Steps to Take when Restoring a Vintage Airstream Part 1

The Grunge Work

Restoring your vintage Airstream can be both an enjoyable experience and a financial investment. Vintage Airstreams increase in value over time instead of decreasing. So it is no wonder that you have purchased an Airstream that you want to restore. But before you jump into restoring your vintage Airstream, I must urge you to take this restoration process in steps.

I understand the excitement that comes with wanting to restore an Airstream to its grandeur. The problem is that so many people think that they can just start ripping into their Airstream and come out with a fully restored Airstream. This is not the case and there are steps to be taken in process to ensure that you have fully restored it.

Let's take a look at what you really should be doing first and foremost when starting your restoration process. The first thing you need to start with is the grunge work. Yep you are not going to get to make your Airstream a beauty just yet. What you do get to do is make sure that it is safe and in working order.

Look at the frame first and see if it needs to be repaired. Do you see any rust on the frame? If you do then you need to take time to remove all the rust. Depending on the amount of rust that the metal part of the frame sustained over the years, this process could take some time. Remember though that this is part of restoring your vintage Airstream.

Now that the rust is gone you can move onto other parts of fixing up your vintage Airstream. You still are not going to get to polish and remodel your Airstream just yet though. There is still a lot more to look at to make sure that it is in good working order

Other things that need to be looked at are the brakes, axles, suspension, shocks and the tires. These should all be looked over very well. Replace and repair any of these parts that need it. Depending on your level of expertise, you may have to contract out some of this work. Make sure to have a professional deal with any of these areas that you are not knowledgeable in.