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kelmeans · 05-30-2018, 02:06 PM

New to the aluminum world!! My husband and I spent a little time researching AS. We knew we wanted something older that we could take down to the frame and make our own. We found a 31' Excella in Texas and here we are. We pulled all the windows out over Memorial Day weekend, pulled apart and cleaned and are about to reinstall. I've already spent a ton of time on the forums and gained some serious knowledge from so many of you on here. Thank you for that. I will be relying on much more.

Mike is a very experienced carpenter with electrical and plumbing knowledge too. He's renovated our 2500 sf house so this shouldn't be too much of a job, right? HA!

I love the AS and would never have anything else. I'm on here to stay!

Bubba L · 05-30-2018, 03:57 PM

Welcome to the world of Airstreams. We just got back from a trip to Taos. I sure do like New Mexico. I’m sure Mike is finding out that Airstream construction is a bit different from residential or commercial construction. I was in construction for about 40 years and though it is different, you can adapt. I’m sure he will enjoy thinking outside the box and being resourceful. Good luck and hope to see you down the road. Bubba

Lumatic · 05-30-2018, 04:18 PM

Hello neighbor,

I would like to extend an invitation to join the New Mexico Unit of the WBCCI, (Wally Byam Airstream Club). We offer friendship and comraderie and access to local an international Airstream events. Google WBCCI New Mexico Unit #69 to get to our website. Let me know my private message if you have any questions.

BTW/ I have a 1972 31 foot Airstream Sovereign I am gutting if you need any interior stuff free. Send me a private message if you could use anything.

See you down the road,
Marshall Hall
President WBCCI New Mexico Unit

dbj216 · 05-30-2018, 05:20 PM

Hello from Colorado: Hey, were neighbors kinda. We traveled across New Mexico just last month with our Airstream. We stayed in Santa Fe, then Albuquerque, and then Deming. It is a state with mountains and deserts.

Also welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. I'm working on a 75 Overlander 27', one year newer and two sizes smaller than you new rig. I suspect you folks will have no trouble renovating your trailer to your liking. You might consider starting a "project thread" in the Knowledge Base, Airstream Trailers, then Sovereign, and then 74. It is a good way to meet new folks and share your experiences with your project. You might enjoy reading about other people's projects in this category too.

David

kelmeans · 05-31-2018, 02:36 PM

Hey Lumatic,

I really appreciate your offer. What we're looking for is an awning. It had no hardware at all for it. There is a lip on the passenger side for the big awning and also a lip over the back window. I'm hoping to get a hold of ZipDee when we're closer to being done but I know it's going to cost a fortune.

rmkrum · 05-31-2018, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelmeans

Hey Lumatic,

I really appreciate your offer. What we're looking for is an awning. It had no hardware at all for it. There is a lip on the passenger side for the big awning and also a lip over the back window. I'm hoping to get a hold of ZipDee when we're closer to being done but I know it's going to cost a fortune.

Stay away from the power-operated ZipDee awnings and it should not be too bad...

Lumatic · 05-31-2018, 05:01 PM

Your 74 may have had a Carefree or EZAwn. Since you are starting from scratch I recommend a Zipdee. They have great customer service and installation instructions. The parts are also standardized and they have a classic look.

eubank · 05-31-2018, 05:01 PM

Yep, it'll cost a small fortune for a zip-dee.

How about a vintage awning!

Lynn

Lumatic · 05-31-2018, 05:05 PM

You're not supposed to scare the fresh meat Lynn

Join the NM chapter and we will help you install your new Zipdee. Lynn's idea would be cheaper but more set up.

The awning in post 4 is a Zipdee. If you are up for it awnings all around will keep the coach cooler.

skyguyscott · 05-31-2018, 06:35 PM

Welcome to the wonderful wally world of AS!

Trailer renos are lots of hard work but kinda like fun, only different.

One tip that will serve you well in the long run: keep it light.

You will be tempted to add big heavy stuff, thick wood, more weight. Resist. Choose light but strong materials. Less is more. Add lightness. Then as you travel, everything will be easier, last longer, and be much more enjoyable.

Best of Luck!