Soon to be new owner.

[Jimroll]

Well the owner is new not the Airstream. I should be taking ownership of a 1962 Safari later this week. Needless to say it will be the start of a long project. I am new to Airstreams but not to camping trailers as I have built two so far. First was a Teardrop, followed up by a larger camper built on a pop up frame. Both trailers had 12v/110v power but no plumbing. This new project will be a new adventure and learning experience. Once I take possession I will start a rebuild thread in the Safari 1962 section of the forum. In the meantime I am attaching pictures of my first two builds.

[Hans627]

Welcome to the forum.

We will look for reports (and pictures) as you project progresses. I so much enjoy learning from what others have done or are doing.

Thanks!

[cwf]

Welcome!

[TG Twinkie]

With your skills. WHY WOULD YOU BUY AN A$?

[dbj216]

A high howdy from Colorado jimroll: Welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. Maybe building campers is in the blood of all Hoosiers? What is a Hoosier anyway?

Your two campers look very nice. Your 62 Safari is along the same lines, but different. It has a semi monocoque "old aircraft like" construction where the frame, subfloor, and body hold each other up. Comprise one of these structural elements, and the trailer becomes quite weak. Experienced vintage Airstreams do the "bounce test" on longer trailers. Stand on the rear bumper and bounce up and down like you're on a diving board. Watch for separation between the rear body to frame joint. If it separates, then the frame has rusted away from the body attachment points. The frame can actually buckle behind the axles.

Your Safari is not likely to have this problem, but you might chuckle at the "flimsy" frame, thin subfloor, or lightweight body. But tied all together it become quite strong. Maybe like an egg shell.

I've done work on a 66 Trade Wind (one size larger than your Safari), a 69 Globetrotter (one size smaller than your Safari) and our 86 Limited. We enjoy traveling in them. They are like camping in a business jet! Get used to ducking your head before walking out of the trailer door, and don't hit your head on the overhead lockers. Airstreams are rather small campers.

David

[Jimroll]

TG, I'll start by saying, because I have always wanted an Airstream. I also
wanted a new project, and more room as I get older. Now I will have three campers. I'm sure my two sons will be fighting for the extras.

David, from what you describe the AS is somewhat like a Teardrop in that the seperate components combine to form a torsion box which is quite strong. I'll have to do a bounce test to see what I am up against. The outer shell is in good shape for its age with only a few stone dimples, no major dents. The floor has only one bad spot that I can see by the filler for the missing water tank. Closer examination may reveal more. The 110 electrical works without blowing any breakers although i may completely rewire it. It seems like a good trailer for its age but i havent torn into it yet. I like your comparison to a buisness jet. I plan to end up with a fancy interior but we will see how it works out.

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

[dbj216]

It is likely to be a valuable trailer when you're done with it. Vintage Airstreams renovated to modern standards to make them useable are in demand. People like the iconic Airstream shape and its 90 year history.

I sometimes think Airstreams are like Harley Davidson motorcycles. They are still made to look old fashioned, and are easily recognizable almost anywhere. Renovating one is worth the effort in my view.

David