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...
Continue readingUpdating a Vintage Airstream Electrical System
One of the key benefits of working with my new contractors, Paul & Éamon McMahon, is that both of them are very capable and have been available to work on the trailer in their spare time. So, to some degree I’ve been able to take advantage of their combined experience simultaneously. While Éamon was working to repair the chassis of my ’69 Airstream, Paul went to work updating...
Continue readingVintage Airstream Chassis Repair (Pt. 2)
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...
Continue readingCrash Course in Recycling a Vintage Airstream
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...
Continue reading