Airstream project:
 

Finally got a little time to tear into the 1963 Airstream trailer. I towed it to Minneapolis back on July 4th weekend and after another week back in L.A., finally got to it. I'm concentrating almost exclusively on the interior in this phase, replacing some bad subfloor and refinishing cabinets, etc. All curtains and other fabrics will be replaced as well.

I'm really lucky in that this trailer is mostly original and not missing any pieces inside. Most of the ones I look at on eBay or elsewhere online have major components long gone or in some cases are gutted. About the worst thing on mine is that the previous owner made a bad decision to coat all of the OG cabinetry w a poly type cherrywood colored goop and did a sloppy job on top of it.

I wasn't sure if I could get it off clean and waffled on whether I wanted to tackle a major wood stripping job inside an aluminum tube during the hottest part of summer. :eek: I even considered replacing all wood, (I hate the finish that much), but it would be a big, expensive job and impossible to match the OG perfectly. I'm a resto guy and an originality freak w most things. The way that Airstream interiors were made in those days, (up until 1969 w the '60s being the peak of craftsmanship), was phenomenal. Wally Bynam's philosophy of lightweight but extremely high quality interiors made for the best plywood construction I've ever seen. It's like a cost-no-object sailboat from Scandinavia or something. All materials are as thin as they can be while still being very strong. :)

I did an experiment and found that the poly crap came off pretty easily w common stripper, so off I went on a toxic journey. The thing about stripping finishes, (besides wearing a respirator and protective clothing), is to get ALL of it off in the stripping process and minimize sanding. If you do it right w the right scrapers, sanding is all but unnecessary. I hate sanding. The bare wood will get oiled or clear stained, it is a really nice oak plywood from the good old days when everything was old growth.

I'll post more pics as it progresses. :cool:

This would be a "before" picture w small stripped area on lower right:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469545852.jpg

Here is some partial progress showing original paneling:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469545994.jpg

This is a sample of the crap finish:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469546081.jpg

Bad flooring under couch, probably from window leaking. I'm going through all of the windows and making sure they function and seal properly:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469546200.jpg

Beautiful flush drawers under couch, these are huge. There is a ton of storage in this thing:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469546271.jpg

And as for the old linoleum flooring, the greenish stuff is backing from the carpet that was in it for decades and the black is flooring glue or mastic, almost certainly asbestos. It was cleaned out carefully w water mist and a good respirator, it's now all covered. Not exactly sure how I'm ultimately going to deal w it, there is no awesome and easy solution. Probably just cover again w new carpet.

More progress:
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469546958.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469547025.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469547068.jpg

BTW, when it comes to "Aluminum Lug Nut Syndrome", Porsche had nothing on this American entrepreneur. It was used everywhere humanly possible in this thing, down to fasteners, etc. :)

You need to get connected with "Airstream Addicts" on Facebook. They have a lot of good resources and are all originally freaks.

IF you want a really good power system, we make hybrid solar energy systems. We even have flexible, adhesive attached solar panels. The smallest will power a 30A RV. The next size up will power most full RVs.

Looks like it is cleaning up okay, that cherry crap was a bit dark. What is the finish supposed to be? I bet that 50 year old wood soaks up gallons of oil.

I wish I had the ambition to take on a project like that....

Keep us in the loop, Denis, and we'll keep you motivated while we live our vicarious lives....

You need to hook up with my Buddy Johnny Agnew from Funky Junk Farms. Teamster driver in Hollywood, has a ton of vintage trailer stuff and even more knowledge. He's up in Altadena. Major motorhead and a real great guy. Let me know if you need his contact info.

nice project.
i'm with herr_o.
........ wishing that i was as ambitious.

I'm split between buying a late model, lightly used (2010-2014) or a project. The nice thing about the project, it will be fixed up exactly the way I want.

If I were to go the project route I would:

Take the camper off the frame
Build a new frame in 5052 aluminum, are as much as possible.
On rebuilding the inside, I would sacrifice a little interior space to extra insulation.
Top would be left alone with flexible solar panels glued down.
Air conditioning: ditch the standard model for a mini-split style
Power system: our Mi-Grid 500
Interior: super light materials

Really appreciate this, I may be reaching out to you on that. For now, I'm just trying to get it nice inside and mouse-proof but solar is interesting. Thx

A late model trailer would be in great shape and plug-and-play. You also would not have to feel bad modifying it. I could not handle any exterior or interior changes on this one, I'm going to put a small stand alone type A/C unit in it and vent out a window.

Thanks, I'll get back to you on that. I'm doing ok at the moment but will need some parts. :cool:

Whatever sweat equity you put into it you will get $$$ out of it. Being friends with Johnny and other trailer enthusiasts I have seen these vintage trailers appreciate, almost rivaling the 911 market.

I'm of similar mind, only I'm thinking of a Class B. I had a 19' Roadtrek for a few years. Never used the micro wave, hardly used the cook top, used the refrigerator as an ice box - never could get it to cool properly. I hated the tiny, weird shower. So if I built a project it would have a queen bed, decent shower, one burner for cooking, no space wasted for a microwave, and a for real icebox , and most importantly a little more space to move around in.

i am liking this small unit:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469551633.jpg

https://gearjunkie.com/dub-box-camper-trailer

Awesom project Denis. I love those things. Keep us posted on your progress.

Before you get too far have a good look at the subfloor and search for rot. AS trailers have a curious construction that traps the plywood floor in a channel. It collects water and then rots out. I have photos from the factory somewhere- they still build them the same way. I worked for a custom mod shop for a bit. "Timeless Trailers" in CO does cool things with them. The outfit I was with is "Ultimate Airstreams" here in OR. Not sure if they're still in business.

Great project. Congrats on making the effort & investment to return it to it's former glory. After looking at the stripped panels, I can't imagine why anybody would screw them up so badly as the PO did. Keep up the good work!!

So far, the only rot I've seen is in the front where I pictured it. I'm going to rip out that piece today and get a new one cut and installed. I'm not equipped in any way to remove the body from the frame right now and really not interested in doing it. Also not interested in modding the trailer but to each their own.

I may reach out to you when I run into speed bumps, if that's ok. :)

I saw a sweet rig on my holidays, here's a pic. If I ever win the lottery I will buy this truck and the sad sack trailer behind it.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1469565356.jpg

The moped in the back will have to go. I have no use for that thing.

SmileWavy

Dad had a '59 Boles Aero 24' tandem axle. It was all blond wood inside. Yours will look super when done, even if it turns a shade or two darker with oiling.
Good job.

:)

Denis,

this may be too much information, and you may already know this, but,,,

Take a deep breath. Make sure you want to do this.... I have done it three times. Once to just fix it up and go camping. Then another trailer and did it right. Then went back to the first one and did it right. (i should have just done it right the first time). I know of two airstreams in the area where the guys have just given up, too much work.

one of the first steps is to make sure you stop all the leaks. these old trailers have them and they can be tough to find and stop.

drop the bottom skins and look at the floor from the bottom side. you will get a much better picture of total floor rot. also you will see how much frame rot there is. there will be some - the fiberglass floor insulation falls down and collects water causing frame rot. floors typically rot under windows, access doors, wheel wells, and main door. the awning rail is also a frequent leak point.

some guys end up pulling the body off the frame to get easier access to repair the frame and totally replace the floor. - i have not had to do this but some have.

figure to replace the axles, they will be bad.

inspect the frame at the axle location. the frame often cracks here if there is separation at the back. check for separation at the back - the frame is supported by the aluminum exterior, not the other way around. you can check by jumping on the back bumper and seeing if it drops downward separating from the back exterior panel.

figure to replace everything - a/c, inverter, converter, battery, plumbing, window and door seals, refer, furnace, lights, beds, cushions, flooring. add a big D4 size truck battery and full led lighting. and add a current sensor to monitor amp draw so you know how much battery is left. don't rely on the voltage sensor, use a current sensor.

If you try and fix up the old stuff they will just break down on you one at a time and drive you crazy with repairs and interruptions to your camping.

if the camper does not have an a/c you can add one somewhat easily. it should be pre-wired including a drain tube.

check the plastic exhaust shroud from the refer to the roof. they typically age-crack.

you should add a decent size black tank, a grey tank, 40 gal capacity for each and plumbing. the older trailers had a small black tank only. you will need to space up the frame to make room for the tanks and enough drain pipe pitch to a macerator pump. don't go cheap and try to use a blue-boy portable tank, you will forever wish you had added proper size black and grey tanks.

replace all the old copper piping with pex and put in a modern water pump. add a bypass around the (new) hot water tank to make it easy to winterize. while you are doing the plumbing, add tank level sensors and a read-out panel.

careful when you replace the woodwork with new plywood, it adds weight quickly.

Get a good weight distribution hitch with sway control. you don't need an F250 to pull these trailers. I use a tacoma or a jeep grand cherokee.

these are fun trailers to rebuild but they are a big project. just psych yourself up and trudge thru it.

Inland RV just south of Chino is a good resource. andy, the owner, is a crotchety old opinionated bastard but once you get past that he knows everything about airstreams.

Yep. Restoring an old Airstream is a commitment in more ways than one. That's why around here a tiny 50 year old partially restored Bambi just sold for 30k!

No worries - the sub floor can be changed in sections - You cut out the bad part, make a new one and slide it into the channel that form the junction of metal to wood.

I'll look for the factor photos and put them in a flikr folder or similar.

John, thanks for taking the time to write that. I don't have the time, (or really the inclination), to rebuild this thing from the ground up but I definitely need someone knowledgeable to inspect it and figure out what I'm working with. The good news is that so far, it's in remarkably good condition for its age and compared to other old ones I've seen online and in person. We have another 1950s 30 footer out at the ranch where I store it in SoCal, that one is a basket case project.

I haven't even tried to turn on the stove or inspect the water systems yet. Don't even know how to, I need the correct owners manual for it. I bought a reprint on eBay for what I thought would be a close enough year and model but everything is in a different location on mine.

I have been able to inspect most of the floor from inside and so far it's all solid w the exception of the two spots right in front. I'll definitely get under it and check axles and frame, the axle, (it only has one), looks good from underneath. I paid a licensed trailer service repair place to inspect it before towing it to CA. in 2015 and they gave it a clean bill of health, plus serviced brakes/bearings/new tires. I just towed it back to MN. and it needs some further brake work.

At any rate, I'll try to keep this thread going as I inspect different areas. Thanks again. :cool:

Here's some shots of a custom one I worked on:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYc1z3A
It was built as a lounge car for the beverage industry at trade shows etc.

Writing on stone?

Wow, vintage Airstreams came with a bathtub? Ridiculously cool! Unfortunately that sort of thing just doesn't fit into my life right now - no time. How cool would it be to go camping in that thing though?

The more I look at this, the more I'm thinking late model...and spend the rest of the money on Solar.

Looks like a nice project.

A friend of mine has a customized 1951 Royal Spartanette by the Spartan aircraft company. I had a chance to visit while it was being restored, left me in awe.

I'm sure your end product will have similar results.

Guess I'm the odd one. I really like the exterior of AS trailers but the interior is far too industrial looking and feeling for me. Like trying to call the dentist office home. Granted the craftsmanship of the older units looks phenonemal there is, IMO, no warmth or appeal. Guess I don't get it.

Love your thread Denis. Kudos for the effort, stripping cabinets is about the least favorite labor job I can imagine. ;)

That group is like hanging around here. Tons of knowledgable helpful folks, and like being a drug addict in a crack den!

Thats where we are at. Would like to DIy, but the newer ones are move in ready, and I like the designs. I also know from seeing my parents buy RVs, just how big of a pain in the ass an old RV can be...


Looking good Dennis!

Wish it was an RB, but this looks like a deal...
Flying_Cloud_Airstream/N515612 Interior*Like*New

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. :cool:

They do not list the size on that one but it looks like a bargain based on the new prices I've seen. It also looks to be in pristine condition and needs nothing.

A person could totally live in that if they had a place to park it, plug in, etc. :cool:

If you don't want get into a project, newer is the only way to go. This one sort of fell into my lap and luckily it's in pretty good shape but still, I'm going to be putting some hours and $$ into it.

Mint older ones are $$ and new ones are $$$$$, the one that Sid posted looks like a winner if you want a trailer. :)

Thuy and I 100% plan on spending our first year of semi retirement in one of these. Just gotta get the kids grownup!

Here is the thread on mine,
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/501834-bought-old-travel-trailer.html

Unfortunately it was totaled in a hail storm. After I spent quite a bit of time polishing the exterior of coarse. I bought it back from the insurance company and just sold it. After all the work I put into it the hail dents bothered me to much.