Airstream Shortification! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**aerotruk63** · 01-24-2012, 08:25 PM

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......

too......

Step 2: New shortened frame with new axle.

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.

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.

broey · 01-25-2012, 12:17 AM

I really hate to see such a nice trailor cut up.....

but if you must.. the frame looks good so far!

**aerotruk63** · 01-26-2012, 08:40 PM

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.

**Clyde65** · 01-27-2012, 12:40 PM

Nice!

**chevy_man5** · 01-27-2012, 12:47 PM

Looking good!!

pickup67man · 01-28-2012, 12:25 PM

I've always been curious how airstreams are assembled. Never looked up close.

NONHOG · 01-30-2012, 03:04 PM

This will be fun to watch!

Subscribed!

Keith Seymore · 01-30-2012, 05:08 PM

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

**LEEVON** · 01-30-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

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

Well said! I like this thread...can't wait to see what's next.

Frizzle Fry · 01-30-2012, 09:49 PM

This is going to be cool!

**aerotruk63** · 02-07-2012, 09:49 PM

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.

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!

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.

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.

daverod · 03-14-2012, 06:49 PM

Cut it and gut it.

**Warrens69GMC** · 03-16-2012, 12:56 AM

Subbed for interest.

68 SHORT-STEP'N · 03-18-2012, 08:12 PM

Man , this is going to look great !

juanz1947 · 03-19-2012, 12:22 PM

This is going to be cool

BlueJeep · 03-19-2012, 10:03 PM

How did you bend the angle iron?

nuke1 · 03-20-2012, 01:18 AM

This is really really cool, I would love to see more!

**Corts60** · 03-25-2012, 02:21 PM

This is awesome man! I can't wait to see this baby finished.

**aerotruk63** · 04-08-2012, 02:56 PM

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.

**aerotruk63** · 04-08-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueJeep

How did you bend the angle iron?

Sorry for not answering your question before. I cut slits in the horizontal portion about every inch along the curve then welded them shut. I didn't go searching for someone with a Hossfeld bender which would have curved the angle by stretching the same surface I cut. I have the welder and time so I chose the welding route.

**aerotruk63** · 04-08-2012, 04:14 PM

After removing the two complete ribs inside the old Airstream the walls collapsed.

**aerotruk63** · 04-08-2012, 04:22 PM

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

Inner rear section view

**aerotruk63** · 04-08-2012, 04:24 PM

My Dad built this for moving my buddy's trailer in and out of the shop.

**ChiefRocka** · 04-13-2012, 09:41 AM

Gonna be a cool little camper

Torrey72 · 04-14-2012, 04:10 AM

This is NICE!
P.S. Don't forget to nab the "Airstream" name plates off the scrap heep.

01-24-2012, 08:25 PM	#1
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	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...... too...... Step 2: New shortened frame with new axle. 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. 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. Last edited by aerotruk63; 01-24-2012 at 08:41 PM.

01-25-2012, 12:17 AM	#2
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: Airstream Shortification! I really hate to see such a nice trailor cut up..... but if you must.. the frame looks good so far! __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

01-26-2012, 08:40 PM	#3
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	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.

01-27-2012, 12:40 PM	#4
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Airstream Shortification! Nice! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

01-27-2012, 12:47 PM	#5
chevy_man5 GMC's n H.D.'s too! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 1,583	Re: Airstream Shortification! Looking good!! __________________ Jason 1960 GMC 4x4 Babe (the Blue Ox) - Build Thread

01-28-2012, 12:25 PM	#6
pickup67man Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 337	Re: Airstream Shortification! I've always been curious how airstreams are assembled. Never looked up close. __________________ Travis 2005 K2500 Duramax (hauls the junk home) 1967 Chev C10 (hauls a$$) 1970 Suburban (Yukon XL 4 door) 1968 GMC 3/4 ton (sheetmetal only, chassis gone) 2005 Malibu (wife's car, still a Chevy) Project Family Hauler New Home for Chevys (Moved in and working)

01-30-2012, 03:04 PM	#7
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,458	Re: Airstream Shortification! This will be fun to watch! Subscribed! __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

01-30-2012, 05:08 PM	#8
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,228	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 __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

01-30-2012, 09:49 PM	#10
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Airstream Shortification! This is going to be cool!

02-07-2012, 09:49 PM	#11
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	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. 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! 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. 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.

03-14-2012, 06:49 PM	#12
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Airstream Shortification! Cut it and gut it. __________________ Daverods 64 C10 Daily driver 292 3 speed "Driver" Daverods 66 Build C10 Bags 350/350(On Hold) Daverods 52 Build 3100 S10 chassis,Bags, 350/700r4 "Click it"

03-16-2012, 12:56 AM	#13
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,625	Re: Airstream Shortification! Subbed for interest. __________________ 1969 307, t350 1950 Chevy Wagon 1978 Big 10 1967 C10, 250,3-OTT

03-18-2012, 08:12 PM	#14
68 SHORT-STEP'N SLOW POKE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Tyro, VA Posts: 1,208	Re: Airstream Shortification! Man , this is going to look great ! __________________ 68 SHORT-BED-STEP-SIDE piece by piece , day by day , I will restore this truck , before the 100th anniversary !!!

03-19-2012, 12:22 PM	#15
juanz1947 rusty 66 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: wrightwood ca Posts: 462	Re: Airstream Shortification! This is going to be cool __________________ 1947 chevy fleetmaster http://www.cbforum.net/forum/ 1966 chevy c10 long bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=439219 1970 chevy impala custom http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...pic=349867&hl=

03-19-2012, 10:03 PM	#16
BlueJeep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 1,608	Re: Airstream Shortification! How did you bend the angle iron? __________________ build threads: 86 Suburban 88 Jeep 6.0 swap 49 Chevy truck 54 Chevy wagon 86 Suburban lowered 4/6 54 Chevy wagon 49 Chevy/s10 mix 88 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler



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03-20-2012, 01:18 AM	#17
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: Airstream Shortification! This is really really cool, I would love to see more! __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

03-25-2012, 02:21 PM	#18
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Airstream Shortification! This is awesome man! I can't wait to see this baby finished. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

04-08-2012, 02:56 PM	#19
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	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.

04-08-2012, 04:14 PM	#21
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Airstream Shortification! After removing the two complete ribs inside the old Airstream the walls collapsed.

04-08-2012, 04:22 PM	#22
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	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 Inner rear section view

04-08-2012, 04:24 PM	#23
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Airstream Shortification! My Dad built this for moving my buddy's trailer in and out of the shop.

04-13-2012, 09:41 AM	#24
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Airstream Shortification! Gonna be a cool little camper __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

04-14-2012, 04:10 AM	#25
Torrey72 Rollin in my K5 toaster Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 254	Re: Airstream Shortification! This is NICE! P.S. Don't forget to nab the "Airstream" name plates off the scrap heep.

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