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October 11, 2021

1977 Airstream Sovereign Restoration


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An innovator for the recreational and vacation vehicles sector, Airstream was founded by Wally Byam in 1932. A company that quickly blossomed on the success of aerodynamic aluminum travel trailers, Airstream continues to use the same iconic styling and construction. Along with Vacationing families and other adventurers, commercial as well as government agencies such as NASA have continued to popularize the Airstream product line. According to research conducted during Airstream’s 75th anniversary in 2006, between 60 to 70 percent of the company’s trailers are still operating.

Before…

This Sovereign came in to get a few new upgrades done. When you look at certain things inside the Airstream it is like traveling in time. 

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

During…

The flooring is coming up, it is the start of the tear down process. Once the floor is up then it is time to move on to the rest of the trailer.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Got all of the flooring up and also got the old refrigerator out.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Currently in process of tearing out the old kitchen. This will reveal any necessary plumbing repairs in that portion of the trailer and allow for installation of the new appliances and cabinetry. 

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign

The bathroom is outdated and in need of repair/remodeling so the demolition process has begun.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

In the first picture, we took the door off to be able to reach the fresh water vent pipe. The vent pipe was dry rotted so they had to replace that part. In the second picture, all new pipes underneath the kitchen counter. In the last picture, we put in a brand refrigerator for this trailer.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Replaced the old pipes with some new fixtures and pipes in the kitchenette and bathroom. 

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

The tongue of the trailer got a new coat of paint to help protect it from the elements.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Removed the step grip due to it being worn and needing to be replaced.

1977 Airstream Soveregin

New step grip installed on the steps for this trailer. 

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Soveregin

Moving the electrical box from the bathroom to the access panel door to be able to reach it better.

1977 Airstream Soveregin
1977 Airstream Soveregin

Painted  the interior walls and some of the pieces off the roof. The new coat of paint looks great!

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Soveregin
1977 Airstream Soveregin
1977 Airstream Soveregin

Removing some of the dividing walls so that we can move on to the next step.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We removed the slip covers from the cushions. 

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Removed the walls and cabinets from the interior.

1977 Airstream Sovereign

Working on the new cabinets for the bathroom and counter/cabinet areas.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We have gotten the top cabinets framed out and a wall up.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

The bathroom walls are up and also we have some closet space now.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We have gotten the bed framed out. This is the progress of the whole trailer so far.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

The kitchen cabinets have gotten framed, we also got the dividing wall up and the black bathroom pipes covered up.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We built some drawers for storage, each side has four drawers.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We removed the sitting area and the last few items from the front of the trailer and the bathroom.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We got some more drawers in, this time on the kitchen side of the trailer. 

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Another bed has been framed out.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign

Finished building the bed, below you can see how it looks with and without the coushions. 

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We have completed installing the bunk beds.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign

Added a frame for the microwave and also extra storage.

1977 Airstream Sovereign

The cabinets now have doors installed.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

The bunk bed can stay down or up, click on the second picture to see how.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Started laying down some of the floor in this Airstream.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign

Finished the staining and started adding the hardware on the drawers and cabinets.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

The floor has been completed.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1977 Airstream Sovereign

Completed the cushions and have placed them on the couch.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We have begun framing out the shower and counter in the bathroom. 

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

Began framing out the bathroom.
1977 Airstream Sovereign

Some plumbing in the kitchen.

1977 Airstream Sovereign

We have gotten more done in the bathroom. The shower base is in along with the base for some storage.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign

We removed the old A/C unit to prepare for the installation of a new one.

1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign
1977 Airstream Sovereign