1956 Vintage Airstream

Status Update

The trailer is heading North this weekend to hibernate in the Green Mountains of Vermont for the winter. So here are 2 parting shots showing my progress for this year.

I plan on building the dinette, kitchen cabinets and master bed this Winter in my shop. Then next year I'm looking forward to continuing the build. Lots remain.... furniture, cabinets, plumbing, black water tank, bath, kitchen, etc.

And Camping! Enjoy.

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Posted October 13, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Water Heater in a 56 Airstream?

Yes, its true, this 56' now has a water heater. Here are some pics from the install of this Airstreams first water heater. It was scary cutting that virgin aluminum, but I'm happy with the result. Plus its less square feet to polish next Spring!

I'm about to start building a custom dinette. Any suggestions, please drop me a line.

If anyone wants to replace the stock "White" water heater cover, be sure to contact Airstream. I purchased this Aluminum one direct from the factory.

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Posted October 12, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Shine a light.

The new halogens from Sailor Sams help shine the newly painted interior.

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Posted October 4, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Painting is done!

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Posted October 4, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Electrical Tip of The Day

Here my buddy Rich (NYS licensed electrician) helps install my Intellipower 4500 Power Center. Tip of the day: Be sure that your extension cords going to the trailer are 3 prong (Have a proper ground). If you use a cord without ground you could have the potentially deadly conditionof a "hot shell". So far the power center works, but we're still testing....

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Posted August 25, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Vintage Trailer Jam, Saratoga Springs, NY

Here are some pics from our visit to the Vintage Trailer Jam open house. Great resource for information gathering on interior color choices, design ideas, etc. Their are some sweet trailers out there and I've grown to appreciate some of the lesser known (non Airstream) vintage rigs as well. The Shastas and Scottys we saw here are very cool indeed.

Saratoga NY is a great destination and I would highly recomend it!

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Posted August 16, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Saratoga NY Vintage Trailer Jam

More pics for your pleasure

Saratoga is a great upstate NY destination with plenty to do. Great place for an Airstream Trailer Jam!

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Posted August 16, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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I Hate Polishing

Its official, I hate polishing. It is a dirty smelly job and it takes forever. I need to find some teenager that wants to make a few bucks and has strong forearms. Its looking better but I'm still using F7 grade. I hope I soon see the "mirror finish" as shown in this AS marketing photo from the 50's.

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Posted August 9, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Alumiprep

Not sure why this has not been discussed on the forums much but this stuff works. You need to be careful, but it can help with those pesky deep stains and discoloration. Did I mention that I hate polishing?

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Posted July 26, 2009 by 1956 Airstream Safari

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Polishing Continues

For iPhone users out there, be sure to pick up the app AutoStitch. Its lots of fun and the automatic photo stitching is amazing. Here is my polishing progress photo taken with the iphone. Sorry its a little dark here in the backyard.

I'm also having lots of problems getting this aluminum back to tip top shape using the F7 polish. I even tried the F9 and still no luck. I went over the panel with F7 3-4 times using the wool bonnet compounder and it just cannot remove these deep pits. Any idea????