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tttaross · 04-07-2019, 02:51 PM

I've marveled at Airstream for over 10 years... Now we finally bought an old one in terrible shape with dreams of restoring to travel the US with our kiddos but before we can get started we need help figuring out what exactly we have! Any help would be appreciated!

wkerfoot · 04-07-2019, 03:09 PM

The VIN is under the words Land Yacht look here for a translation: http://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/

Bill

Isuzusweet · 04-07-2019, 03:22 PM

You bought a BOAT on wheels......BOAT means, break out another thousand.

If you think this project is going to be cheap or quick, think again; take your budget and double, if not triple it; and do the same thing for your hours.

Before you start doing anything, assess your strengths and weaknesses; if you can't weld, do plumbing, electrical, fabricate metal, or be a skilled cabinetmaker, you need to walk, (no, RUN) away from this project. Paying someone else to do any part of this project will cost large money.

Just to be sure you know what kind of money I'm talking about here......I know someone who spent the equivalent of a Ferrari 512 on an 20' Argosy motorhome. Once you start, it's difficult to know when to quit. That's why there are so many ads for dreamers like you with trailers just like this one.

Next, assess the trailer properly; have one of the trailer people that inspect trailers to come by and truly assess the scope of work needed.

Do you know how many realize their dreams of a completely renovated/restored Airstream?............... Maybe 1%, if that.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

OTRA15 · 04-07-2019, 03:47 PM

For some perspective on the daunting task which awaits you, you might want to read The Love Shack thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...ck-183431.html

The author has posted great photos, and his thought process, as he digs deeper — all with a great sense of humor.

Welcome to the forum!

Good luck,

Peter

PS — Do you have a title for the trailer?

SilverWind · 04-07-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Do you know how many realize their dreams of a completely renovated/restored Airstream?............... Maybe 1%, if that.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Do you happen to a source for that figure?

**azflycaster** · 04-07-2019, 05:40 PM

It appears to be a mid 70's 31 foot Airstream. Most likely the bath is in the rear and the bed(s) are in the middle. The VIN will give you more info. The longer (31') 70s had issues with rear end separation which you can search the forums here and find out more. To see if you have this problem you can jump on the rear bumper and see if the bumper moves away from the shell. If so, that will be your first project.

OTRA15 · 04-07-2019, 06:19 PM

The photos suggest that rear end problem IMO.

Peter

dbj216 · 04-07-2019, 06:41 PM

Hi and welcome to these Airstream Forums. I can't make out the serial number from the photos you posted. But it is a Sovereign 31'. It appears in pretty rough shape, but dirt and stains will likely wash off making it look better.

As stated, and like my 75 Overlander, the 70s Airstreams were built light weight and had subfloor rot issues in the rear of the trailer. Then the frame disconnects from the body and the frame starts to sag. But that is just one of many, many areas that will need work.

Knowing nothing about this trailer except two photos, I would estimate it will be something like $20,000 in parts and about 1500 hours in your labor to get this Airstream road ready for family vacations.

You bought a big project trailer.

David

az-streamer · 04-07-2019, 07:05 PM

As you might have gathered from some of the posts you have a lot to consider.

The question is: do you want a project or do you want to travel. It might be hard to do both the way you imagine.

You are contemplating a project that will possibly take years - regardless of cost.

If you really want to travel - then you need a road worthy RV now - A S, SOB or other.

Projects are great for your spare time, travel now while you can and while the family is willing.

Lumatic · 04-07-2019, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTRA15

The photos suggest that rear end problem IMO.

Peter

Not necessarily. The tires are flat causing the rear end to be lower which can give the appearance of rear end sag,

**Rocinante** · 04-07-2019, 07:30 PM

Gotta say, this is one of my favorite Airstream rebuild threads of all time: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f7/i...lp-122767.html

Best wishes for a successful project, please do share your progress as you go - assuming you decide to go for it.

Isuzusweet · 04-07-2019, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverWind

Do you happen to a source for that figure?

No, that's why I stated "maybe". I do have gut, (no pun intended), evidence though based on ads I see on a number of sites, selling "interior gutted; ready for your dream interior; all the hard work done", versus fully renovated trailers for sale.

Now if you're just looking on this site you'd think a larger proportion of trailers are completed; but I surmise that a very large proportion of new posters with trailers in this condition, like this OP, are never heard of again once the reality sets in.

If you found my post to be tough love, it was meant to be; as realizing a dream is a lot tougher than people know.

I didn't even get into my "renovating a trailer is more science than design" speal.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

mbutterfield · 04-07-2019, 09:01 PM

Begin listening to http://thevap.com/ and buy Tim Shepard's book. Also consider buying the CD set of past episodes.

NevadaGeo · 04-07-2019, 09:32 PM

I'd get some tires that aren't flat on one side, wash it down, get the brakes working (those might be disc, where you'll have to get a hydraulic activator since you probably don't have a vacuum port on your tow vehicle), evict all the little critters and go use it. Ignore all these folk that can't be seen without a pristine as new machine, go use it like maybe you owned it. Fix the systems as you need them. Heck, some people go camping in tents, you have a wonderful tent there already. With glass to keep the wind down.

OTRA15 · 04-08-2019, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

. . .
If you found my post to be tough love, it was meant to be; as realizing a dream is a lot tougher than people know.
. . .

Valuable advice, as always . . .

helwigc · 04-08-2019, 09:49 AM

Don't get discouraged, access what you have and see if you are up to the challenge. Please post some pictures of the interior.

SuzyHomemakr · 04-08-2019, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTRA15

The photos suggest that rear end problem IMO.

Peter

I'm thinking that the axles might be toast, as well.

As long as you find joy in the renovation, you'll be fine. It's a great opportunity to learn new things and expand your horizons. If you set firm dates and budgets, you won't be happy. My total gutting took about 2 1/2 years, and that's with all sorts of wacky, needlessly complicated things that I designed. I saw the Airstream work as my treat that I received when I had all of the rest of my more mundane tasks done.

Never hesitate to play the "I'm renovating a classic Airstream" card! I received all sorts of help and discounts just 'cause everybody thought it was such a cool project. Also check into a local Maker Space, but these are typically in larger cities. Many are just coding, Arduino, Rapsberry Pi, and stuff like that, but others have woodworking and metalworking capabilities. And they have lots of tech geeks that can be drafted to help you with your resto!

tttaross · 04-08-2019, 12:12 PM

No, we are looking into it... I thought we'd just have to do a "lost title" but the seller mentioned a"vintage title". Any knowledge on the subject?

tttaross · 04-08-2019, 12:14 PM

My husband did say we'd have to do some work on the frame due to dust so I'll let him know about this problem! Thanks!

tttaross · 04-08-2019, 12:31 PM

I truly appreciate the words of encouragement AND the tough love! We flooded with hurricane Harvey as in our house had over 5 foot of water so it was a total loss. Brick and studs were the only things left and we were back in Christmas eve. So 4 months and my husband rebuilt or entire 2500 Sq ft house only hiring out the sheetrock (because it was faster)... So I know we can do it but I think my hopes on the budget are unrealistic so I'm happy to hear those "bring me back to reality" statements. At least it opens my eyes, thank you. Oh my husband (and a few family members) also built a professional barbecue trailer for cook offs so he's knowledgeable in framework, axle, ect but knowing the stuff that's specifically problematic to Airstreams is invaluable input! Thank you all so much and yes I'll share pictures when I can!