I bought it, NEW owner of a 1974 Intnl

[F250PUP]

So I bought this puppy.....it is a piece o crap...but I can/will make it better. My kids and I named her "Silvia".

So here is what I found on closer inspection:
Good:
1) Refrig works
2) AC works
3)Electronic brakes work
4)Shell is in goof shape aand should polish nicely
5) NO MICE, I hate "things" that do not have shoulders
6)It had the owners and service manual (small victory, but a victory)
7)Center of floor is solid
8) If there is rear separation it seems minor. I had someone jump on bumper and body followed
9) Cabinetry is solid
10) Bath floor seems solid, looked under shower and did not see any damage
BAD:
1) Rust. Exposed cross member under trailer is rusted through. Curious how things look under the floor.
2) Only floor rot is about 4 inches in down the street side of the trailer.Pretty much entire length
3) All matresses and foam items were tossed, not a big deal
4) PO used a kerosene heater so a coating of gunk on interior
5) ALL windows need new gaskets (expected), but the tint (I assume thats what it is) seems to have flaked off.

Developing a plan now !!!!! But Silvia is mine and we will soon establish a relationship. And I am sure she will tell me who is boss ; )

Time to break some stuff !!!!!!!

[purman]

Strip it out. and do a shell off restoration. I didn't and wish I would have. It would have been easier in the long run. And until you get everything out you won't know how bad that floor really is.

Congrats though. Your in for a lot of fun....

[Kevin245]

Sounds like the same kind of stuff we all deal with. Congratulations on your new project. Keep us posted as to your progress and take some pics of your work.

Regards,

Kevin

[drag'nwagon]

Congrats on your purchase. 31's Rock!

[Bowmans]

Congratulations from just up the road! And yup, the stuff in the window is what is left of the tinting.

The wife and I got our 1979 Sovereign 31' last March here in Powhatan, VA. We are about 50%?? done... of course that may be a gross over-estimation.

Good luck with yours and we look forward to seeing photos of your progress!!

[F250PUP]

I posted this in the wrong spot, trying to keep everything in one place

So one day into this adventure, I got rid of the circular sofa, bed mattresses, awesome green carpet, pulled rims, bought new tires, cleaned up, took assessment of the damage (read opportunity for improvement), so far reasonably happy this is about what I expected. Found no mouse droppings or signs of varmints....Again I hate things that have no shoulders.......

Over the next couple of weeks, I have a guy that is going to replace rotted wood, remove frig, oven, furnace, re-enforce frame where needed, pack the bearings and service the brakes, test all systems and some other crap. I could do it but I would become obsessed and this would probably kill me. Plus I need to work to fuel my habit.

The cross beam I referred to last night is actually the hanger joist for the tank.

[FC7039]

Originally Posted by F250PUP

.......but I can/will make it better......

Sounds like the Six Million Dollar Man. Good estimate.

[kaydee]

There's no telling whats behind those walls....

[utee94]

Originally Posted by kaydee

There's no telling whats behind those walls....

I have a few guesses, and I'm betting it doesn't smell very good.

Congrats on the trailer, ripping them apart isn't that much fun, but cleaning them and putting them back together sure is.

Good luck!

-Marcus

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by F250PUP

Over the next couple of weeks, I have a guy that is going to replace rotted wood, remove frig, oven, furnace, re-enforce frame where needed, pack the bearings and service the brakes, test all systems and some other crap. I could do it but I would become obsessed and this would probably kill me. Plus I need to work to fuel my habit.

I would suggest that you check out the axles, before you spend any money on the brakes or bearings.

If they are OK, then great, full steam ahead.

If they are not good, then you will only waste money with the servicing.

You can easily check them out yourself, by reading the axle article in Airstream Central, which is a part of this Forums.

Andy

[68 TWind]

Check out TomW's posts and web site on replacing floors. Lots of pics. You need to understand the proper way to fix the floor so you will be able to watch the guy who is going to fix it. The rear must be fixed correctly or you will have problems down the road.
Good luck.