Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-18-2009, 07:52 AM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
Custom Idea don't hate me

Hello all I'm looking for my first airstream and have found ine for $800 the floor and inside has been torn out and the cabinets are stored as well as the tanks/ apliances.

listed as a 1959 23 ft, it appears to be a 22ft flying cloud..

My Idea is to get this AS and cut a portion of the back off and weld steel diamond plate on and some rails (kinda like a fan tail on a ship) with an opening for entrance stairs/ loading ramp for my kdx200 and xt350 motorcycles. while camping the back would be a porch/ griling area
remodel the front part into camping area with a shower, toilet, sink, refridgerator and bed or beds.

this AS seems pretty far gone so "converting it" to me does not seem like a crime.

what would you recomend I use to enclose the back of it with (bracing, door, and skin)?

what is in between the outer and inner skins of this year Airstream to attach paneling to?

would I be shunned and offered no help by the airstream crowd for not restoring it to its original glory?

I hope these pics work

sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 07:53 AM   #2
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14

another pic
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:09 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
aircooled4's Avatar
 
1971 31' Sovereign
1967 22' Safari
1958 22' World Traveler
Pardeeville , Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 569
Blog Entries: 6
I might consider doing your idea to a '79 or an '86...but Id have to draw the line at NOT doing it to a '50s trailer....IMO
__________________
Jay (KB8VMO)
WBCCI #10917
AIR #32349
TAC #WI-2
aircooled4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:18 AM   #4
Chief Chili Cook
 
newroswell's Avatar
 
2010 30' Flying Cloud
Bakersfield , California
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 738
The shell looks to be in great shape. It's worth far more than $800 as is. If you don't want to restore it, please sell it for a profit and find something (preferably with a salvage title) that needs body work.
newroswell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:21 AM   #5
4 Rivet Member
 
Distantdrummer's Avatar
 
1975 31' Sovereign
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 494
You buy it, it is yours to do as you damm well please. Don't be intimidated by any Airstream owner who does not contribute to your costs.
HOWEVER
I see alot more than 800 dollar value as it sits. The door on it is probably worth 500 or more.
Also you gotta understand that the 800 bucks is just a cover charge to get in(volved). You are about to spend a whole lot more than that.
If you now own it you have done good. If you hack it up you are leaving an opportunity of probably good profit on the table.
Think long & hard before you cut.

Good Luck
__________________
__________________________
____ d'drummer ____

...aahh..rumm..pu..tum..tummm...
Distantdrummer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:24 AM   #6
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
there is another one around here for 1500 that has been painet and has Bondo in it.

the 59 probably won't work out ...they are slow to answer email and posted no phone # to contact them

sorry but I cant afford a $17,000 popup with a cargo deck and too I really love the airstream style
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:28 AM   #7
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
I buy old basketcase motorcycles and don't look for profit when I need to sell them but most times I get allot more than I paid..

I know what you mean, Distantdrummer, its like when I go to look at an old bike that has been spray bombed...turns my stomach
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 08:31 AM   #8
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
D'drummer
whats the rear section worth maybe if it works out I could sell the door and the rear clip to someone who really needs it and reverse the effects of bad carma
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 09:13 AM   #9
Rivet Master

 
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
Images: 59
You're headed down disaster highway. The thing will weight more than a single axle can support after you add 500# of bikes, and another 100# of (steel??) diamond plate. And the heavy tail weight will make it squirrelly on the highway

Better to find a more recent wreck, with a heavier frame and dual axles.
markdoane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 09:54 AM   #10
4 Rivet Member
 
Distantdrummer's Avatar
 
1975 31' Sovereign
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 494
Thumbs down

Quote:
Originally Posted by sr5bidder View Post
D'drummer
whats the rear section worth maybe if it works out I could sell the door and the rear clip to someone who really needs it and reverse the effects of bad carma
Not much resale for rear sections as far as I know. Hard to remove, hard to store, hard to ship,..... hard to fathom...

I thought you already owned it. sounds too good to be true for 800. Maybe another e-bay scam. Beware.

Markdoane is correct about the axle. You definitely need a tandem.
__________________
__________________________
____ d'drummer ____

...aahh..rumm..pu..tum..tummm...
Distantdrummer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:16 AM   #11
Moderator
 
Stefrobrts's Avatar

 
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground , Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,254
Images: 50
Blog Entries: 1
I wouldn't call that 'pretty far gone', I'd call that a pretty good start at having an excellent Flying Cloud project. Flying Clouds in particular seem to have a fan base. It's worth more than $800 - it would be a good deal to get into it for that.

I agree with looking for a newer trailer with heavier duty frame and dual axles for your project. I don't know about the squirrlyness, but it would make sense if you add a lot of weight to the back end. I'd say get lots of input and think through your project carefully before you start cutting!

I think there is actually at least one conversion like that on here already. This community is actually surprisingly supportive of interesting projects like this - but weigh out the advice to make sure you get a good start at it!
__________________
Stephanie




Stefrobrts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:19 AM   #12
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
I was wondering about the wieght ballance... I thought the stuff removed from the rear would be that heavy, nice estimate on the wieght Mark...they would be 500lbs + perminate mount grill and a plastic or aluminium toolbox box slap full of misc..

If I remove the front of the Airstream would that be better....I need the deck!!
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:24 AM   #13
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
marietta , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 14
yeah Stefrobrts I will consider all input thats why I'm asking. I do not have the moneys for a full resto.

I have not seen this in person either and was wondering if its even movable with the floor out? 50-60 miles
sr5bidder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:29 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
Can I also add that the end cap provides a lot of stability to the trailer shell, not to mention is a major componant to the structure of the frame, which would further complicate the added weight of bikes and a ramp, people etc.
__________________
Scott & Megan
VAC LIBRARIAN WBCCI 8671
1963 Safari from the 1963-64 Around the World Caravan
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:41 AM   #15
Moderator
 
Stefrobrts's Avatar

 
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground , Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,254
Images: 50
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by sr5bidder View Post
yeah Stefrobrts I will consider all input thats why I'm asking. I do not have the moneys for a full resto.

I have not seen this in person either and was wondering if its even movable with the floor out? 50-60 miles
Moving it depends on how the floor was removed. the floor is sandwiched between the frame and the shell. As long as it is still connected it should stay together, but the overall trailer won't have the rigidity it would have with the floor intact. The frame is actually quite weak. It needs all three parts - frame, floor, shell - for strength. If it were my project I would have it moved on a flatbed, but that's just me.
__________________
Stephanie




Stefrobrts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:44 AM   #16
Rivet Master
 
3 Dog Nite's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Cleveland , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 787
Only love, not hate

I've had similar dreams for a cool open porch on the back. I would've used a classic MH. Don't know if the TT frame could support the cycles weight rolling down the road. I almost bought a funeral coach a few montha ago. Thought the flip down stairs for the flower area would make a great entrance.

Ricky
__________________
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." Mark Twain

AIR 22749 WBCCI 2349 NOVA TAC TN-6
1989 345 LE Classic Motorhome
3 Dog Nite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 10:51 AM   #17
Restorations done right
Commercial Member
 
Frank's Trailer Works's Avatar
 
1962 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Baltimore , Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,545
Images: 2
i'll buy any windows, hatched or doors you cut out of that thing. The axles are not the only thing not able to carry the weight. The frame is also under rated for what you want to do.
Frank's Trailer Works is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 01:26 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
purman's Avatar
 
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge , Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
I like the idea but you have a serious problem !!!!!!!

1. First the axle is probably shot and new one is $800 and you would need a 5000 lb one probably, more money.

2. The frame is no where strong enough to support that kind of weight.. The shell helps hold up the frame. Thus you would have to reinforce it past the axles, which would add more weight... Have you seen an AS frame. they aren't made of much...

3. With that much weight behind the single axle it would tend to sway and swing.

I think you would be putting more money into it than you would want too. You need an 80's trailer. Most 60-70's trailers need new axles and that is nearly $2000 for a double axle...
__________________
Jason

May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..

2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
purman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 01:40 PM   #19
Obsessed with Moonunit
 
COArgosy78's Avatar
 
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
Love It Here , Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 957
Images: 55
First off, I probably have no idea what I am saying structurally/or how you would do it...but here goes. If you found a double axle trailer in the 80's range and could do double doors on the side (opening opposite of each other), toward the front where the load can take it better, would that opening be wide enough for bikes up a ramp? Then, remodel the rear for living? Weight distribution is a very big thing in trailers - I found out the hard way
__________________
Leigh (IB Aluminated)

"When a great ship is in harbour and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for." by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, author of ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves’
COArgosy78 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 01:44 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
Mikethefixit's Avatar
 
1977 27' Overlander
Trotwood , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,153
Send a message via Yahoo to Mikethefixit
If ya want a toy hauler GO cut up an ole SOB U can probably fine one that will do the job for 4 or 5 hundred. It would be a travesty to cut up that FC. What everyone has told ya is the truth. When ya start messing wiff the shell it weakens every other thing. Seeing its a MONO COUPE design and each part rely s on everyother part to make the overall strength. Find an SOB that has a channel or I beam frame and a tandem to carry the weight. But no matter what we say here you will do what U want ITS YOUR $800 bucks. But my thought it would be a sin to cut up that particular trailer. Just my thoughts
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER
KA8LMQ
AIR # 22336 TAC- OH-7
May your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
Mikethefixit is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Does anyone else hate camp fires? Wayne&Sam On The Road... 586 02-15-2021 09:57 PM
RM 3807 Refridge-I-hate-ya dalefox Refrigerators 3 08-05-2008 12:13 AM
I hate hail! B25guy Ribs, Skins & Rivets 64 07-10-2008 02:06 PM
I *HATE* hail! Westfalia On The Road... 6 06-28-2008 08:47 PM
aaaaaaRRRRGGGGG! I hate UPS RichardT General Motorhome Topics 36 11-10-2005 02:52 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:01 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.