The longer I do this, the more I develope a set in stone attitude. Being a service based business, you go into it with a ” just doing what the customer wants” approach. That has evolved for me. I understand more and more that customer’s ( you ) have ideas, but I have a ever growing base of knowledge. I learn more and more with every single build I do. As time goes on, cerian things tend to become clear and others stop making sense.
I am referring to the idea that a person can save money by just doing this one part of a trailer or restoration. For instance, ” Leave the bathroom, we’ll just do the front area to save money.” It truly sounds like a good idea. However, you should only do this if you can visually inspect every square inch of flooring. In some of these trailers, the shower area is a vast fiberglass pod covering a lot of space. If you work around this, you may do like I did and later find so much rot under it, that it has to come out anyway. Did we save any money? Not Really. By the time you repair the flooring in a now more confined location, carefully try to re-install the pod you removed you may even end up spending more than had you scrapped the idea and started fresh.
We are all here looking for ways to save these trailers one at a time. I am here to guide people as much as I can, do the best work I can, and flat out put out rolling art. You can’t paint a partial picture, and you just can’t afford to do a partial restoration. I am more sure of that now more than ever. Now, I’m headed back out there to finish that floor.

Have I ranted about leaks lately? The importance of finding the leak is by far and away at the top of the list. Otherwise, what have you got….a few years before the floors are soft, woods moldy and it stinks all to hell. So I say again, while you have them empty, look. Then look some more. Check the vents, water likes to run in where the screws are. Check the windows, doors, and the fancy little pieces above the windows. After 30 some odd years the caulk will open up and let rain run straight in. I sometimes chase leaks for days only to find one rivet that is the problem. I truly despise leaks with a passion. Have I told you that?

The unveiling went off without a hitch, er…no pun intended. We had a blast! Thanks to the McBride’s for having us. The trailer made a big splash. Music, food and vintage trailers..What else do you need? I hope to keep making clients this happy for a long time.

As I’m preparing to start another one, I realize that I will continue to hit the same wall. How can I design this trailer differently? The factory did things a certain way for a reason. Like most factories, I’m sure that reason was that it would be easiest to mass produce. This is why I like doing what I do. I don’t have to worry about mass production. I have to worry about finished product. Will this meet every need of my customer? Will it look so good, that when I’m done people will want to know how they can get theirs? Will this be another piece of Americana? Will this be another chance to make my mark? Yeah, I’ve got concerns, but mass production didn’t make the list. I gotta get back to this new layout.

This 1979 Has been a long process, but I like to think it was worth the wait. Complete interior overhaul. Hand- made walnut cabinetry, cork flooring, an A/V system that’ll blow your socks off, and 100% luxury to boot. All the features of everyday with the appeal of a swanky night club that a doorman wouldn’t let you in. At least we have pictures. Check out the full gallery on the motion pictures page.

As always, the final few days of a build, feels more like Hell Week. Walking around with a punch list that somehow gets longer as you mark things off. I’m not complaining though. When it has to be perfect, and your reputation is at stake, you do whatever it takes. The sense of pride is overwhelming, when you sit back and take it in. It is truly satisfying to bring a project like this 1979 Airstream full circle. Terry had a cool response to one of the pics, It said, ” Welcome to the Airstream Nightclub.” Pics will follow soon.

I don’t want to alarm anyone who feels like their world is shattered. I am still Twisted Silver. Just needed an updated site that fit me a little better. There will be more photos here, more interaction, more tweets, and most importantly more awesome custom work on vintage Airstreams!

It’s been a while coming, but all good things must come to an end. Should be rolling out within the week, and finished photo drop to follow soon.

 

Jimmy

 

1947 Airstream that was completely rebuilt.  New frame, running gear…well, everything but the skin has been rebuilt to suit the needs of the family. Over 10,000 miles and counting.

It’s funny how things always come around again. Clothes, cars, design, and passion to name a few. After stepping away from full time work, I’m coming aroung again too. Re-dedicating myself and my time to what some say I do best, designing and crafting custom one-off converions of vintage trailercoaches. Let’s see what happens next!