RE: [a/s] My Two Cents

["MyAirstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxx>]

Two years ago I was a die hard bicycle tourist.  I didn't even own a car.  I
had a bike shop in Oceanside which wasn't doing so well and I was
liquidating bikes.  In front of the PO I saw a Ford Camper Van E150 with a
350 cubic inch V8.  It was for sale by two German bicycle racers who had
used it as a support vehicle.

I made them an offer of seven folding cruiser bikes for the van.  They made
the deal and I sent the bikes to Germany.  Then I went on tour with the van
up to Vancouver.  I settled in Ashland, Oregon.

One day I saw an Airstream trailer for sale on a corner lot.  The guy was
desperate to get rid of it because he was going into the VA hospital for an
extended treatment.  I ended up paying $1500 for a tarnished but
structurally perfect 1966 Safari.

Since then my life has been one big Airstream adventure. This wonderful
vehicle has taught me to take care of things.  I have spend another $2000
for tow hitches, brake controllers, brake jobs, door locks, and a few
miscellaneous accessories.

Today my Safari is nearly fully restored.  All original systems are working
as specified.  I just got back from a two day marathon where I camped out at
an RV service center.  The old guy who owned the place told me how to fix my
gas, H20 and electric problems.  I did the work and ended up with a bill for
two hours labor plus parts.

I don't think everyone is cut out for do-it-yourself restoration, but if you
are . . . it's one of the most satisfying things you'll ever do.

Bob Kiger aka Cruiser Bob
myairstream@home.com