1966 Airstream Project

In April 2006, we purchased a 1966 Airstream - 26 ft. Overlander. We found it on the property of an antique dealer we knew from town. She sold it to us for $1500, although $500 is being bartered in exchange for picture framing ( I own a frame shop/ art gallery in town) and for electrical work (Will is an electrician). The prior owner, Leanne, is allowing us to do demolition and rebuilding on her property. We are hoping to have this project finished within 6 months. It will then become our primary residence for the next three years. I will be selling my business this year and we will abandon the east coast and head off for a new adventure in the great northwest. Living life as wayward gypsies for 3 months, we will stop off in Utah, Colorado, and then stay in Arizona for a few weeks before heading up the California coast to arrive in Oregon.There we will look for land to build our small rustic home. Eventually, we will add rental cabins to the property including a teepee, cordwood cabin, board and batten cabin, hand-hewn log cabin, and of course, the airstream. All rentals will be run from solar power and will have compost toilets.

Before photos
I am more and more inclined to reduce my baggage. I am becoming more in love with simple things - a small house, a hut in the woods, a tent on the shore. The show and splendor of greathouses and elaborate furnishings oppress me. They fix the attention on false values, set up a false standard of beauty and stand between me and the real feeders of character and thought. - John Burroughs

If you want to check up on the progress of our airstream refurbishment, we will be posting photos and updates regularly.

airstream update May 2006

Here we are 3 weeks into the project and only 2/3 of the sub-floor is complete. We gutted the entire trailer, and are rebuilding to our liking - a bit rustic and a bit modern.

Will - taking out the old cabinets

The original flooring was bolted down into the metal framing and the nuts were not accessible due to the metal sheeting that was attached to the under belly. Getting the floor up seemed like an impossible task at first glance...but, to my surprise, Will attacked the floor like he was engaged in battle! Ripping, hacking, and tearing at the plywood floor until all that was left were a thousand rusty bolts! (really about 30). Will was not a happy boy! But, being the Aries that he is - he pressed on. He cut through each bolt with a sawsall and within 2 hours the bolts were defeated!
Once the floor was demolished, we could really see what was going on "down below." The old insulation was worn and sparse and we willingly replaced it with a fresh, new layer...ahhhh.

Next, we measured and cut 3/4 inch plywood for the new sub-floor. The first piece of flooring was firmly attached to the metal framing using tech screws. We're patiently working our way to the other end of the airstream! Here are some photos of the new sub-floor.

We just have the back end to finish - where the shower and compost toilet is going!

"Determine never to be idle....It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing."
- Thomas Jefferson

NEXT BLOG: Completing the sub-floor and starting to install aluminum sheeting on the interior walls.