‘68 Vintage Airstream

We started the weekend off with a trip to Camper Clinic II to have a look at their parts department.  We wanted to pick up some weatherstripping, weatherstrip adhesive, and metal cleaner to begin sealing the windows around the Airstream.  Pricing on the weatherstripping we needed was $2.40/foot; a few times more what we’ve seen online so we passed.  On the way out, we were clobbered by the over-eager sales staff.  We explained our situation, our renovation project, and refusal to ever consider trading in our current Airstream.  They finally resolved to the fact that they wouldn’t be making a sale on us but still showed us around their inventory.  There was a nice 1970 24ish foot Airstream that had been updated and was on consignment.  Seeing one near our vintage gave us some much needed inspiration.

We left the dealership and headed north to Charles Maund Toyota.  We had contacted internet sales and had a quote on a ‘08 Sequoia SR5.  They didn’t have the quoted vehicle at the dealership (the owners were using it as an around-town loaner).  We headed up to Round Rock Toyota, whom we had also contacted.  They had two 4×4 SR5s in stock.  We quickly ruled out the white one as it lacked a few features we were looking for (and the color played a bit of a role too).  We opted for the pyrite model with a few upgrades including leather seats, sound system, sunroof, back-up camera, power 3rd row seats, etc.  It’s a bit more lux than we were aiming for but it met the basic criteria too (tow package, cold weather kit, 4×4).  After minimal negotiation on our trade-in, we wrapped up the deal and were on our way back down I-35.  Not a bad way to finish an Airstream-oriented day.

We should make note that our trade was a Scion xA so we have a bit of adjusting to do with our “rig.”  70 mph on the highway feels more like 55 and looking down into pick-up trucks and minivans is a bit unnerving.  The Sequoia is huge!  We’re certainly late to the SUV party and given the continuing rise of gas prices, have been receiving sidelong looks here and there (even in Texas!).  We’re a bit heavy-hearted about the environmental footprint of our new vehicle though know it’s a necessary part if you buy into Airstream ownership.  At present, public transportation will not get either of us to our jobs but we’ve already adopted carpooling several days a week.  We are aiming to minimize non-towing miles on the Sequoia as much as possible.

We’re planning on making a few online orders to get the Airstream sealed up within the next few weeks and then tackle that floor rot.  We’re back on the warpath of this rennovation project — stay tuned!