Renovating a 1970 Airstream

March 18, 2009

This past fall Deb acquired a 1970 vintage Airstream from Craigslist for $3,700. She put about $2000 more into the renovation project with the intention of turning it into her office/girly space. Let’s hear it for girly spaces! She liked her 22′ Land Yacht (named Jewels) so much that she’s living in it full time now.

Before:
before1

After:
after1

Before:
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After:
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The curvy desk design was inspired by Kristiana Spalding.

Before:
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After:
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Deb is a personal trainer on the beautiful Salt Spring Island of BC. Thanks Deb for sharing!

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{ 4 trackbacks }

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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Living the Rural Dream March 18, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Now I am LOVING this!

Lynne March 19, 2009 at 1:35 am

Hello again! With the cost of a Tumble being about 40 grand, and a Tortoise Galap – Off Grid being approx 23, 000 plus, I am now definitely considering this the way to go. For myself, even the smallest of the small, a Van RV or an old Chinook would be nice to homey up. I really really wish I had the skills for under the hood. Sigh. I don’t intend on road-hogging (switching over to compost toilet / grey water / solar, etc) but even so, sometimes it’s all about backing up ten feet into the sun or shade as needed & moving your solar out where it needs to be as well. Or doing the whole ‘next town over.’

As it stands, I am still scrimping, praying and asking around for a dirt patch somewhere! My best friend got to meet and hit it off with Ed Begley, which makes me 5 degrees of separation from Jackson Browne …do you think he feels the connection and wants to pop me in a corner of his off grid acreage? Wishes! -take care

Heather@TheGreenestDollar March 19, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Wow, this is gorgeous! Deb definitely has creativity and a great sense of style. It’s amazing what you can do with a space once you have a vision of what’s possible.

mare March 23, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Years ago I saw a Airstream redo in Real Simple magazine. I’ve been lusting ever since and this did nothing to tame the yearning!

Absolutely stunning!

Bob March 24, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Hi. Your trailer renovations are beautiful. I am very interested in doing sort of the same thing and have become fascinated with the Airstream concept. However, as I would be living in it all year and live in the Baltimore area where it can get pretty cold, I was wondering if you could offer any insights into renovating for year- round habitation? What are the temperatures in the area you live in like. How cold does it get? Have you had any issues with condensation or similar problems? And, what about water and sewerage? Thank you very much for considering my inquiry.

Bob

RowdyKittens March 24, 2009 at 10:41 pm

Your trailer is beautiful! After seeing pictures like these, it’s tempting to build my own tiny house. :) Thanks for the inspiration.

deb leblanc aka debfit March 26, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Hi All!

It’s deb here – the gal who belongs to the 1970 Airstream (affectionately named ‘jewels’). Thanks so much for your comments. To answer your questions regarding living in it year round.

I moved in during the winter and there was a bit of tweaking to be done to winterize her. Here’s what we did:

1. Wrapping the pipes so they don’t freeze overnight.
2. Added insulation underneath her, and we will be adding more so the floors stay nice & toasty.
3. I had the original furnace restored so she’s now being heated thoroughly & efficiently with propane, amazing furnace actually!

And that’s it! I live on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada and normally our winters her are just rainy and not very cold — but not this winter!! So it was a good test drive to see if she was truly livable for winter … and she is!

I have more before & after shots if you would like to see them. Send me an email info@debfit.com

And if you are on twitter follow me & I’ll follow you :) I’m here http://twitter.com/debfit

Lea Vose March 27, 2009 at 1:13 am

Hi Deb! this is just too cool. I’ve read alot abot this “small living” culture” and of course just love it. You know me, a studio apartment was always fabourable over a regular 1 bedroom. Larry and I continue to live small, especially compared to everyone we know (except you). So many people “feel sorry” for us, that our house is small and wonder why we haven’t upgraded…..they simply can’t believe we would choose this. Please send more photos of Jewel.

Katherine March 30, 2009 at 12:47 am

Beautiful! Your AirStrem reno is wonderful.

avisioncame July 8, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Ikea is a blessing

airstream Sacramento December 4, 2009 at 2:45 am

This is really luxurious airstream trailers. I love this type home.

Vishu

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