1968 Airstream Safari
This was our first customer-owned project. Our client acquired this vintage Airstream Safari for use as a mobile studio. She hoped to transform the trailer into a spare, serene cabin along with a bathroom and simple galley with a sink.
When it arrived, the trailer was in very bad shape. Previous owners had sloppily modified the trailer for use as a food truck. They had replaced two of its original windows with sliding residential windows, covered two with aluminum diamond decking, and replaced missing front and rear glass panes with Plexiglass patches. All of the windows were broken or inoperable, and all of the windows and patches were poorly sealed. All of the exterior vents had been removed and poorly patched. The roof vents were covered with plywood and roofing tar.
The belly and its insulation had been removed. A rotten subfloor had been cut out and replaced with temporary chipboard. The axle was shot and the trailer still had its original aluminum wiring. The outside had been recently polished, though, so it was nice and shiny.
Because our client was on a tight budget, we had to work with her to assess priorities and consider compromises. We revised and tabled some plans, and our client got creative in sourcing affordable supplies that would match her vision. In a huge stroke of luck, almost all the original curved Corning window frames and hardware were intact. We were able to restore the windows with replacement glass and some reproduction hardware– along with a little DIY fabrication.
By the time we delivered this vintage Airstream to her new home, the once empty and abused shell had been transformed into a road-safe, stylish and restful studio– with provisions made to allow for a later conversion into a fully outfitted travel trailer.
Renovation Highlights
- repaired the frame, replaced the axle and installed a proper subfloor
- installed a new electrical system (110/12v) to bypass the original aluminum wiring and installed all new running lights
- restored all of the original Corning window systems through creative fabrication and luck sourcing rare parts
- insulated and re-skinned the belly, installed new vents and patched open holes
- installed a new roof AC unit
- built out the studio interior to the client’s request, including a small custom galley with a freshwater tank and plumbing, a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, and custom cedar wall, custom convertible desk/table/storage, and warm, open interior.