Frame Off Restoration & Modernization
One of the most challenging parts of the Airstream restoration process is separating the aluminum fuselage body from the chassis. This is a vital phase of the restoration process, and extremely difficult to perform safely. At VARR, it takes at least 10 of our staff to safely and effectively remove the body from the frame and chassis so that we can do what we do best and start the restoration.
Complete frame off restoration / modernization services are available. On many projects as required, we will remove the trailer shell and recondition the frame.
In most cases vintage airstreams will require a frame off restoration. Detaching the aluminum body is the only way to replace the subfloor and repair/replace the chassis and axles.
- Buck Rivets
- Olympic Rivets
- Mold Removal
- Insulation Replacement
- Thorough Sanitary Clean Out
The benefits are many, including a healthier living environment and a great improvement in the trailer smell! This occurs by removal of mold, old insulation, rotten plywood sub flooring and rodent droppings. There are many other benefits to removing the shell from the frame. Often times on older trailers we find frame damage, cracked and broken welds, excessive rust, and rust damaged cross members and outriggers that we would not have otherwise detected. Other benefits include the fact that it is much easier to retrofit gray water tank(s) and install new black water tanks into vintage trailers with the shell and sub flooring removed.
During a frame off restoration we carefully remove each rivet connecting the aluminum shell to the chassis. Once we lift the aluminum body off, our crew can get to work refurbishing and rebuilding the chassis, frame, and floor. Meanwhile another crew will strip out the old wiring and insulation and thoroughly clean everything. Often times the older airstreams have health hazards such as mold and mice droppings, so we make sure to eliminate all hazards before doing the re-build.
Call Gene for more detailed information on Frame Off Restoration & Modernization.
Gallery for Airstream Frame Off Restoration
Click on any picture below to open the gallery and view the process and progress.
