Ready to retire and a surprise Airstream

[Britbat]

I was 2 months from retiring and saw an ad for a 75 Airstream overlander which incredibly we owned by the end of the weekend. We had no intention of becoming RVers let alone Airsteamers but the price and conditions were right. So now 10 days from retirement a new truck to pull it and new axles and tires we are ready for inspection. Our next move is to recover the couch/bed cushions and would like to stay reasonably close to the original fabric that appears to have been a yellow pattern, is there somewhere that we can see the original colors/designs? Thanks, Britbat.

[TerraYacht]

Congratulations, Britbat. I am a couple of years form retirement, but thrilled for your new ownership & plans. All the AS owners I have met over the past few years have been great, and this board is a sample of our fellow owners Have fun.

[Foiled Again]

you might start by shopping on e-bay for the advertisements for Airstreams.

However unless you really want to keep a retro look, you should know that you can do whatever you want as far as interior decorating.

Doing curtains and upholstery can be any "anytime you want to" choice, however before you get too deep into the cosmetics, make sure you've got the frame, subfloor, and plumbing/wiring systems in order.

I note you put on new axles - good move! That's the kind of "essential system" which normally needs maintenance.

Paula

[RM66caravel]

Congrats on the airstream I have daughters so I may never be able to retire! Oh yes also 6 grandchildren! I have lived in Maryland, moved away when I joined the Marine Corps in the 70's have not been back!
Cliff

[idroba]

The 70's fabric was more or less unique, and pretty hard to get replacements for, but then, it was not that good anyway...LOL. Go to any good upholstery shop and talk with them about what holds up under heavy use (RV use is intense, usually) and in a pattern you like. Don't get a loose, stretchy material, it will always look baggy.

[dbj216]

Welcome new Airstreamer. You're going to really enjoy travel adventures in that Overlander. It is a very nice size for traveling, quite comfortable. And I hope you enjoy the Airstream family. We're passionate about our trailers.

I retired a year and a half ago. We've taken 4 trips in our Airstream. It's such fun just to take off with no particular place in mind, just a direction. No schedule, and easily diverted or delayed if we find something interesting or pretty. This fall we will try the northeast. And it's always fun to meet another Airstreamer at the campground. Heck, you might enjoy doing a n Airstream caravan some day.

David

[ratfarker]

Welcome! I'm kinda new too, and the amount of help with your new Airstream that I can offer you could fit in a thimble. I just wanted to say hola and welcome from South Texas.

Matthew

[BassCan]

Congrats on your retirement and your new camper

[cwf]

Congrats and welcome!!

Do u need help posting pics?

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Britbat

.... is there somewhere that we can see the original colors/designs? Thanks, Britbat.

Here: Document Archive - Airstream

You can download the original sales brochures, manuals and various other documents. There are a fair number of images in the brochures.

[Britbat]

Hi All, thanks for the welcome it matches the reaction we get when we tell people we've bought an Airstream. We go to a caving event every year and everyone that has heard about it is anxious to see it when we bring it this year. We plan to keep it close to original but not fanatical about it we want to have it bright and comfortable. Next on the list after inspection is to check out the water systems first as well as the fridge, air conditioner, furnace and oven. The floor is in good shape but we have to replace the steel frames in front and back of the wheel wells plus the usual recaulking and belly pan re riveting, but all in good time. Looking forward to our first trip in 3 weeks even if we don't have all systems up by thn. Will post some pictures of our baby soon.
Thanks again.