As you all know, we are starting on a restoration of our 68 Airstream Overlander.  Here are some photos of the inside as it was when we brought the trailer home.  It is almost all original.  The curtains had been replaced, and a laminate floor has been installed.  The counters in the kitchen have been painted, and the table area has had some cabinetry removed.

front end - sofa pulls out into a bed

one side of the kitchen, looking towards the back

view down the middle towards the back where the bathroom is. 

other side of the kitchen, looking towards the back

fridge and stove- both original

command central

kitchen again, the stainless panel on the counter beyond the sink is a 3-burner cooktop

bathroom

bathroom again.  The original vinyl folding screen for the shower is missing.

center sleeping area, this sofa pulls out into a bed as well

storage in center, closet on right hand side

inside a few of the cupboards are slide out drawers with the original storage bins

Here are some detail shots of some of the things I love... 

the cooktop.. looks to be in great shape!

original lights

there are two vent fans 

reading lights

for the missing antenna

We are so grateful that it has not been painted over the years.  A few of the cabinets have been painted inside, and I will give them a fresh coat.  The cabinets have a thick veneer on them which looks to be Mahogany (?).  Looking at these photos has reminded me how good it looked when we picked it up, although I have to say it wasn't this nice in person.  Up close everything was showing a lot of grime and wear.  Now that all the before pictures are up I can begin to show you what we've been up to!

Airstream exterior

Here are some shots of the old girl, exactly how we found her.  Although she is in really great condition for her year ('68), everything inside and out needs freshened up.  We have a couple of orders of parts coming from Vintage Trailer Supply, a fantastic source for new production trailer parts for vintage trailers.  

As you can see from the front, there is rust on just about everything that is not aluminum.  The tongue, the propane tanks, all the little latches and the step.  Also the plastics used in the 60's have not fared well over time.  

There is a nice big awning, and the hardware for it works really well.  The fabric however is so full of mildew I can smell it from 15 feet away when it's open.  Eww.

This plastic panel used to be clear.

Another shot of the side.  You can see here how the windows all have curved glass, and the original panes are all still there.  Airstream only made these windows for three years (I believe, I make no claims at expertise here) so in my opinion they are extra cool.

The back end.. sorry, it's overexposed.  Nice butt though.

Love this.

The other side.  You can see here how the clear-coat has been peeling off.  We're going to help that process along.  It looks patchy right now, but removing it all should even it out.  At that point we'll decide whether to leave it or buff the aluminum up to a high gloss.

No reason for this photo, I just love this.

Airstream

Here she is!

Many many MANY evenings of internet trolling have led to a big purchase this spring!  We are so happy to have found this 1968 Airstream Overlander.  It makes me smile every time I pull in the driveway.  I cannot count the wistful conversations that have started 'one day.. when we have an airstream...'

Greg searched Canada and the US on and off for a couple of years, looking for the perfect trailer.  26-28' long, decent condition, 1960-1990, accessible for transport, and not too expensive.  We considered (briefly and grudgingly) giving up the dream and purchasing a 'regular' trailer.  When it came down to it though.. we just couldn't do it.  Not that there is anything wrong with non-Airstreams.. just not for us, not right now.  We were prepared to go great distances to bring the right trailer home.. we are planning on keeping it for at least 15 years, so it had to be perfect.  As luck would have it when we finally found the right one it was a short drive up the highway to Vernon.  Purchasing the trailer and (Greg) pulling it into the driveway the next day was a thrill.  I'm smiling just thinking about it :)

We are excited to be able to restore this old girl.  Yup, I said restore.  This will not be a gut job, and we will not be painting everything white.  We're keeping as much original as we can, if it can be cleaned and it works.  Of course, we will be making improvements (did you doubt it?) and in fact we have already begun!  The list is long, and it will not be accomplished all at once but there are some things that must happen before we take it camping.  I'll take lots of photos and keep you updated!