|
Airstream Shortification!
The Airstream I purchased for work will no longer need to be in service because the company let me go at Christmas.
So while I'm unemployed I've decided to go ahead with the modification process. Step 1: The concept. Convert this...... https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T...0/SAM_0015.JPG too...... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1315354833 Step 2: New shortened frame with new axle. https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T...0/SAM_0080.JPG Relocating the battery to the section between the cab and rear bumper. Also installing a mount for a telescoping flagpole I had also purchased. There's a basket between the pole and battery box to house the extension cable for powering up the trailer. The thought is also to set up for a future modification of the removal of the rear window and rear lower panel to be replaced by a folding ramp that will allow rear access for my brothers Harley. I would like to install a 40" monitor to show a slideshow presentation of Chevrolet Dealer Communication Kits I have. We have an old electro-hydraulic pipe bender so Dad ( 79 years old and loves to tinker ) made a die for bending 2x4 tubing. We bent up the 3/16 tube without much effort. Nice and clean look that no one will see unless they get down on all fours, but it's the fun of being able to bend it. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A...0/SAM_0078.JPG After all is said and done it should be a little less than 10ft. inside. About 14ft. overall. I'll have it sprayed with foam to insulate the walls and floors. Thinking of Line-X on the floor inside, under the floor to protect the foam insulation and maybe on the walls as well. We'll see. I need a finish on the interior foam which will cover the aluminum ribs as to create a thermal break. |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
I really hate to see such a nice trailor cut up.....:thud: but if you must.. the frame looks good so far!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
There is very little original frame to hold this thing together and it leaks air and water from everywhere. It would end up falling apart on the road if it was pulled any further. A little more work done today.
The Angle Iron rim that the walls will bolt to, the inner halves of the inner fenders and some additional center support, to support the Harley LowBoy. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a...0/SAM_0081.JPG https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O...0/SAM_0083.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Nice!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Looking good!!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
I've always been curious how airstreams are assembled. Never looked up close.
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This will be fun to watch! :metal: Subscribed!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Subscribing - looks good.
I think the highlight for me is that you still have your 79 year old dad to putter around with. Enjoy this time together - K |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Quote:
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This is going to be cool!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
A little more progress with having to work outside in the cold and helping my buddy out but it's advancing.
Dad made up a trolley for moving it around. Those are No-Flat tires on the trolley. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R...0/SAM_0088.JPG Added a receiver for the back of the trailer through the bumper. I like the idea of adding a bicycle rack or someplace to install a portable winch, you know , the stuff I'd never use but since I'm there, why not! https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5...0/SAM_0085.JPG Junction box mount for the trailer wiring and Break Away switch. I've been setting up the box, it will have a removable wire set between the trailer and truck. I'm running the wires through the trailer frame. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...0/SAM_0086.JPG I installed the rear bumper and then re thought the location for the battery. I'm going to shift it more towards the exterior to allow full opening of the new rear door. The door will open towards the drivers side and will be removable via the hinge pins. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M...0/SAM_0084.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Cut it and gut it.
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Subbed for interest.
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Man , this is going to look great !
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This is going to be cool
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
How did you bend the angle iron?
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This is really really cool, I would love to see more!
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This is awesome man! I can't wait to see this baby finished.
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Well yesterday I took the curved sections front and rear off the old trailer and placed them for fitting on the new frame. Have been removing the seam sealer and the rest of the rivet shanks that I sheared the heads off to seperate the sections. When I sheared the last of the rivets on the rear section, the trailer frame showed how rotten it was by flexing right behind the axle and opened the two sections like a clam shell.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2...0/SAM_0093.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Quote:
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
After removing the two complete ribs inside the old Airstream the walls collapsed.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q...0/SAM_0096.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i...0/SAM_0097.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Here are interior pictures to those interested to see how little framing goes into the construction of an Airstream. It's a combination of curved peices and a few struts. The inner skin apparently plays an important role in the structure, not only the outer skin.
Inner front section view https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0...0/SAM_0098.JPG Inner rear section view https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y...0/SAM_0099.JPG https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3...0/SAM_0100.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
My Dad built this for moving my buddy's trailer in and out of the shop.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a...0/SAM_0102.JPG |
Re: Airstream Shortification!
Gonna be a cool little camper
|
Re: Airstream Shortification!
This is NICE!
P.S. Don't forget to nab the "Airstream" name plates off the scrap heep. |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:16 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2025 67-72chevytrucks.com