[A/S] Re: New vintage Airstream owner

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Spritriver98!

My suggestion would be to start with a thorough assessment of the 
coach in order to establish a restoration budget as well as to 
prioritize the various needed projects.  I might suggest something 
along the following:

1.)  Running Gear:  Assess condition of axles, brakes and bearings.  
Axles on coaches of this vintage often are nearing the stage where 
replacement might be necessary, and brakes/bearings may need 
attention as well.

2.)  Frame:  Any vintage coach, and especially the longer coaches, 
needs to be examined for three problems related to the frame/body.  
First, would be to check for sag - - a prime indicator being body 
damage behind the wheel well (usually described as ripples).  Second 
would be to check for separation of body and frame at the rear - - 
this can be identified by sitting or standing on the bumper and 
noting whether the bumper moves independently of the body (any 
independent movement can be cause for concern).  Third, would be to 
check for excessive rust where the frame is exposed - - near axles, 
at rear bumper and along "A" frame hitch - - excessive rust could 
warrant further investigation through dropping underbelly.

3.)  Exterior:  Examine for issues such as windows that need 
replacement, awnings that need attention, as well as other cosmetic 
repairs that you may wish to consider.  Particular attention to the 
door can be valuable as it is a common problem area if it has ever 
blown open in transit (usually results in a water leak that causes a 
soft spot in the floor in front of the door).  A less costly item, 
but one that will need inspection would be the propane tanks as OPD 
valves are a near necessity in most locations today.

4.)  Interior:  Examine all operating systems to determine what if 
any malfunctions exists.  Focusing attention on the more expesnive 
systems can prove enlightening - - including refrigerator, air 
contioner, furnace, water heater, Univolt, water pump, fresh water 
tank, and holding tanks.  In addition this would be the time to 
assess the cosmetic restoration/refurbishment that you want to 
complete.

My suggestion for a thorough examination is based upon my experience 
of just jumping into my Overlander's restoration.  I ended up 
spending far more than anticipated on its restoration because I 
didn't do a thorough pre-restoration check-up.  Things that such a 
pre-restoration check-up would have found on my coach included floor 
rot and rear end separation at the rear, outrigger problems on the 
frame near the entry door, a sprung entry door, worn out A & E 
Awning, and failing axles in addition to the items that my informal 
investigation had identified as needing replacement/attention.  Even 
after my experience with the Overlander's restoration, I wouldn't 
consider going back - - the coach has met my every expectation - - 
and the icing on the cake was when I discovered that it was the same 
coach that friends who took me on my first camping trip had just 
purchased new before the trip in 1964. 

Good luck with your project!  The experience can be rewarding, 
especially when going into the project with a plan.

Kevin