Vent tubes and East Coast VAC Rally

Today Dick Perkins came over this afternoon to freeze with me out in the SOTR. I was putting in my black tank vent tube, from the top of the tank, 90 degrees into the closet. I'm into the closet and now I need a 90 and a couple 45s to and about 9 feet of inch and a half black tubing. We're getting there inch by inch. The SOTR is currently a cold soaked refridgerator since the high was only around 18 today. Brrrr!

I also signed up for the East Coast Vintage Airstream Club (VAC) Rally to be held June 19 - 23 in Staunton, Virginia at the Staunton KOA. It's gonna be a blast.

From an Article in Tampa today

Baby boomers

Overall, the U.S. recreational vehicle industry is in a slump. Sales of motor homes, and other luxury items such as boats, usually see signs of a recession long before other sectors of the economy. People are not likely to buy expensive toys when they are worried about job security.
Industry insiders predict RV shipments to drop 10 percent this year, but there is a silver lining to this cloudy economic future. In a recession, people are likely to stay closer to home. Instead of buying that condo in ski country, they might consider a popup camper or travel trailer to tour their own state.

"We are counting on the baby boomers," said Pate Rawak, a representative of Ohio-based Airstream. "As they get ready for retirement, they are going to spend their money on something ... a boat, a trip aboard the Queen Mary, or maybe an RV."
It's always been my dream to own one of the sleek, aluminum travel trailers, the design of which hasn't changed much in 75 years. At 47, I'm still 20 years short of retirement, but I am a boomer and can see myself sitting on a oceanfront state park somewhere filing stories from the salon of an Airstream.

Classic style

Much of the Airstream's generational appeal is a result of its old-school design. On the outside, the company's original 1931 model doesn't look that much different than one built in 2001.

"Over the years, we have only had five design changes," Rawak said. "The last one came in 1996, when we widened it from 96 to 101 inches."

People can identify an Airstream by sight. There is no mistaking the familiar airplane fuselage on wheels as it rolls down the highway.

"Grandpa and grandma had one, Uncle John had one and now we hope that this next batch of retirees will want one, too," Rawak said. "And Airstream will last forever. We have built roughly 100,000 of them over the years and 60 percent of those are still on the road."
Another plus in these economic times is the Airstream's fuel efficiency, reportedly 20 percent greater than a traditional box trailer. At the Florida RV SuperShow, the Airstream display aired a continuous video of a Porsche Cayenne pulling one of the silver trailers down the interstate.

"Most small SUVs or cross-over vehicles can pull an Airstream," Rawak said. "You don't need a full-size truck to go out an enjoy yourself."

The price: $33,000 for the 17-foot, entry-level model.

Airstream Ranch

Frank Bates, owner of an RV dealership of the same name in Tampa, loves Airstreams.

"There is nothing like them," he said. "All over the world - Japan, Europe, even Australia - people are lining up to buy Airstreams. They are like the Harley Davidsons of the RV world."
With the company celebrating its 75th anniversary, Bates wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. So he bought eight used Airstreams they don't come cheap and built a monument along Interstate 4 in Dover.

"I'm from Texas, and we have the Cadillac Ranch, which was a tribute to the Cadillac Motor Company, which at the time built the finest luxury cars in the U.S.," Bates said. "I love roadside attractions, and thought we should have one here in Florida. So I built the Airstream Ranch."
The eight trailers - one for each decade Airstream has been in business - are buried nose down in the ground, just like the Cadillacs in Texas.

"The Airstream is an American icon. ... They even have one in the Musuem of Modern Art in New York City," he said.

The Brochure

Thanks Steve! I did not have this, and it's one I've been looking for.

Congrats to my Buddy!

Welcome our newest central NY Vintage Airstreamer. I've been working on my good friend John and he's finally pulled the trigger and is now the proud owner of a 1961 Airstream Ambassador. Now how do we get it from Cape Cod to Central NY?.... we'll be working on that recovery mission. A fine buy!

I need help! for my addiction.

Like I need another distraction like a hole in my head.... but I could not resist. As many of you that listen to the VAP know, I love 13 panels. So, my new good Airstream buddy Steve sent me a link to this trailer - and the price was right... so we got it. Later in the month, there will be a road trip to recover it! What is it? From the title it's supposedly a 1954 - looks like a 22 footer. It's got a front kitchen in it. I'm packing my supplies now. So, if later in the month anyone wants to road trip from Northern VA to Florida and back in two days, let me know!

18 rivets and counting

A boring, no pictures post tonight. So, tonight I installed the wall side tub support piece of aluminum that gets riveted to the wall and then the tub fastens to it and is supported around the outside of the trailer. 18 rivets and all. It's amazing how many rivets get used in doing an Airstream isn't it. I'm polishing the exposed pieces tonight. Good luck catching me Frank - throw down or no throw down - thanks Frank for the motivation.

Taken Tim's advice

I've ordered a couple of these ( http://www.tubbyusa.com ) (one for the SOTR's tub, and one for our old Clawfoot tub) to use. This is the stuff Tim used on his Ambassador as well. I can't wait for it to get here - as I am ready to go!

A few more pictures

Here are a few more pictures.. two more of the interior of the SOTR, one of Zoe's 65 Caravel, and one of a vent being re-produced for the SOTR over at Chevy Ave Restoration. Things are slowly coming together. I'll be posting some more pictures of the Buick this week as it is currently being worked on as well.

Post Hustle and Bustle

Well, now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is past us, I can get a little more time on the trailer, before the hustle and bustle of work kicks back up and I'm traveling again. So, here are a few shots (one of our living room after / during Christmas cleanup), one of a shot taken low near the floor of the SOTR looking towards the rear of the trailer with the bunks down while sitting on the floor, the tub in a pre-restoration shot (the before), one of the twin bed looking at the cool curved shelf (notice I have another light to install (the 12 volt) and another of the galley cabinets with a partial of the twin bed. I've got a few more pictures I'll post tonight.

12 More Rivets!

Well, I'm getting there. Tonight I installed the shower curtain holder to the walls. First I cleaned all the old paint off of it and then polished it, and then with 12 rivets, installed it. It's little things like this that just eat time - the cleaning and polishing. Frank will see. Here's also a shot of a vintage two row Spice Rack and for Christmas I got this cool retro atomic style clock. I apolgize for the blurry shots - I've managed to break my camera (forgot it was in my pocket and smushed it). I've found my Veritas Gas Lamp so I'll get to cleaning that in a bit. Here's a shot of the Caravel at night. Also, a shot of the trailer looking to the rear. Enjoy!

Panel and kids in the snow

Here is a picture that Zoe' took last week of the boys out in the snow near the Caravel...Then, there's a shot of me with the original panel that was the facing to the front in the shower. I think I am going to try and use this up to the point that there is a tear (near to where the shower head attaches) and down to the top of the tub. Man it was dirty! Our overhead galley cupboards are of this same Starburst type material. I'll use some aluminum flashing to seal it in real good and some adhesive to my nice new wood bulkhead. We love the starbust. Enjoy everyone!

A time to reflect

First, I must say Thank you to Colin for convincing us to rid the "Soon to be a maintenance nightmare" beast of a trailer and go Vintage. This picture, taken with my TREO, is one of the last trips we took in the old 34 footer sitting in our old driveway. We sold that in June of 2005 - over 2.5 years ago. Our 58 Sovereign of the Road is much better and we actually have more room too - even though the trailer is 4 feet shorter and about 2 tons lighter to tow. Thank you Colin for showing me the VINTAGE light! Now, with the new year upon us, here's to a Happy New Year to all of you and Thank You for following along on our blog. Here's to all our future Airstreaming travels and if we haven't met yet, hopefully we will this year. Let's hope for Good weather at Cherry Blossum in April (where my bathroom will win the Throw Down with Colin and Frankie - Tim, what's your favorite dessert?), a good pull to Montana in June to International or Virginia to the East Coast VAC Rally, and a great Installation Rally up here in central NY. What we have left to do on the SOTR -

Install plumbing lines (PEX)

Install propane lines

Install Fresh water aluminum tank under gaucho

Secure Gaucho

Paint / Install Tub

Install Grey Water Stainless tanks

Install Water Heater

Cut vent holes for Fridge

Secure Fridge to trailer

Install Dickinson Fireplace

Install Bunk Bed hardware for travel position

Finish Polishing

Install newWD arms to tongue

Change over a propane tank to OPD

Fill tanks

Wire in 4 twelve volt lights (2 are LEDs)

Complete step light wiring

So, stay tuned, as there will be lots to still accomplish coming up.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to everyone - may your new year be a shiny one!

Help - I need a part

So, here's the polished shower head / faucet. I still need to rebuild the rubber guts of it. In working on my tub, I've found my original P-Trap for it. Upon closer inspection, I saw a little hole in the side and noticed alot of what appeared to be silicone. I pulled it apart and look what I found - a HUGE hole - must be from prior water trapped in the cast iron trap freezing prior to me owning the trailer. So, now I'm in need of / searching for a low profile P-trap. I don't want my plumbing to go below my belly pan. So, if anyone out there has one of these, let me know. I'm working on the tub now.

Decorating for Christmas - Before the Storm

I went out and moved Zoe's 65 Caravel around to the front side of the barn with the trusty old Farmall tow vehicle, dropped it, and decorated it with some Christmas lights.. Can't wait for it to get dark tonight so I can see how it looks. Now to put a little tree in it and a candle in the window. It's supposed to storm tonight and tomorrow with anywhere from 9-19 inches of the white stuff - guess we'll be having a white Christmas this year. Happy Holidays everyone.

Home again!

Well, I've got my work cut out for me with this challenge.. basically because I work on the road so much...and Frank works from home. When I am away - not much is happening, and when I am home, all I want to do is be with Zoe' and boys. Now, I'm home through Christmas so I'll try to get into some of the work. So, tomorrow I think I will be getting into the tub. We're supposed to be getting anywhere from 14 to 24 inches of snow... YIIPPEEE!

62 Overlander

I finally stopped in again to talk to the Uncle to the owner of this sweet Vintage trailer. It's been sitting there for at least 8 years...what a shame. Also, more on the VAP throw down...check out Frank's Annalumanum link to see what his challenges are... Also, anyone interested in one of these Flamingos for a nice Airstream nightlight - $15 and you pay the shipping. Also, here's my shower head / tub faucet that I'm polishing tonight - you should have seen the looks in the hotel lobby as I was walking in carrying this thing. Oh yeah - Good luck Frank!

The VAP - Episode 59 Throw Down!

Well, on Thursday night, we taped Episode 59 of theVAP. It was our Airstream Christmas Wish List show. We had a guest appear towards the end of the show - Frank of ANNALUMANUM fame - the link is over in my links to the right. Well, Frank threw down a bathroom completion challenge to Colin and I, and I accepted. This post is for Frank! Here is where I currrently stand on our bathroom. The stainless tank is in but I have to install the vent tube still. The rest is there, except the tub, and that needs painting. Then, my plumbing. I was out there measuring for PEX today. You better get demo'ing your 62 Overlander Frank! GOOD LUCK! So, who'll flush first? Stay tuned.

A season of Giving Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Blog readers out there. This is a time with family and it is nice to be home. I wanted to give a big Thank you out to my wife Zoe for putting up with my Airstream obsession). There are many reasons to be thankful this time of year and I wanted to list a few. I feel lucky that I have such a wonderful wife, our three wonderful sons, our parents, all of our friends and family, our home, our Sovereign of the Road, the VAP, our Airstream family (the Perkins, the Rowbottums, VanDammes, Tim and Debra (we still haven't even met), Colin and Suzanne, Frank, Beth and Ava, the Waddells, Pete Daniels, the Inmans, Virginia, Wayne and Linda, Gaile and Rob, Garnett, Star and Peter, Marc and Becky, Harley and John, Margaret and Stewart, the Rogers, the Warners, and all the rest of the WDCU of the WBCCI), the Internet, all of my USMC Reserve friends, my good job, our dog, and the fact I am home. I hope everyone out there takes a moment to reflect on life and just take a minute to sit back and relax - Now - get back to polishing!!! Happy Holiday's all!

And then there were two!

At the beginning of the summer, I was back up to 5 Airstreams / Argosy's... but as of noon today, we are down to just two trailers - our 58 SOTR and our 65 Caravel. Today, our good friends scooped up our Argosy 24. It's a nice little trailer that will be back on the road again, destined for Florida I believe. Here they are hooking up and leaving the driveway. SYDTR Dick and Ethyl! Go Agronsky Go! Maybe Floyd will be down to give you a hand on this BEAUTY soon!

Heaters

Now that it's cold out..I'm looking into what we'll use for heat. Right now I have an electric heater plugged in and it's staying warm that way while I am out there working.... but this Fireplace is what we want.

It is a Dickinson P9000 propane fired furnace. Or, should I get the P12000 as it's a little bigger. The P9000 says 30-32 foot boat and the P12000 states 32-40 foot boat. I think I have more living space than a boat so maybe I need the bigger unit. Does anyone out there use one of these? How do they heat? I know they have a fan that gets its power source from 12V and that is not a problem (you can run it with fan off for boondocking times). The plan is that this will go on the wall, just to the left when you enter the trailer and vent through the roof. As an augment, we also have a NorthStar 3000 Catalytic heater we plan to use in the bathroom area for those cool bathroom mornings. Just not sure where I'll mount it yet. Who's mounted one of these in their bathroom? I'll be out there working later today.