Restoring and Remodeling Airstream Trailers
Airstream Trailers have been iconic since the moment of their inception. Airstream can trace its history back to The Spirit Of Saint Louis in 1930. The aluminum body and aerodynamic shape were ahead of their time then, and still inspire the imagination today.
Because they are made of metal, Airstream trailers hold up well and retain their value. Actually, Airstreams are crazy expensive, even in poor condition. A 2015 AIRSTREAM FLYING CLOUD 28 RB Queen CAMPING TRAILER, similar to the one shown above, was listed for $59,900.00 on E-Bay. It sold quickly.
The ad read: “Trailer is approximately 26 feet long, with GVWR weight 7,300 lb, Dry weight of 5,607 lb, 39 gl freshwater tank, 37 gl grey, and 39 gl black tank. Trailer has window awnings, large front living area features fold out L-shape couch and dinette that also turns in to bed. Microwave, stereo system, bed in the rear with twin beds and walk through bathroom. The trailer has North Carolina Salvage Certificate title due to right front and door area damage. There is also a small dent in the rear bumper and door hinges are damaged. Trailer is road worthy and was towed from North Carolina to CA, with all of the appliances and mechanicals in working order.” They state the original price was $80,000.00 new.
Old Airstreams Need Restoration
This 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud is listed on EBay for $23,500.00*. It needs serious restoration, as you can see.
Airstream travel trailers tend to hold their value. Restoring an Airstream is an act of love, rather than the goal of an economic tiny home.
Any interested party can probably count on buying new tires, not to mention having the bearings repacked, if not replaced. The inside looks to be a total gut job, and there are several dents to fix.
Luckily there are a number of good parts suppliers and many fans groups you can join to get all the advice you’ll need. They all recommend that you double or quadruple your budget figures when deciding whether or not to become involved in such a project.
Repairing the Aluminum Exterior
The aluminum exterior has unique requirements for the restoration process. The manufacturer used rivets just like an aircraft body. Riveting is not hard to do, but you do need specific knowledge to do it right. Download this 8 page How To pamphlet: Buck Riveting Basics – Tools and Techniques. See the riveting kit in the widget section to purchase supplies you’ll need.
Removing Rivets
Removing rivets can be a time-consuming, nasty job. This 3PLUS denailer makes it a simple one handed project. If you are replacing the skin or framing of an Airstream trailer this will be the best $45.00* you’ve ever spent.
It’s made to remove nails from reclaimed wood, and it a great tool to have around for that purpose. See my page on reusing old pallets. But it works perfectly for rivets, too. Just hold it diagonally to the head of the rivet and press the trigger. The rivet head is instantly sheared off.
How To Polish An Airstream
Few things are more gratifying than buffing a seriously oxidized Airstream back to its original mirrored glory.
Vintage Trailer Supply has a blog giving detailed instructions on How to polish your Airstream Trailer. The writer gives superbly detailed instructions, including the exact buffing machine and polishing compounds to use. He even explains the different types of aluminum used on each model so you get the best result.
Vintage Trailer Supply also sells all the equipment and polishes you’ll need to do a professional job.
Aluminum Polishing Kit
Cyclo put together this ready-to-go kit for customers who are buying a Cyclo polisher for bare aluminum. It includes all the accessories you’ll need with your Cyclo to create a mirror shine on a properly prepared aluminum trailer.
The kit is discounted $20* over buying the individual items separately and makes sure you have what you need so you don’t waste time.
Just starting the polishing adventure?
Not to be outdone, DeWalt put together this ready-to-go kit for customers who are just starting their polishing adventure. If your trailer has never been polished before, this is where you need to start.
It includes all the tools you need under normal circumstances* to properly remove all the oxidation and correctly prepare your aluminum trailer for final polishing. Of course, before you begin polishing, your trailer skin must be bare without a plasticoat. If you have a plasticoat on your trailer, you will need to remove that before polishing. The DeWalt Polishing kit does not include polishing compounds.
Polishing aluminum is a three-step process. This kit has all the tools you need for the first and second steps. When you are finished with steps one and two, you will be ready to switch to a Cyclo polisher for your third and final step.
Restoring the Interior of a Classic Airstream Travel Trailer
You can create a modern interior, or restore the interior to the original retro theme.
Restoring to the original theme
This photo shows a gorgeous retro restoration.
You can find original, period specific, fixtures, fabrics, and decor at Vintage Trailer Supply.
Airstream is has a great archive of downloadable owners manuals.
There are several books and magazines showing authentic interiors. Some are listed in the widgets section of this page.
The Airstream Lifestyle
You can dive into the Airstream lifestyle as deeply as you want. Join one of the many Airstream enthusiast groups, or attend any number of Airstream rallies.
DIY Airstream Interiors
Today’s Airstream trailers are ultramodern and sleek. There are companies who will make your interiors for you, but where’s the fun in that? Creating an interior that is worthy of an Airstream travel trailer will definitely exercise your best DIY skills. A restoration can take years to complete. Sourcing parts is very time consuming.
Read the Airstream Quality Guide to get tips on the assembly process, which will help with your restoration process.
Replace the appliances with brand new
The refrigerators in old RV trailers are the leading cause of camper fires, so always replace the refrigerator. I would replace all of the appliances for good measure. The water heater will have no doubt rusted through. Most metal parts will be so corroded they are not safe.
This Dometic dual powered refrigerator (LP or AC or 12v DC) has ergonomic integrated locking door handles to keep contents safe in transit. Solid steel frame construction for rugged durability. Electronic controls with automatic LP gas ignition for easy operation. Six and eight cubic foot models for most RV applications. Click on image to see more at RecPro.
For more information on RV appliances visit these pages:
Here’s a YouTube® video that shows an interior renovation in just five minutes so you can get an idea of whats involved:
Find Airstream trailers for sale in your area
You can easily estimate monthly payments, get insurance quotes, and set up price alerts for the RVs you’re interested in while you search. Use this tool to search the inventory: