Little Green Airstream
The green renovation of a vintage travel trailer
The title of this post is a bit of a misnomer… the most recent contractors I’ve been working with are not technically pro Airstream restorers. However, they are professional welders with skill & experience in a variety of disciplines – including stock car repair, plumbing, electrical work, and solar panel installations. Still, since taking on this project (and in addition to updating the chassis and electrical system as...
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Once my contractors and I had established an initial scope of work, we then ordered or otherwise salvaged parts that would be used in the renovation process. It was important for me to help establish a sequence for completing the scope of work. So I provided the following list, in order of importance: Chassis Welding Floor Rot Prime & Paint Sandblasting Deadbolt Lock Install Electrical Install new converter...
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This past spring, I’d made real progress (and faced some challenges) working with contractors that were helping me to repair my rusted chassis, replace axles and otherwise price out the scope of work to get my vintage Airstream ready for my cross-country trip. By early summer, weeks were passing by and I was struggling to get them to return phone calls or otherwise give me a date when...
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Probably the most famous element of the Airstream’s construction is the riveted aluminum paneling, originally inspired by aircraft design. Airstream’s motto, “live riveted,” equates these little fasteners with the trailer brand and the lifestyle of their owners. I’d learned through the Vintage Airstream Podcast and Airstream Life magazine that there are three different types of rivets that are typically used in Airstream construction, the most prominent of which...
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