Re: [VAL] Surfing Safari 1969

[<Balloon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris& Monica,

Congrad's on the new unit. Working on an Airstream I have found is like
working on an old house and an old car at the same time. If you are handy
around the house and can change your own oil you should be OK. The
systems in a trailer are much like the ones in your house. You have a main
water line coming in (either from the holding take or outside hookup) for
your water. Much like in a house you have cold, cold lines to hot tank, tank
and cold line to sink. Stove and frig are like a house, gas line from tank
(source)
to unit using gas. Electric, a little different. You have two types, AC and
DC
current and a Univolt that makes AC into DC. Outside lights just like a car,
running, brake, turn, etc... Brakes on trailer(just uses electric) Wheel
bearing,
tires, etc... like a car.

Most people start with the main systems (as long as the floor, frame, are in
good shape and the trailer is not leaking) first. After the main system are
up
to snuff, I would start with inside, cabinets, counters, etc.... Last for me
would
be the tires, brakes, wheel bearings. The reason for this order, the first
thing
to hit the road is done last. Tires have a five year life, bearings don't
like to sit.
Now, If you are planning on using the trailer during the restore process,
it's almost
the opposite. The very first thing you do is make sure you have good tires,
brakes,
etc.... Allot of people work on the unit as they are using it. What better
place to
get info on fixing something than at a Airstream (WBCCI) rally. Most of the
people
there have already been through or are going through the same thing you are!

If your not a member, I would suggest going the WBCCI and the VAC. VAC
rallies
are great for meeting people and learning more than you'll ever need to know
about
redoing a trailer and maybe an unknown source for parts. At the big WBCCI
rallies
some have seminars on solar, hitches, different systems, etc.... And many of
these
seminars are given by the vendors who make the product. If you were at the
Florida
State Rally you could have learned what it takes to put in solar(no need for
power outlets).


I doubt this helps much but you never know.

Paul Waddell
WBCCI/VAC/WDCU 1270
66' Overlander