F.A.Q.'s
Parts
Q: Is it a problem finding parts
to repair those old Airstreams?
A: In general, no. Few parts of an Airstream (outside
of the body itself) were of special manufacture. Therefore, a suitable
substitute can usually be found at RV dealers, trailer supply houses,
or the hardware store. Most parts and materials were high-end RV and home
construction. Don't expect "one-stop-shopping" or "at your
fingertips ordering", it will sometime be as much work finding usable
and correct parts as installing them.
Q: Where can I get parts?
A: The very first thing to do is get a copy of the RV
Parts and Accessories catalog from your RV dealer, cost is about $4. This
500 page catalog contains almost every part still made for trailers and
motorhomes. This way you can identify what is still available, and order
it from your dealer. Even many 1950's parts are still made, and can be
ordered in by your RV dealer, or shipped from anyone of dealers that ship
nationwide.
Second thing to do is find your closest Airstream dealer. Many of the
post 1968 parts and some of the pre 1969 parts are still available.
Third, develop a list of what you need, and then watch for RV Salvage
yards and junked trailers during your travels. Garage sales and building
material salvage companies are also good sources.
Don't overlook wrecks/hulks of other brands (non-Airstreams), as the parts
used on them will be usable for same era trailers.
Fourth, some items are still available from the manufacturer, and reproduction
parts are starting to appear from small companies and private individuals.
It is beyond the scope of the VAC website to track these, so this is where
attending rallies, subscribing to the VAC Discussion List, and researching
other private Airstream sites.
Q: Are older vintage parts available from the Airstream factory? Legend
has it someone bought it all and has it stored away.
A: What little was left of the inventory of 1968 and
earlier parts were sold to Inland RV about 1990. This was long after the
California plant closed. The parts inventory that California had on hand
was shipped to Ohio in the 1980's. So, I guess that makes the answer "no".
Q: Who makes the attached awnings I see on Airstreams?
A:
Zip Dee. Inc.
96 Crossen Ave
Elk Grove Village, Ill 60007
800-338-2378
and
A&E (Dometic)
Restoring
Q: What is meant by a restoration?
A: The owner of any used vehicle or dwelling can expect
a certain amount of maintenance; that means the fixing of broken things.
Restoration means going way beyond mere fixing, it means improving each
item to an as-new or original condition, or even beyond. The pleasure
comes from working with tools and materials, and can be considered an
art.
Q: Why would anyone want to restore an Airstream?
A: There is a certain satisfaction in saving something
old and making it usable again. The usual attraction is the unique styling
of the Airstream, nostalgia for the golden era of travel and camping,
and the pride one has in not only having a beautiful trailer, but also
something that is practical and useful.
Q: How much would it cost to restore an Airstream?
A: Depending on how much work you do yourself and the
initial condition of the trailer, with luck under $5,000, but surely under
$10,000. Few people have all the skills and all of the necessary equipment
for everything; for example welding or spray painting. This runs up costs,
but can hardly be avoided. The working hours required could run from 800
to 4,000, once again depending on condition.
Q: I don't have much mechanical experience and only a few tools,
will I be able to restore an Airstream?
A: Well, not going to lie to you and say yes and set
you up for failure. If you are familiar with building and renovating houses
or restoring automobiles, you should do just fine. If you have a good
selection of power and hand tools, you will be able to many of the basic
restoration functions. Otherwise, it is best to get an trailer in the
best condition you can find, picking up tools and experience maintaining
a classic Airstream. Another option is to pay someone to do all the work.
Q: Where can I get directions for polishing an older Airstream?
A: The best bet is to review the many websites of those
who have done it, and learn from their mistakes and successes. Demonstrations
are given at many rallies, and people that have polished their trailers
are always willing to share their techniques and tips. Also check the
FAQ section on Polishing below.
Q: I have an old Airstream, how should I go about restoring it?
Should I polish first, or what?
A: Many people’s first instincts when getting an
older Airstream is to start polishing, paint or replace the upholstery.
Just as with an old house, that won't suffice. You must address the hidden
less glamorous aspects first. The ideal order is:
Running Gear - axle, brakes, tires, shocks, suspension
Trailer/Tow Lighting
Weathertight the exterior - fix vents, A/C, windows and doors
Floor repairs - remove cabinets and furnishings if required, replace or repair floors
Address all frame, bumper and tongue issues
Fix Belly pan
Interior wall finish - clean and/or paint the Zolatone
Route and install plumbing, gas and electrical provisions
Repair and check the appliances
Install choice of flooring
Reinstall cabinets and furnishings, repairing as necessary.
Refinish before installing.
Install appliances and fixtures
One last pass over the exterior, making sure all work is done
Seal and Polish trailer Paint the steel parts - tongue, bumper, steps, etc.
Replace cushions and curtains
The steps involved in your situation will depend on the condition and era of your trailer but generally follow the same guidelines.
Q: My trailer needs so much attention and work, it seems so overwhelming.
Where do I start?
A: It can be very overwhelming. The key is to breakdown
the over-all project into smaller chunks, and then put them together into
a master plan. Establish priorities and work them, avoiding the temptation
to bounce around. Use lists to track needed parts, upcoming activities
and to remain focused on your plan. Become totally familiar with your
trailer before wielding the crowbar, understand how it all fits together
and have a definite goal in mind before you start ripping and tearing.
