DIY Network

Insider Details on the Airstream Project (Web Extra) From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-201

The purchased Airstream was in relatively good condition and was presented as having all the basic parts (such as the gaucho beds), which were good working order. The production company found during inspection that the Airstream had been modified quite a bit and was road worn, as most 30-year-old vehicles or older are. They also found that many systems were not up to code and unsafe.

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	The production company provided these beautiful shots of the finished Airstream.
	Bedroom
	Credenza
	Side-back view of the restored Airstream

For example:

• The previous owner had replaced the original refrigerator with a household electric model.

• The water heater was also a household electric model.

• The furnace was the original Suburban model that was still running but due for replacement.

• The gas cooktop was a pilot light model that needed replacement.

• The original Magic Chef oven was "iffy" and needed replacement.

• The Coleman air conditioner was working but not putting out great cool air.

• The plumbing had some leaks.

• The LP gas tanks and fittings were outdated and not up to codes.

• The electric system needed some work.

• The battery was dying and not up to codes as far as being properly vented.

• The 40-amp Magnutek converter was on its last leg (and the production company found later had been patched in and dangerous).

• One of the stabilizer jacks was bent.

• The interior was in okay condition but badly worn: cabinets didn't latch well; some of the tambour cabinets were broken; the veneer wood work was faded; the gaucho beds didn't work well; the carpet was torn and frayed; the laminate kitchen countertop was stained and we wanted to correct the sharp corners with a rounded design; the sink was small and the faucet ugly; the window blinds were cheap and ugly; the vinyl covered walls were discolored; the countertop in the bedroom and on the living room "credenza" were old, dark laminate; the lighting throughout was bad and dated; the bathroom sink fixtures were ugly; and the bathroom walls and molded units were stained, dull and ugly.

The restoration plan was to replace, repair and upgrade the RV systems and appliances as necessary and possible, and to transform the interior with a "modern industrial" look with classic overtones (rich woods, vintage designs, added aluminum, etc.). The goal was a comfortable, cozy yet luxurious feel, much like mid-century trains or yachts. We decided to paint the walls to warmth and color and choose brushed aluminum instead of brass fixtures.

Airstream Inc. and the Wally Byam Caravan Club provided the production company with some great historical photos and film to do an overview of the Airstream history and founder Wally Byam. This also included 1970 television advertisements and factory tour -- plus video of new Airstream models. The project Airstream had the WBCCI ghost number of 4271.

RESOURCES :

Airstream, Inc.
419 West Pike St.
PO Box 629
Jackson Center, OH 45334-0629
Phone: 937-596-6111
Fax: 937-596-7939

Historical Photographs and Film
Vintage Airstream
Website: www.vintageairstream.com
and
Vintage Airstream Club
Technical Advisor and Founder: Bud Cooper
Website: www.airstream.net

Wally Byam Caravan Club (WBCCI)
Website: www.wbcci.org

Airstream Life Magazine
PO Box 74
Ferrisburg, VT 05456
Phone: 802-877-2900

GUESTS :

Xavier Taylor
RV Expert
Phone: 865-388-3298 (cell)