D.I.Y. – Little Green Airstream

Repairing a Vintage Airstream A/C (Part 2): Shroud Replacement

August 1, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

The original Armstrong air conditioner that was installed on my ’69 Airstream came with a plastic shroud (cover) to protect the unit from the elements. Over time, the plastic degrades, and the shroud needs replacement. In a case like this, where the company is no longer in business, finding parts can present a challenge. On top of that, when parts are not universal and need to conform to...

Restoring a Hensley Arrow Anti-Sway Hitch

February 23, 2017May 5, 20176 Comments

While the Airstream was in Vermont with my contractors, it was important to me that I get the most out of my construction schedule. To do that, I’d made a list of tasks I could do from home that didn’t require my having the trailer with me and made preparations in advance. As I shared in a recent post, one of the things I was able to do...

Refinishing Vintage Airstream Cabinetry (Part 1)

November 6, 2016November 16, 20162 Comments

One of my favorite maxims (attributed to branding entrepreneur Steve Stoute) is, “Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can.” I’d anticipated that my trailer would be with a contractor for at least a month or two, while tasks were completed that are not part of my skill set. So, last Spring I’d removed some of the original woodwork, window screen frames, and...

Crash Course in Recycling a Vintage Airstream

September 17, 2016November 16, 20162 Comments

By the end of June, I’d started moving forward with my new contractors, Éamon and Paul McMahon. We’d placed orders for replacement parts for the chassis, and agreed on the following scope of work: To supply & install five new outriggers for replacement on the chassis To sandblast and paint the entire chassis, including the A-frame and bumper To fix the entry stairs (which were wobbly in part...