Your numbers are spot on I would say. I'm a professional woodworker and had MOST of the skills to do my Airstream renovation when I started. I've been in the trades nearly my entire 56 year life and have a broad and deep knowledge and skill set. I'm on the homestretch of my '65 Safari restomod and I can tell you this has been WAY harder and more time consuming than I ever could've imagined! I'm in polishing hell right now. Polishing was enjoyable for the first 60 hours, getting old now! Your videos have been invaluable!! Thank you!!
Great video. I completed a full reno last year (1979 31" Sovereign), and have to agree with the comments. Spent 3 years part time on it, and believe me there will be a point in the build where you question your sanity for starting it. But, once you get over that hump things seem to pick up pace. Just remember to look at it as a series of projects that need to be completed (not one giant project) , and as he stated you will either need an excellent background in various construction disciplines or your going to have to learn them. It was a fun challenge and may consider doing another in the future.
Disappointing to hear you say that a renovation was going to cost $40-60K for a DIY project. I know you’ve not done one yet that wasn’t a complete frame off because of rust on the frame and rotted subfloor. But there are a lot of units that haven’t set out in a field for 30 or more years. Also there are a lot that are in the 15-20 yr. old units that aren’t going to tear out the interior but perhaps just spiff them up. I hope people aren’t discouraged from doing a project after watching your video. I’m really glad that you’re doing the Airstream University. It’s much needed. It will be great for folks to learn to avoid some of the pitfalls that are common and some I know you experienced. Best to you!!
I certainly do not want anyone to feel discouraged and not take on a project like this. I think the number is still pretty accurate if you consider a 15-20 year old unit. The up front cost of the trailer will be closer to the $20-30k range and updates, appliances, polishing will be around $10-20k. So still pretty close. Again, it's an average so people can and have done projects for much less. I just have personally seen 4 trailers that were "renovated" but the floor and frame was a disaster and we had to tear everything back out and start over. Thanks, we are excited about it and helping people!
with an airstream, you are almost guaranteed to have to replace the floor, because of the backwards way the air stream skins are built. They tuck the top outside skin inside the bottom skin. Sooner or later water gets in the edges of the subfloor.
If you are tearing down your AS to replace the plywood subfloor why wouldn’t you borrow a page from the Marine Industry and use the West System to prolong the life of that plywood. If you seat those edges in 5200 I guarantee you your AS will be around for another generation to enjoy!!
I have the vintage 16/2 1954 Australian Airstream. Known as the Carapark or the toaster. I have studied the Airstream for over 6yrs and I am halfway through polishing mine. If you can learn something new once In your life time then anything is possible. For me. Knowing an electrician and welder has been stress free and money saving and all certified. It’s not always what you know but who you know. Everything that I have learnt has been from watching. “Steve from vintage restorations.” This guy is awesome and after following him. Even a woman can do it..
All so true! Everyone needs to pay attention to this very valuable video. I highly recommended Miller Garage to do your renovation, you'll probably get very frustrated if you try to do it all yourself. Just sayin'...
Thank you for all you do in sharing based on doing. I have studied the prospect of taking on a full AS restore and after considering all of the points you make and one crucial adder, I'm out. I have all the skills, tools, shop and time required but the final hammer is just that vintage form factor does not suit me. I'm going to sit it out and hope to get a wide body
I have a 1972 land yacht in my backyard I bought for $6600. I have restored the floor from the rear bathroom forward myself. I am removing the bathroom in the rear and replacing it with a full-size bed. I will only have a toilet in that area which is in the closet just forward of the bedroom. My AirStream is going to be in a permanent location which changes a lot of the cost. I will be putting a 10 x 20 shed with full bathroom walk-in closet in washer and dryer just outside the airstream and of course a deck all around with an outdoor shower. I agree with you on the cost to make an airstream roadworthy, but not if you want to turn it into a little house like I am doing.
Agreed. Some points are somewhat legit but not all airstreams are complete tear outs and start overs. With patieince, hard work, research, and hiring a competent and experienced electrician or skilled tradesmen with camper experience for a needed project to do the work you are fine. This is purposely geared to get people to join his academy or to hire his shop. Point three is you NEED him or forget it, ugh.
Curious to get your time and cost estimate on a 73 Argosy 24. Doing a complete frame off and have all of the skillsets needed to do the work and then some. ..
Not true on everything. 40 to 60 is doable but not necessary. Rust on a frame is not a death sentence for the frame. Rotted floor depends on the extent of the rot. Working on an AS can be more expensive than people think,but not that sky high.
Thats why I said average. I know people who have spent $100k on a DIY, we have clients spending $150k and there is people who do it for $5k. I firmly stand by the statement that doing a complete renovation will be a minimum of $40k. Personally, I dont recommend building on a floor that is original in a trailer older than 25 years old. The caliber of builds we do, we always make sure everything is like new.
Yeah, I have to agree with you. There are Airstreams listed on Airstream Hunter for $5-$10,000 all the time. We bought our 78 ambassador for $5,000. Did a frame up restoration for $15,000. We didn’t skimp, we also didn’t go overboard. If a person has the skill set, place to work on it and obviously time, you can have a pretty nice Airstream for $20-$25,000.
Personal wants and needs, satisfaction of doing a project with family and friends,reselling,owning something vintage and cool,BLINDING my asshole neighbor with my bright and shiny trailer😂
@@donchristie420 thanks for the response. I was actually being facetious. I bought a 1973 Sovereign 😊 I’ve gutted it. Made floor plans and repairing windows currently. The window tint was flaking off. It is a disgusting mess, but has lots of potential. My neighbor is going to help me make any repairs the frame needs as that’s what he is trained for.
This video is long overdue from someone! Restoring old Airstreams is a lot like restoring old sports cars. Usable parts are scarce and pricey and it's still a ton of work to do it right. If someone has the resources to pay a shop to do the restorartion, that's great but for an average person to not make the hundred mistakes a professional won't is laughable. Personally, I would just rather build an entire Airstream from scratch than restore one. If I'm going to end up replacing or refurbishing everything anyway, why bother taking it apart? 😄
Your numbers are spot on I would say. I'm a professional woodworker and had MOST of the skills to do my Airstream renovation when I started. I've been in the trades nearly my entire 56 year life and have a broad and deep knowledge and skill set. I'm on the homestretch of my '65 Safari restomod and I can tell you this has been WAY harder and more time consuming than I ever could've imagined! I'm in polishing hell right now. Polishing was enjoyable for the first 60 hours, getting old now!
Your videos have been invaluable!! Thank you!!
Joel, are you out of polishing hell yet lol ? Sounds like you could be a resource for some of us that are about to take the plunge on a renovation :)
Great video. I completed a full reno last year (1979 31" Sovereign), and have to agree with the comments. Spent 3 years part time on it, and believe me there will be a point in the build where you question your sanity for starting it. But, once you get over that hump things seem to pick up pace. Just remember to look at it as a series of projects that need to be completed (not one giant project) , and as he stated you will either need an excellent background in various construction disciplines or your going to have to learn them. It was a fun challenge and may consider doing another in the future.
Disappointing to hear you say that a renovation was going to cost $40-60K for a DIY project. I know you’ve not done one yet that wasn’t a complete frame off because of rust on the frame and rotted subfloor. But there are a lot of units that haven’t set out in a field for 30 or more years. Also there are a lot that are in the 15-20 yr. old units that aren’t going to tear out the interior but perhaps just spiff them up. I hope people aren’t discouraged from doing a project after watching your video.
I’m really glad that you’re doing the Airstream University. It’s much needed. It will be great for folks to learn to avoid some of the pitfalls that are common and some I know you experienced. Best to you!!
I certainly do not want anyone to feel discouraged and not take on a project like this. I think the number is still pretty accurate if you consider a 15-20 year old unit. The up front cost of the trailer will be closer to the $20-30k range and updates, appliances, polishing will be around $10-20k. So still pretty close. Again, it's an average so people can and have done projects for much less. I just have personally seen 4 trailers that were "renovated" but the floor and frame was a disaster and we had to tear everything back out and start over. Thanks, we are excited about it and helping people!
with an airstream, you are almost guaranteed to have to replace the floor, because of the backwards way the air stream skins are built. They tuck the top outside skin inside the bottom skin. Sooner or later water gets in the edges of the subfloor.
If you are tearing down your AS to replace the plywood subfloor why wouldn’t you borrow a page from the Marine Industry and use the West System to prolong the life of that plywood. If you seat those edges in 5200 I guarantee you your AS will be around for another generation to enjoy!!
Excellent video, you are one of the most honest people on the net.
After converting busses and vans we just bought our first airstream🥳 We're excited for a new challenge, thanks for the info!
Good tips! We’re working on a renovation right now, and posting it all!
I have the vintage 16/2 1954 Australian Airstream. Known as the Carapark or the toaster. I have studied the Airstream for over 6yrs and I am halfway through polishing mine. If you can learn something new once In your life time then anything is possible. For me. Knowing an electrician and welder has been stress free and money saving and all certified. It’s not always what you know but who you know. Everything that I have learnt has been from watching. “Steve from vintage restorations.” This guy is awesome and after following him. Even a woman can do it..
I wish I had seen this video 2 years ago when we bought our 89 Excella lol excellent advice for amateurs with big dreams like me!
Well, how's the project going 2 years later??
Well, how's the project going 2 years later??
All good points,that why you see trailers partially done .the average person has no idea what there getting into and give up .
Exactly! Hopefully Airstream U will give the average person a leg up and help them avoid failure!
All so true! Everyone needs to pay attention to this very valuable video. I highly recommended Miller Garage to do your renovation, you'll probably get very frustrated if you try to do it all yourself. Just sayin'...
Thanks Mark! Appreciate the kind words as always!
Great video! I too have a 1976 that I want to dive into! I just became a Founding Member!
Awesome! Welcome, glad to have you!
Thank you for all you do in sharing based on doing. I have studied the prospect of taking on a full AS restore and after considering all of the points you make and one crucial adder, I'm out. I have all the skills, tools, shop and time required but the final hammer is just that vintage form factor does not suit me. I'm going to sit it out and hope to get a wide body
Thanks for sharing! Patience is a virtue as they say. Good luck on your search
I have a 1972 land yacht in my backyard I bought for $6600. I have restored the floor from the rear bathroom forward myself. I am removing the bathroom in the rear and replacing it with a full-size bed. I will only have a toilet in that area which is in the closet just forward of the bedroom. My AirStream is going to be in a permanent location which changes a lot of the cost. I will be putting a 10 x 20 shed with full bathroom walk-in closet in washer and dryer just outside the airstream and of course a deck all around with an outdoor shower. I agree with you on the cost to make an airstream roadworthy, but not if you want to turn it into a little house like I am doing.
how much total cost all ?
Nonsense…. But an intriguing strategy to attract customers at your workshop to have their renovation completed by you and your team. Be honest mate.
Thanks for the feedback. What specifically is nonsense? I am honest on here and with all our clients.
Mean people suck
Agreed. Some points are somewhat legit but not all airstreams are complete tear outs and start overs. With patieince, hard work, research, and hiring a competent and experienced electrician or skilled tradesmen with camper experience for a needed project to do the work you are fine. This is purposely geared to get people to join his academy or to hire his shop. Point three is you NEED him or forget it, ugh.
Right off the bat and beginning of this video pull out $50,000. I think I’d rather invest all that into a new one.
I have a vintage one in *okay*ish condition and am going to try to fix it to be as liveable as possible for under $10k. I believe in myself somehow
Curious to get your time and cost estimate on a 73 Argosy 24. Doing a complete frame off and have all of the skillsets needed to do the work and then some. ..
Hey there! Please send us an email to ian@millergarageairstreams.com with all the info. Cheers!
Not true on everything. 40 to 60 is doable but not necessary. Rust on a frame is not a death sentence for the frame. Rotted floor depends on the extent of the rot. Working on an AS can be more expensive than people think,but not that sky high.
Thats why I said average. I know people who have spent $100k on a DIY, we have clients spending $150k and there is people who do it for $5k. I firmly stand by the statement that doing a complete renovation will be a minimum of $40k.
Personally, I dont recommend building on a floor that is original in a trailer older than 25 years old. The caliber of builds we do, we always make sure everything is like new.
Yeah, I have to agree with you. There are Airstreams listed on Airstream Hunter for $5-$10,000 all the time. We bought our 78 ambassador for $5,000. Did a frame up restoration for $15,000. We didn’t skimp, we also didn’t go overboard. If a person has the skill set, place to work on it and obviously time, you can have a pretty nice Airstream for $20-$25,000.
Why would anyone ever buy a used Airstream if it really costs that much to renovate?
Personal wants and needs, satisfaction of doing a project with family and friends,reselling,owning something vintage and cool,BLINDING my asshole neighbor with my bright and shiny trailer😂
@@donchristie420 thanks for the response. I was actually being facetious. I bought a 1973 Sovereign 😊 I’ve gutted it. Made floor plans and repairing windows currently. The window tint was flaking off. It is a disgusting mess, but has lots of potential. My neighbor is going to help me make any repairs the frame needs as that’s what he is trained for.
@@kerid9658 in a way, I was talking to my self and newly acquired 72 sovereign, ‘ cept mine’s totally original and so far good shape😊
This video is long overdue from someone! Restoring old Airstreams is a lot like restoring old sports cars. Usable parts are scarce and pricey and it's still a ton of work to do it right. If someone has the resources to pay a shop to do the restorartion, that's great but for an average person to not make the hundred mistakes a professional won't is laughable. Personally, I would just rather build an entire Airstream from scratch than restore one. If I'm going to end up replacing or refurbishing everything anyway, why bother taking it apart? 😄