72 Safari Restoration Project and our Story

[RichHog]

So about 10 years ago we had a 72 Tradewind that was stolen from our office. We had put over $8,000 into her and hours of time on the interiors new custom drapes, woodwork, fridge, furnace axles and on. Two months later we went to Pennsylvania and bought a 2006 Safari SE25’ LE. We love this trailer and it has all the options. We just couldn’t find a vintage trailer that matched our Tradewind and we didn’t want to go through all that work. Get an almost new stock Airstream that doesn’t have all the custom touches we had put into our 72. But something was missing, we were part of the modern Airstream group and missed the Vintage world. So last week we bought an E Bay find a 72 Safari twin 23’ and brought her to Texas. She’s almost identical to our Tradewind, a little shorter, pretty much original interior. Had been sitting covered up for 8 years so there’s a lot of work to do. We got her to a tire shop 7 miles away and 2 hrs later with the bearings packed, new tires and an Anderson hitch installed we were rolling down the highway. So I’m reaching back to the Vintage world for help and to rejoin the community. My wife said we have his and her trailers now. So here we go again. I tore out the water damaged flooring yesterday and today out came the water heater. See you guys soon at a rally. Richhog

[Bubba L]

Welcome back to the vintage side of life. For whatever reason, we’re also partial to the older Airstreams. Good luck on sprucing up the 72. Bubba

[RichHog]

Still has that old trailer smell. Will have to work on that.

[Argosy man]

Love your new (old) trailer. Looks very clean on the outside and a perfect size for 2 people. Ready for more pictures as you retore this beauty.

Have fun
Shawn

[RichHog]

the interior is pretty clean. The PO had redone the gauchos and added wood flooring which has water damage so we just ripped it up. Interior lights work with the original univolt that makes a loud hum.

[Blu_Hwy_Lady]

Mine had the second gaucho in the back that pulled down into a tiny bed that blocked the bathroom door. Stupid layout. I gutted the entire thing up to the bathroom and redid the inside with a queen bed upfront and a dinette where the gaucho was. I also ripped out the divider so the whole trailer opened up.

It's been about 12 years since that project and I'm now redoing it again. I'm repainting the inside (faux painting), took out the fridge after I got sick eating food from it and replaced it with a Dometic chest type fridge that is 110/12v. No more useless propane that never kept it really cold. (The old fridge is available if anyone wants it. It works ok on 110. Barely functions on propane.) The bathroom is in the process of being gutted. Everything is out. I already gave up on the black tank/toilet and went to a portable-potty. Wasn't sure I would like it but I love it compared to the hassle of dumping and the permanent stink of the tank. After it was pulled out I could see why..disgusing!

I'm going to install a separate shower in the place of that stupid tiny closet with the 5 inch door.

[Hikia]

I LOVE my “71” Safari. She was so damaged when I got her (windows missing and open for 10 yrs in the Ohio elements)
But now I love her beyond words.

You can see more of her on my Instagram @AirstreamLoving

Not one thing worked in her when we bought her for $1800. But 4 months later she was BEAUTIFUL.

[chrisetmike]

Originally Posted by Hikia

I LOVE my “71” Safari. She was so damaged when I got her (windows missing and open for 10 yrs in the Ohio elements)
But now I love her beyond words.

You can see more of her on my Instagram @AirstreamLoving

Not one thing worked in her when we bought her for $1800. But 4 months later she was BEAUTIFUL.

What a gorgeous Airstream!

[RichHog]

Originally Posted by RichHog

Attachment 323286the interior is pretty clean. The PO had redone the gauchos and added wood flooring which has water damage so we just ripped it up. Interior lights work with the original univolt that makes a loud hum.

Picked up a new WH, hopefully it goes in easier than the old came out. Still trying to determine the wires and colors.

[The Flamingo]

Originally Posted by Hikia

I LOVE my “71” Safari. She was so damaged when I got her (windows missing and open for 10 yrs in the Ohio elements)
But now I love her beyond words.

You can see more of her on my Instagram @AirstreamLoving

Not one thing worked in her when we bought her for $1800. But 4 months later she was BEAUTIFUL.

What an incredible transformation!!! You did an incredible job!!