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October 24, 2021

1989 Airstream Excella Restoration


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Airstream ad

An innovator for the recreational and vacation vehicle 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 adventures, commercial as well as government agencies such as NASA have continued to popularize the Airstream product line. 

Making its debut in the 80’s, the Airstream Excella is the Titanic of all Airstreams. The 34′ models have three axles and are bring the term “land yacht” to greater heights. At over 6,000 lbs. forget what you thought or imagined luxury, comfort and practicality could be in a travel trailer. Designed for long-term of full-time use, the Airstream Excella takes it a step farther with traditional styling that never forces you to compromise. The Excella/Limited line offers elegant floor plans with outstanding storage capacity, residential-styling galleys, spacious living areas, private sleeping quarters and ingenious slide-out options.

Before…

This Airstream came in to get some cosmetic work done.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

During…

We have started to tear down the cabinets, bed, and carpet. When we started to remove the carpet, we ran into black mold and structural damage.

Click on the pictures to make them bigger!

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

We have removed the wheels and drums.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

While continuing the teardown process, we were also inspecting for mold.

Click on the pictures below to get a better look!

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

We got all the carpet removed and the next step is to safely remove the mold.

1989 Airstream Ecella
1989 Airstream Excella

We have removed all the subflooring contaminated by mold and washed the surrounding areas.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

Once the couch was removed we found rotted subflooring.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

While continuing the teardown process, we have removed the sink and toilet from the bathroom. We have also taken out the sink and fridge from the kitchen.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

The bathroom vent has been replaced due to the original being inoperable.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

The subfloor frame has been coated with rust preventative paint.

1989 Airstream Excella

Installed the backing plate and repacked driver side bearings.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

We have installed the ultra slim waterproof speakers for a cosmetic upgrade.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

A new tongue jack has been installed.

1989 Airstream Excella
1989 Airstream Excella

After…