Any advice is appreciated !

[rrbyrd]

Hi, I am new to the Airstream world, but so excited to be a part of it! I just bought a 75 Land Yacht. I am wanting to convert it into a commercial kitchen. I need to get everything out which means I will have things to sell i.e. fold out bed, counter tops, bathroom fixtures, etc. Any suggestion of how to get this stuff out without damaging it, and how to get things i.e. ovens inside that are bigger than the door....Thank you!

[dznf0g]

I believe that everything that is inside will knock down to fit out the door, as all was installed AFTER the shell was attached to the floor and door cut into the shell at assembly.

[Condoluminum]

Yup.. ALL of the furniture, fixtures, walls etc were installed through the door after the shell was completed and bolted to the floor/frame... It comes apart with screws and rivets and bolts (the couch or beds) and can be done with care and plenty of patience...

Getting new things (like commercial stove..) INTO the trailer without expanding the door isn't possible, unless you want to have a shop unfasten and lift the shell off and then build in the kitchen equipment.. Sounds expensive and complicated, but once all the furniture out and floor stripped to wood sub-floor, it isn't much more work to lift off, if someone has hoiset and bracing to maintain shape and place to store it.. Search here for threads with terms like "Shell off" or "whole monty" to read and see pictures of how body shell removed... ( Airstreams sort of like Submarines.. Either it goes in and out the hatch, or it is a pain to put in or take out..)

[overlander64]

Greetings rrbyrd!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!

Originally Posted by rrbyrd

Hi, I am new to the Airstream world, but so excited to be a part of it! I just bought a 75 Land Yacht. I am wanting to convert it into a commercial kitchen. I need to get everything out which means I will have things to sell i.e. fold out bed, counter tops, bathroom fixtures, etc. Any suggestion of how to get this stuff out without damaging it, and how to get things i.e. ovens inside that are bigger than the door....Thank you!

Condoluminum has given you some excellent advice, and to his suggestions, I might add:

• Keep in mind that the mid-1970s coaches were designed with the idea that they would be towed with contemporary full-sized automobiles so the structures aren't always as sturdy as you might think.
  • The original axles are almost certain to be under-rated for the probable gross weight of your trailer once the modifications are completed -- not a huge problem as new axles are almost always required for a coach more than 25-years of age.
  • The frame is also almost certain to be under-size/under-capacity for your trailer once the modifications are completed -- something that would need to be addressed by adding additional cross-members and possibly side-rail reinforcement (depedning upon weight involved, a new frame might be necessary).
  • The coupler may also be under-rated for the weight of your coach once modifications are complete.

There have been several threads started by Forums members who have undertaken projects similar to the one that you are starting. They will be able to give you more direct input, but I suspect that you may be looking at a body off frame rennovation to make frame modifications an easier task.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

[Sodbust]

Welcome, first to the bunch here..

As for getting the old stuff out,, you will have a market for just about everything here but for the old rivets you drill out.. Be careful,, hammer marks will take away the value of resale..

As for moving a kitchen back in,, I would look at a custom build,.. Burner system can go in the door sideways and then legs added once inside.

Good luck,, and snap a few pictures.

Sodbust

[rrbyrd]

Thank you, can you give me a suggestion on how best to list/advertise what I will be pulling out of the trailer to sell, and where I find adequate prices to put a value on the pieces.

Thanks again for the advice, I will take pictures!

[Aage]

Howdy and to Airforums.com, rrbyrd! Lots of advice for any questions you can ask.

As for how to sell your old parts, well, we have a great classifieds sections right here. Have a look at it and see what you think. Have a look at my signature.

[SeeMore]

You might get a few ideas here:

Concession-Airstream-trailers

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by overlander64

• • The original axles are almost certain to be under-rated for the probable gross weight of your trailer once the modifications are completed -- not a huge problem as new axles are almost always required for a coach more than 25-years of age.
  • The frame is also almost certain to be under-size/under-capacity for your trailer once the modifications are completed -- something that would need to be addressed by adding additional cross-members and possibly side-rail reinforcement (depedning upon weight involved, a new frame might be necessary).
  • The coupler may also be under-rated for the weight of your coach once modifications are complete.

Kevin

What they said. Also, the 70s frame and trailer is significantly lighter than later Airstreams

[rrbyrd]

I'm sure this is a silly question to most, but I am a chick....how do you get the rivets out?

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by rrbyrd

I'm sure this is a silly question to most, but I am a chick....how do you get the rivets out?

Take a chick drill with a 1/8" drill bit. Drill through the center of the rivet.

[rrbyrd]

I can do that! Once again, thanks!