oh boy... it really is a mess!!!!!

[gagirl]

Hello everyone, we recently purchased a 1976 31 foot sovereign. We have been looking for a good used fixer upper rv for a year or so and ran across our Airstream by accident. Actually, we were not really looking for an Airstream, but after looking on this forum we became rather excited to join the ever growing family of Airstreamers, so we bought it. Now the fun starts. LOL

We new that we had our work cut out for us, but we had no idea exactly how many things can be wrong, not working, etc..... We have stripped her down to the hull and have started with the bath first (rear). We already know all the flooring has to be replaced, and yes we have some work to do on the frame, a little sag. Since my husband is a certified welder and a Mechanical Engineer I am hoping that this will not be a huge set back. Most of the original cabinets, etc are in tact and we will try to use as much of the original equipment as possible. However, its looking like this one will be a custom job. This forum has already proved to be very helpful and has already answered many questions. We do not intend to change the floorplan at all, but we do have many custom plans to make camping with two girls a little easier.

I am sure you will be hearing a lot from me in the future. So far we are doing great and moving right along. We hope to be camping next year at this time. Keep your fingers crossed.

[BIGED52]

Congratulations, On ownership of a Airstream and welcome to the forums! However, I must warn you that Aluminitis is a very communicable disease! Just the mere exposure to an Airstream Trailer/ Motorhome means you have been infected~! Sorry to inform you that while there is no cure for it you will be spending lots of time devoted to the disease and much money will be required toward treatment! (Can you say "Money Pit"... I knew you could!) We here at the forums will help with any diagnosis we can offer to help ease your pain! Great bunch of doctors and nurses here to sooth your furrowed brow so don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice. I know I have learned a world of knowledge from them and am still learning more with every new repair project I take on. Just remember don't get discouraged and take the time to do it right. I wish you many future years of happiness with your trailer as well as fond memories you will be making along the way. Once again...Welcome. Ed

[wahoonc]

Hi gagirl,
Welcome to the forums! Good for you that your husband is handy...now if he just has the time There are several of us 70's vintage Sovereign owners on here and more than one of us is in the middle of a tear down/rebuild. So search away and ask questions. Sounds like you have gotten a good jump on the rebuild. I am still in the tear down stage....and I am going to bring ANOTHER one home this weekend. Some of us never learn

Aaron

[gagirl]

FUNNY THAT YOU MENTION BRINGING ANOTHER ONE HOME. MY HUSBAND IS ALREADY SEARCHING. HE IS ENJOYING HIMSELF SO MUCH THAT HE PLANS TO DO SEVERAL. I HOWEVER PLAN TO ENJOY CAMPING IN THIS ONE. SO I AM NOT SO SURE I WANT HIM TIED DOWN TO ANOTHER "FIXER UPPER". lol

THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK, NOW I HAVE A FEW NAVIGATION QUESTIONS FOR THE FORUM. IF I HAVE A QUESTION ON INTERIOR RESTORATION WOULD I JUST START A NEW THREAD TO ASK MY QUESTION OR SEARCH THE FILES FIRST.ETC...... I HAVE FOUND A LOT OF GOOD INFO OUT THERE ALREADY, THAT WE HAVE TRIED AND WALLAH IT WORKED. IMAGINE THAT!!!!! ANYWAY, AS OF RIGHT NOW "I THINK" WE HAVE IT UNDER CONTROL.

[Janet H]

Try a search first - if you can't find an answer start a thread.