keeping the rear bath but want to keep the midsection open, and do a full bed (maybe futon) in the front.

I have experience redoing a 1971 Argosy, 24' some years ago, but not to this extent. Wish I hadn't let it go, but here I am & I'm really excited to be starting this project!

I will probably only post specific questions as I go, but hope to do a full blog when I'm done. Thanks again to all the contributors and moderators!

Rebecca

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: 1969 was the first year of the new body style. I think the 69 trailers were very well built judging from our 1969 Globetrotter 21'. I renovated a 1975 Overlander 27' which is similar to your 69 but has a lot more plastics in the interior. I maintained the original floor layout, fixed the frame and rear subfloor rot, and repair or replaced a lot of stuff. Here are a few photos that I figured might interest you.

You have a big project that will take quite a long time to complete, but your trailer can be built into a very comfortable travel trailer, just like Airstream wanted. We enjoy traveling in our Overlander.

Many of us "renovators" start a project thread in the Airstream Knowledgebase. Maybe you have studied some of the 69 Overlander project threads. Anyway, you might enjoy using Airstream Forums to document your trials and tribulations during your project. I think you will garner many followers who can be very helpful with questions and advice. Last winter I renovated my son's 1969 Globetrotter. You can see it in the Knowledgebase. My Overlander project thread is their also.

Enjoy

David

[69OL27T]

Hello David,

I appreciate the reply & have been following your postsbased on our similar models. I renovated a 71 Argosy 24 ft years ago and the interior was quite similar to what you have laid out here. Nice work, it looks fantastic! I'm leaving the twin beds out for a more open floor plan.

My trailer will be going up to some property I have on the James River and stay there, so I may have more options for larger propane tank, more permanent electric hook up, well water, etc. I want to keep utility back up options such as the original propane stove, furnace and hot water heater, but am considering heavier electric wires that my partner scavenged from a job site, for potentially more reliance on electricity than propane. I was considering a mini split til I saw the cost. The AC in my Argosy didn't work, and it was never a problem with the cross breezes. Trying to wrap my head around what I want for the layout before fully replacing the floor, which is needed. There's also body separation around the wheel wells and bathroom area.

I started on replacing window weatherstripping recently. Have you heard of applying the new D type to the frame instead of the windows themselves? Still cleaning off old gunk at the moment. Thanks again for the reply!

Rebecca

[dbj216]

I like to say it is always important to define the "mission" of your vintage Airstream before work begins. Having a mountain retreat is such a mission. Having a travel trailer is another mission, and having a traveling boutique or food truck is yet another. Some folks make their old trailers into an office like work space. The design and build changes with the desired mission of the trailer.

Yep, building a mountain retreat Airstream is different with many different considerations, especially for winter cold. You can read about other folks experiences doing this. I've never done it.

David

[69OL27T]

Thank you for your support! I'll post updates as they occur.... slowly but surely.