1970 Airstream project

[Butch Wilson]

I just purchased this 1970 Airstream trailer to give me something to do over the winter while I can't camp in my Flagstaff A frame !

 

[Oaklevel]

Nice !!!!!!!

There will be plumbing and electrical differences in a 1970 as compared to newer models. Probably no converter and a separate 12V and 120V systems. Keep good pictures and let us know how it is going!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rockfordroo]

Looks like a project!

About 30 years ago I worked with a guy who was living in one over the winter. Don't know how old it was, but it was old then. It was "parked" in a farmers field and had had a wood stove put in it. Some nights it would get to -20 deg. He said he'd crawl into his down sleeping bag and let the fire die out at night and listen to all the popping and cracking of the aluminum as it cooled down all night long!

He called it "the Silver Twinkee!"

 

[Restcure]

My wife and I considered restoring an older Airstream but we just don't have the time. I encourage you to buy a copy of Restoring a Dream - it's a wealth of information.

And apparently... they ALL leak!

 

[rp53]

from the pic. the body looks to be in good condition, would love to find one like that, the DW and i restore old houses for a hobby, restoring a TT would be a different challenge

 

[brother]

I am going to attempt to restore this 1968 Holiday Rambler trailer. Looking for more discussion, and some pointers. I am having a hard time finding any information on this year trailer.

 

[Butch Wilson]

View attachment 156229 I am going to attempt to restore this 1968 Holiday Rambler trailer. Looking for more discussion, and some pointers. I am having a hard time finding any information on this year trailer.

I was able to order a 1970 owners manual and service manual from Airstream.

 

[Butch Wilson]

I was able to order a 1970 owners manual and service manual from Airstream.

I was able to order a 1970 owner manual and service manual from Airstream!
Towing it home !

 

[clarkbre]

Cool project. As far as bringing it back to life, are you planning on keeping as original as possible or updating with modern conveniences? Anything like that would be a fun project to build out to your own preference. Keep us posted.

 

[Butch Wilson]

In order to get the wife involved I had to agree to ring it up to modern standards on the interior .

 

[clarkbre]

In order to get the wife involved I had to agree to ring it up to modern standards on the interior .

Good plan. It would be cool to see it with all new apliances, led lights, usb chargers and the like. Very cool platform to start with.

 

[brother]

View attachment 156229 I am going to attempt to restore this 1968 Holiday Rambler trailer. Looking for more discussion, and some pointers. I am having a hard time finding any information on this year trailer.

I purchased another Holiday Rambler to help with the restoration. This is 1967 model. The “68” had the bathroom midway in the trailer. The “67” model has the bathroom across the back. My wife and I are excited about doing this. We figure 2 years and 6000.00 dollars. See ya out there.

 

[Butch Wilson]

Good luck brother
I have only had my Airstream for a week. It has been fun trying to reverse engineer the assembly without destroying anything.
My grandpa taught me a formula for restoring anything over 10'years old.

A. Esimate the cost
B. Add 10 percent
C. Double the total
D. Add $25

Good luck on your project.

 

[extxn]

To both diving into restoration projects ~ good luck & keep us posted with lots of pics please.

Here's a site which either or both might find handy: Vintage Travel Trailer Accessories | Airstream Restoration Parts
Good folks there and where I bought items when doing a trailer conversion a few years ago.
Of course, that info is for anyone wishing to look at their site.

 

[Cowracer]

If I ever had a toaster (airstream), I would pay the $$$ to have it polished up like chrome. I love that look, but I wouldn't do that myself . I polished the pontoons on my pontoon boat, and everyone ooohs and ahhhs over the look, but they had no idea the hell it is getting there. When asked how my 'toons got so shiny, my standard answer is "equal parts hard work and stupidity". lol

Tim

 

[Butch Wilson]

If I ever had a toaster (airstream), I would pay the $$$ to have it polished up like chrome. I love that look, but I wouldn't do that myself . I polished the pontoons on my pontoon boat, and everyone ooohs and ahhhs over the look, but they had no idea the hell it is getting there. When asked how my 'toons got so shiny, my standard answer is "equal parts hard work and stupidity". lol

Tim

I know it is a major undertaking. Airstreams are also clearcoated and have to be stripped before polishing. Of course at 47 years old I wouldn't think a lot of clear coat remains. This is going to be an extended but fun project.
Just started on the interior stripping.

 

[DavidBo]

Wow, does that Airstream bring back memories. My grandfather had one just like that when I was a little kid. He kept it in his driveway, I remember sneaking into it at night and pretend I was camping. After he retired, he and Grandma took a major road trip all over the country, without GPS!! I plan on doing the same in a few years with my Rockwood.
This thing really pegs the cool meter, can't wait to watch your progress. Good luck and take lots of pictures!

 

[Restcure]

I know it is a major undertaking. Airstreams are also clearcoated and have to be stripped before polishing. Of course at 47 years old I wouldn't think a lot of clear coat remains. This is going to be an extended but fun project.
Just started on the interior stripping.

The book I mentioned in Post #4 has a chapter devoted to polishing. The author is one of the hosts of The Vap - the Vintage Airstream Podcast.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

How's the steel frame? May I ask what you paid for the trailer?

 

[CZNEDY]

Please keep the updates and Pictures coming.

Thanks,