Airstream project:

[Charles Freeborn]

Here's a link to the photos of the AS factory in Ohio. I haven't edited or culled them at all so there's a bunch...
https://www.flickr.com/gp/charlesfreeborn/11Gu44

If you have questions about specific photos post it here then I'll respond. It was a couple of years ago, but I still remember much of the technical data.

[Charles Freeborn]

Originally Posted by speeder

I can see where someone might think that but wait until I finish the wood and get the new curtains, fabrics and floor in it, then let me know what you think. I'd like to hear your opinion, even if it doesn't do it for you.

I'm going for my usual color theme which is light but warm, cream/light beige, etc.

An AS by design has to have the aluminum interior skin as it's a structural part. They are monocoque construction like an airplane, so the interior and exterior skins are part of the structure. So are the curves. Some models have more coverings and paint and are thus "warmer". Look at the custom one we built with the wood ceiling, etc.

[speeder]

I've been working away on it like a little beaver, thought I'd post a few progress photos. All of the wood is stripped and getting ready to replace the bad stuff when I get back to MN. next week. Lots of cleaning of hardware, etc.

Present status, partially disassembled:




The fresh H2o tank and water heater which are under a bed that's removed:


OG sinks and countertops cleaned up well and are in pretty astonishing condition for 53 y.o.:




Stove and oven are original and also excellent:

[speeder]

I've removed the inner skin on front of trailer to replace some bad floor. Haven't found any other rot, even in bathroom.




The OG cabinetry is all oak, here are some drawers that have one coat of new stain. This is the finish that will be in the rest of it:

[speeder]

Can't wait to get back on it.

[maxnine11]

Great project!
A lot of hard work, but I'm sure that it is rewarding to work on something that was manufactured at a time when the quality of materials chosen and the workmanship mattered.
Hopefully you get to be a 'happy camper' in it soon.

[tevake]

Nice progress Dinnis, those cabinets cleaned up very well, lots of elbow grease for sure, but so worth it as the refinish is coming along so well. That oak is going to finish out beautifully
It's so good to see that you are working with a real plywood floor. Not too long later they started using partical board in the floors. You can imagine how that goes with leaks.

Airstream has offered a range of models with different finish materials. Some are quite homey and warm. The classic models are a bit heavier but more nicely finished inside.

As others have mentioned the value of vintage trailers, especially air streams are going upward. So I think you will end up doing well with your efforts going into this trailer.
Most especially if you end up using it for some camping adventures, there is your real reward.

As for the observation that airstream so are cold and industrial inside, mine doesn't feel that way to me.
Cheers Richard

[intakexhaust]

couldn't resist posting:

A promotional 1947 photograph of the Airstream Company. The gentleman on the bike is former french cycling champion Mr. Latourneau. He is towing an aluminium Airstream trailer to prove the feasibility of the combination, provided the right cog for the job is mounted.



french bike racer alfred letourneur towing a 22 foot long airstream liner at the metropolitan airport in van nuys california in 1947 to demonstrate how light it was

[tevake]

Just a heads up Dennis, on airforums there are individual threads for each model that airstream has made. So it's there for models specific details available along with restoration details from others that have restored that model.

As was mentioned Andy at Inland RV is a good source for parts and info.for older airstreams.

I just came across Tincan Tourist site, another good site for vintage RV happenings.

Hang in there on your project Dennis, looking at the values of the various vintage trailers, the airstream you are into will be very worth your time.

Cheers Richard