#29 I pulled a "John"

...or so Rob and Frank told me... referring to Rob's buddy John who is lamenting the fact that he has dismantled his trailer for much need repairs and is unable to use it. Like John, rather than ignore the rot, I decided to replace the rear floor. Removing the bath parts will make it much easier to paint them and also make the PEX plumbing easier too. So in the long run, I think I will come out ahead. Either way, I've discovered the problem and fixed it all in less than a week. This does not put me anywhere near "pulling a John" unless we are talking about another john :-)

Here are the before, during and after picts.

#28 Family Movie Night

I've promised an update on progress with our GT... for now it will have to wait as we've just concluded an impromptu family movie night. It's so infrequent that we all sit down to enjoy an evening together. Recently we received our first Net Flicks shipment and the choice of our daughter Calynn was "The Sound of Music." Calynn has a beautiful voice and a fascination with Nuns, so I guess this choice was a natural. I, myself enjoy a good musical and you can't beat an ending that features an escape from the Nazis.

For those of you expecting a post on the trailer... I have no photos to offer, but for those of you with a family, I can say I had a very enjoyable family evening that could have been rivaled only by the same evening camping in our Airstream.

#27 The OMNI-CHEST

The bathroom in our '63 Globetrotter is equipped with an "OMNI-CHEST designed by John Follis & Associates exclusively for Airstream Land Yachts" Anybody know if this was a '63 vintage aftermarket accessory?

#26 A Big Thank You...

...to my wife and kids for a great father's day. I even got a very special card that contains Kelly and all five of my dear ones. I love you all!

#25 It's a good thing...

...that I have been making progress on the GT because I hear Frank needs one of these:

#24 Frank seems to be bored...

Frank seems to be bored with my techy experimentations. I think if he saw me posting directly to my blog by talking into my cell phone on the drive home I think he might be a little more impressed. We'll see what we can do about that. listen

Powered by Jott

#23, yet another...

This time around we'll try blogging directly to blogger via Jott. Let's see if it works.

Powered by Jott

#22. Another test.

Another test. This post is made via cellphone using a service called Jott. I'm exploring options to make blogging a little easier and allow for more options, possibly to post as I work on one of the trailers. Hopefully this works. We'll see in just a minute.

#21 A Test...

I'm just exploring some options to make blog posting on the go a little easier. This post was made directly via an email without accessing blogger in any way. There are also options to post directly via voice over a cell phone. This I will try at a later date and post the details then. As far as posting to blogger via email, look here for the details.

#20 Curtain Carriers like these?

In the midst of a quicky refurbishment of our new '63 GT, I've encountered a mystery that even has Tammy, the Airstream curtain lady puzzled. Our trailer has what looks to be the original curtains and tracks, but rather than the usual snap carriers, they appear to use tubular rivets.

The track opening seems to be too wide to utilize the snap carriers... Tammy is sending me a sample to test out. The heads of the rivets are slightly larger than 1/2" and the slot in the track is slightly wider than 5/16"














Look familiar to anybody??? if so, what have you done for a replacement? I am anxious to get Tammy started...our fabric choice should go a long way to brighten things up.

#19 Hey Uwe, a '63 for me... too

A momentary diversion from our focus on the Ambassador restoration to let you all meet our new purchase.

My Airstream buddies have put up for a while with my incessant pestering about "this and that" trailer and whether or not we should take the plunge buy one of those "too good to pass up" Airstreams. It's my nature to jump in with both feet, as a result I've got Aluminitus bad.

Having forged ahead with a "full on" restoration of the Ambassador, we were... for the foreseeable future, without a trailer to use. This has become a real problem as our first taste of streaming has left us wanting more.

The weekend started out with the promise of Airstream adventure with Saturday afternoon plans to attend the "Down on the Farm" with my friend Lee at the Jefferson County Fair grounds. This was my first opportunity to meet many of the folks from my home unit #116 of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Since the rally was located very close to home and Kelly was on-call, my plan was to take the kids for the afternoon open house and the evening pot-luck. All but Amery and Stefan opted to find other activities for the day, so off I went with the boys. Lee brought his trailer and his daughter Katie and with plans to spend the night. It was a beautiful but windy afternoon filled with good new friends and cool trailers. Two trailers in particular where Ed and Sandy Emerick's '59 Traveler and David and Dori Stowell's '53 Clipper. Amazingly the Stowell's trailer has been in the family since 1957... WOW!

Sunday morning, expert Airstream Scout Rob Baker skyped me with a link to an eBay listing for a '63 Globetrotter with a very attractive buy-it-now price and a location that would not break the bank to retrieve. Kelly and I had been lamenting the fact that we did not have a trailer to use and our short Wisconsin summer would too soon be behind us. I was very tempted but resisted hitting the "button" that would forever put us into a category of semi-insane people who choose to own a second (or third... or fourth) hulk of aluminum. As the minutes ticked by and Kelly and I discussed further we decided to hit that infamous "button" anyway.

...Now comes our new challenge... our new purchase is far from a pristine, road ready trailer. It's more like our new experiment. We will soon have our new baby home to be subjected to a test of my skills to quickly make a road ready traveler from a rather neglected, but very cool '63 GT.

#18 ...One Hour a Day

After a dry spell of no actual work on the trailer, I've been making an effort to find the time to make some progress. My friend Frank tells me (frequently) to spend at least one hour a day working on "Fifth Avenue" (yes... she's got a name and Frank can take credit for that too). So now that we have relatively tolerable weather and the sun has not set by the time I get home, I've been spending some time making actual progress. Nothing exciting... but progress none the less and it feels good.

#17 - The WDCU... Living Wally's Legacy

"To encourage clubs and rallies that provide an endless source of friendships, travel fun and personal expressions." - Wally Byam

Amery & Stefan enjoying the Atrium fountain at the Hirshhorn

As I look back on our first rally experience, I have to say the folks of the WDCU have certainly lived up to the dreams and aspirations of it's parent clubs namesake - Wally Byam

I can honestly say that the time we spent at the Cherry Blossom rally was the best recreational experience we have ever had. It was true and pure enjoyment... experiencing life as it was meant to be experienced... without pretensions, yet at the same time we felt as though we had all that we would ever need (except for the lack of shower facilities LOL!).

As far as friends and friendships... to start off, we were blessed with two great neighbors... Rob and Zoe Baker on the left and Mark Johnson on the right. Our two boys only needed to take a few steps out of the car to instantly join Stanton and Bryce Baker in there efforts to dig a gopher hole adjacent to the horse stall. Thanks to the Baker boys, and Griffin and Campbell Alaniz... our boys, Amery and Stefan, were entertained for the week. Their parents, Rob and Zoe Baker, and Danee & Kim Alaniz were also kind enough to make sure Kelly and I always felt at home away from home. We couldn't have hoped for better rally mates.

Kelly Klohn and Zoe Baker (Airstream Camping Chicks)

Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming... many of which I had "met" via the forums and now had the privilege to meet face to face. The days passed quickly... and time spent with many of the folks was much too short. It makes us long to be back next year and hope that all return for an opportunity to further connect. Too many folks to mention, but to all that we met, we can't wait to get back and spend more time with you.

Amery, Calynn, Kelly, Stefan and Andrea... as we approached the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Lastly, I can't recount our CBR experience without a mention of the family who encouraged the the six of us to set out on a 900 mile trek cross country with a trailer built for considerably less than six for the purpose of making endless friendships... travel fun and personal expressions. We did it all! ...and it has changed our lives. Thank you, Frank and Beth and Ava and Halle! From the moment we met, we fell deeply in love with your family and from the moment we left, we longed for the day we'll meet again.









Beth, Halle and Frank Yensan

Ava Yensan with Calynn and
Stefan (peering over the seat)

All packed up for the ride back to Wisconsin
(Thank you Lee, for generously sharing your trailer)

#16 ...39 flavors... of pickles???

In planning our eastward trek to the WDCU CBR I've been looking for some "Real American" stop-offs along the way.

I'm talking about the type of attractions that both educate and entertain... but do not exist just to do so. At the same time, we also need to make a plan for executing our contribution to the Saturday night pot-luck at the rally. I've been told that the WDCU has high standards for it's pot-lucks and considering there will be a nearly legendary group of highly charged personalities in attendance, we will need conjure up something that is much more than just culinary wallpaper.

Under normal circumstances this would be a task that we could easily handle... but in this case we will be on our first family camping trip, 800 miles from home, in a borrowed trailer, without the benefit of a real kitchen and it's conveniences.

A very unassuming solution to these two dilemmas has presented itself..."the pickle." Not just any pickle, a Sechler's pickle... and not just one, but 39 varieties.

In the Eastern Indiana county of DeKalb there is a small town..."Pickletown"... St Joe, Indiana (pop 478). Here is the home of the king of all pickle factories... Sechler's.

Family owned since 1921, four generations of Sechlers have been peddling all sorts of pickled products. They give tours in the mornings and afternoons during weekdays and have a retail store adjacent to the factory. If you're in the neighborhood, I suggest you stop by.

#15 WDCU Cherry Blossom Rally

I've met so many new Airstream friends over the last few months many of which belong to the Washington DC Unit of the WBCCI. Their premiere spring event is a rally at the Rogers Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD that coincides with the DC Cherry Blossom Festival. A Washington DC trip is one that we have wanted to do for the kids and thanks to the generosity of our local Airstream friends Lee and Cathy we are able to attend the rally (with their trailer) and take the kids along. Considering this trailer is 10 feet shorter than the one we are restoring this trip will certainly be a test of our ability to coexist in tight quarters. The Brisk's trailer is a 1961 Caravel. You can find it posted here on the Vintage Airstream Archives

This particular rally will also be host to the judging for the VAP bathroom throw down in which Frank of Annalumanum fame will be competing against the VAP panel pros to see who will have the bathroom in their trailers done first. This will also be (as far as I know) the first time the three VAP guys; Tim, Rob and Colin will be together in person. Frank and I have become fast friends and I'm looking forward to our families sharing some fun times together along with all of the other great folks I've enjoyed corresponding with. I can't wait to see if Rob's laugh is as infectious in person as it is on the Podcast. I do know he has managed to infect us all with Aluminitus.

The rally is April 10 thru 13 - info can be found here WDCU Cherry Blossom 2008

Stop by and say hi!

#14 Nyloboard

I have to admit that I really have nothing to post, I'm blaming the crummy Wisconsin weather, but my friend Frank has "encouraged" me to post something... and I thank him for that.

Now to the topic of this post - Nyloboard.

I can't take credit for discovering this product... that goes to Brian (SIU Bound) from the forums. Here is a Link to the thread

I've been investigating options for the floor replacement in our trailer. Nyloboard looks to be the perfect Airstream floor material. It is made from recycled nylon carpet. It's available in various thicknesses from 3/8" to 1" and comes plain or with a fiberglass skin on each face. It also is available in 8' widths up to 24' long. Imagine a 26' trailer with a one piece floor! The 3/4" fiberglass skinned material sells for about $4.50 a square foot which is comparable to mid-range Marine plywood.

So far this is on the top of my list... that is, if I can get (7) 4'x8' sheets shipped to WI for a reasonable price.

#13 ...A Thousand Places

This Christmas one of the things we bought our kids was gift cards to a store in our area called "Half Price Books." They sell discounted new and gently used books. Even though the cards aren't actual money they still burn a hole in a kids pocket just like a shiny new quarter... so over the weekend we took a trip to spend the plastic. Just adjacent to the kids section was the travel section so I set out find a book that I could use to find interesting "off the beaten path" destinations to visit while we caravan across North America in our "soon" to be restored trailer. After as short search I found a book called "1000 places to see before you die." The particular edition I purchased focuses on places in the USA and Canada only. It is filled with well laid out information on just the type places we are looking to visit. It may even become somewhat of a family heirloom... since when I do the math I would need to visit 3 places a month for the balance of my natural life to see all 1000. As with many things in my life, I should've started a little younger. :-)

#12 - Kool eBAY score!

A while back I decided to go a different direction for updating the refrigeration unit in our trailer. I'm planning to use the Nova-Kool RFS7501 side-by-side fridge.













These are units made for the boating industry and the "off-grid" crowd... and use a high efficiency Danfoss DC compressor. The unit is 7.5 cu ft and draws only 4.4 amps at 12volts DC - hence no propane required. This means that when we pull the trailer into the gas station to fill-up the tow vehicle I can leave the fridge on and not risk setting the place on fire. The best part is... on a fluke I googled the model number because I was too lazy to browse through my favorites to find the saved link. Remarkably, the search results showed a unit listed on eBay that was for sale by a Yacht builder that is located about an hour from my house. This NEW unit was to be installed in a Carver Yacht, but the builder decided to use another unit, leaving this one to be snatched up by me for the low-low price of $799 ... this being less than half of the best retail price available. SCORE!!!!

#11 - Merry Christmas

Many things have gotten in the way of progress on the trailer in recent weeks. This time of year is always a busy one... shopping for gifts... planning family get togethers... attending Christmas Concerts... working extra to pay for it all.

This year has been a good one with many new challenges and many new friends. Our kids are growing up before our eyes... too fast! This Christmas, we have the excitement of looking forward to the new adventures we will have in our trailer... that helps to keep me on task.

Merry Christmas to All who read this and a special wish to my Airstream Buddies... you've been an inspiration and a source of nearly constant entertainment.

#10 - Pink Skirt

In an effort to keep the progress moving over the winter I was inspired with the bright idea to put a pink skirt on our trailer. Since I have the belly pan off and the side panels let down the current state of the trailer provided the perfect circumstance for adding some pink foam to enclose the de-constructed twinkie. I used (4) sheets of 1" pink extruded polystyrene. I was able to tuck the panels on the inside of the exterior skin and up against the outrigger tails. I taped the joints with "gorilla tape" and secured the bottom edge with some extra brick pavers that I had stacked in the back forty. I placed the pavers opposite each other... one on the inside one on the outside. Now that we've had out first snow it's all frozen in place with the inside perfectly enclosed.

You'll notice on the interior pictures that the frame has a shiny appearance... this is the first coat of a citrus paint stripper that I had applied recently. The cold damp weather has kept it from drying out before I have a chance to get out the coarse steel wool and mineral spirits to scrub off the softened paint. When I have the frame clean I am going to heat the interior of the trailer to something above 50 degrees and apply two coats of POR-15 black on the frame. This will neutralize any existing rust and work to prevent any future rust. Considering the original paint held up well for our trailer's first 40 years... this stuff should keep things good till long after I've gone to the great trailer park in the sky.

#9 - Dry Fit'n the tanks

I'm done with the tank related frame modifications and both tanks are dry fit. I moved the black tank as far forward as I could and still allow for connection to the toilet flange (keep your fingers crossed.) I located the gray tank just forward of the front axle. In both cases I removed cross members and replaced them with 14 ga bent plates and 1x1x1/8 angles bolted to the cross members to support the tanks. Both tanks are molded with a 1 1/2" wide flange located 3" below the top of the tanks that runs parallel to the cross member. This is meant to carry the weight of the tanks.

I used 1 1/2 ABS pipe to connect the gray tank to the Valterra double elbow/valve assembly. The bottom of the tank outlet falls 1/2" below the bottom of the cross members so I used C3 channels to create a jog in the bottom flange of the cross members between the tank and the valve. The tub drain will tie into the 1 1/2" line where the vertical pipe is currently located.

The black tank is connected via a straight piece of 3" ABS that runs from the outlet to the 3" side of the elbow/valve. I located the valve assembly in the bay just forward of the bath wall so that the enclosure would frame to the flat belly pan rather than the rear banana wrap.

I'm going to semi-permanently attach a Jabsco Macerator to the outlet side of the valve assembly using a home fashioned connector made from a rotating 4-hook bayonet connector and a rubber waste line adapter. In an emergency I will be able to unbolt the macerator and hook a standard 3" stinky slinky to the valve.









Next task is to take it all apart and strip the paint off of the frame so it can be painted... but since I'm in Wisconsin an it's November I'll need to provide for some "cold weather construction" ... next post "our Airstream gets a pink skirt"

#8 - Lot's of work and nothing done.

Since my last update I've been very busy with many preparations for some major steps forward but as of yet, none of it has been completed. At the urging of a good new Airstreaming friend, I considered the option of purchasing plastic tanks rather than making stainless steel tanks. I am happy to say that I have ordered an received my two roto-formed tanks from Ameri-Kart via PPL RV in Houston. I was able to purchase both 30(+) gal tanks for about $250 including shipping.

Along with the tanks I purchased a Valterra double waste valve assembly. It has an 1 1/2" valve and a 3" valve that tee into one 3" exit pipe. I plan to locate this just adjacent to my black tank and attach a FloJet Macerator to the outlet.

My next project was to find a local source for the black ABS pipe and fittings I need to complete my set-up. Unfortunately, in Wisconsin, the building code does not allow the use of ABS pipe for building construction so there are not traditional building suppliers that carry the stuff. I was lucky to find a local RV dealer that had a few sticks of 1 1/2" they were willing to sell me and the fittings I have ordered from an online supplier in the Northeast.

I also have procured through my employer some fabricated material to replace several of the cross members and incorporate support for the tanks. When I get the pieces fit-up and installed I'll post some pictures. Our unseasonably warm fall has seemed to come to an end, so I better "get at it" if I'm going to have things buttoned up before the snow flies.

BTW, today is my 47th birthday and my wonderful family not only threw me a party... they made me this lovely sign.

#7 - I really did buy it in one piece

Looking back at my last post I realized that I hadn't posted any pictures of the interior as the trailer originally was before I did my "handy work." Here you go...

#6 - Inside(out)

As I promised... an update on my progress. As of this post the inside is completely gutted. Here is a picture while in progress. The biggest job has been staying organized and finding a place to put the "insides" of a 28' Airstream.

As with every other step in the process, the project keeps growing. Since this photo, I have removed the mystery panels on each side of the rooftop A/C. This revealed that somewhere in this trailers history a less that skilled installer hacked up the interior skin around the A/C unit. Since I need to deal with the partially painted wallpaper anyway I've decided to re-skin the ceiling. This consists of two 4' x 18' panels. This will also give me the option to feature some polished aluminum on the interior if I so choose.

But before anything else I need to get back to the floor/frame rework.

#5 - I'm on "theVAP"

Tim and the guys over at "theVAP" were gracious enough to allow me to trip over my tongue for a few minutes on their Vintage Airstream Podcast last night.

Check out "theVAP" Episode 53

Thanks...Tim, Colin & Rob!

#4 - "Inside - Out" and "All is Wel(d)"

It's been over a month since my last update, but that does not mean that I've not made progress in one way or another. Much of the work I've been doing is in preparation to remove all the interior furnishings. My original plan was to only remove the bath to facilitate the required floor replacement in the rear 4'-0, but I found that I needed to remove the rear closet on one side to fit the tub through the narrow bathroom door. As I began to remove things it became apparent that if I was to do a thorough job of refreshing our trailer, the 40 year old carpet laid under the original fixtures was going to have to go. This means the entire interior has to come out.

My other accomplishment over the past month has to research and ultimately purchase the necessary equipment to make the frame modifications and repairs that I have planned. With the advice of some folks where I work, I decided on the Lincoln Power-Mig 140C.

This welder will allow me to plug into 110 and weld with or without shielding gas. I may even attempt to fabricate Stainless steel Black and Grey water tanks. Luckily I work for a Structural and Miscellaneous metals fabricator and can get materials and some of the preliminary work done at a reasonable cost... as far as the welding goes... a welder's hourly wage adds up quickly even at a discount. This purchase will easily pay for itself.

Next time... pictures of the interior... I promise!

#3 - It's Halfway Out

I had a productive day spent participating in that fun Airstream game... find the hidden rivets! The folks in Jackson Center obviously did not consider that people may have to take apart their trailers in a different order than they were assembled. So far I am happy to say that I've been able to successfully work the puzzle backwards. I managed to remove the Vanity and the Medicine Cabinet without any damage. Next the tub comes out and then after some plumbing demolition I'll be ready to start on the rear floor replacement. I'm glad that I'm planning to replace the copper supply lines with pex... this means that for now, I can just cut the copper where necessary. So, bathroom is halfway out. Till next time...back to the puzzle

#2 - First Step in the Restoration

I was able to complete my first project on our new (to us) trailer which was to pull the belly pan and see what kind of condition the floor and frame are in. After pulling out quite a bit of formerly vermin infested fiberglass insulation, I am happy to say the floor and frame are in very good condition. Luckily the intact floor has kept the critters out of the interior. I do have one small area of the floor to replace... the rear street side corner. My plan it to replace the last 4'-0 of floor while I have the bathroom fixtures out for repair and refinishing. After that, a coat of POR15 on the frame and a fresh layer of insulation and our "bottom" will be tops!

So far... so good! Here's a picture of the two main belly pan pieces that I'm proud to say were removed intact. My youngest son is planning to pitch in and help wash off the rodent residue.

#1 - We're Home!

It took a 32 hour round trip to Atlanta (non-stop) with the help of my good friend Rene'. I'm thankful to say I couldn't have made it without him. During the week before the trip, Roger at RV Refrigeration (770 886-7529) got the trailer greased and ready for the trip home. He even had one of his guys meet the PO at his shop on a Sunday afternoon to get the trailer in for service. The trip down and back was trouble free with the exception of my needless concern for Rene's propensity to drive much faster than I do. Maybe he thought the speedo read in Kilometers per hour... what can I say... the French have their own way of doing things. Cez't La Vie!

Now that the 28'-11 long aluminum beast is home, the adventure begins...