The long awaited restoration program is finally here.
Airstreamers get ready...get set...set your TIVO's

Program Schedule



Episode 1

Airstream Introduction, Inspection, History and Tear-Out Interior - Episode DCLR-201

  AIR TIMES
October 07, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
October 08, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

Host Kevin Tetz gives viewers a tour of our classic 27-foot 1970 Airstream travel trailer, which is road worn and dated. Then he inspects the RV systems, such as gas and electric, with certified RV technician Xavier Taylor from Camper's Corner RV Center (side note: I uncovered this company's website and there is absolutely NO mention of Airstreams anywhere). They find that there are many items that are not up to codes or need repair. Kevin also shares some great Airstream restoration resources, and he takes a trip down the Airstream history road, including vintage footage and photos, factory tours, 1970's television ads and current Airstream models.
Let the fun begin as the "Classic Rides" team tears out much of the interior to get started on the restoration!



Episode 2

Major Appliances: Water and Heat - Episode DCLR-202

  AIR TIMES
October 14, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
October 15, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

RV Technician Neal Stultz from Suburban Manufacturing joins host Kevin Tetz to install a new water heater and furnace and to bring those systems up to codes in our 1970 Airstream. Neal demonstrates what to look for when choosing a water heater for a vintage coach. Mark Huggett from Zurn Plumbing Products shows what is available for replacing old and deteriorating pipes. Master Plumber Jeff Grigg helps Kevin install the new electric/gas water heater, and Neal helps Kevin install the new furnace and thermostat. Finally, Kevin installs a new and upgraded water pump.



Episode 3

Bathroom Restoration - Episode DCLR-203

  AIR TIMES
October 21, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
October 22, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

Host Kevin Tetz demonstrates how to paint the various plastics in the 1970 Airstream bathroom. Warm blues and greens were chosen to give the bathroom a "spa" feel. Kevin removes the old and peeling wallpaper and replaces that with an aluminum wall treatment. Master Plumber Jeff Grigg joins Kevin to replace the faucets and fixtures. Kevin demonstrates how to re-do the window tint of the bathroom window -- a typical automotive project. He also installs a new 12-volt RV style bathroom vanity light.



Episode 4

Walls, Air and Cabinets - Episode DCLR-204

  AIR TIMES
October 28, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
October 29, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

Host Kevin Tetz paints the interior of the 1970 Airstream with a warm golden yellow and silver cap area," and then he upgrades the old hand-crank roof vents with modern electric units that have an automatic rain sensor. Kevin and RV technician Xavier Taylor from Camper's Corner RV Center install a new, more powerful rooftop air conditioner. Kevin restores the faded wood cabinets using a convenient refinishing system and, finally, he coats the wood with shellac to create a warm and rich look.



Episode 5

Bedroom Restoration - Episode DCLR-205

  AIR TIMES
November 04, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
November 05, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

In order to bring some light and modern styling into the dark bedroom, host Kevin Tetz shows how to recover a dated laminate countertop with aluminum sheeting. He also creates a unique glass top for the countertop, complete with a sand-blasted "Classic Rides" logo. Kevin installs brushed aluminum micro window blinds that add the modern metal look and move well with the mobile trailer. He also installs a new ash gray folding door between the kitchen and bedroom. The "tambour" cabinets in both the bedroom and kitchen are re-done using metal laminate tambour (like a roll-top desk). The bedroom is completed with beautiful and rich faux leather cushion covers and pillows. The finished bedroom feels warm and comfortable, much like a mid-century train berth.



Episode 6

Kitchen Restoration - Episode DCLR-206

  AIR TIMES
November 11, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
November 12, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

Host Kevin Tetz starts the kitchen restoration by covering the dirty walls with a metal laminate backsplash, much like the new Airstream models. Then he constructs a new countertop and covers that with vintage "boomer rang" design laminate. The countertop is trimmed with 1950's soda shop style metal trim molding. Master Plumber Jeff Grigg joins Kevin to install the new and larger sink and fixtures plus a water filter system. The kitchen is completed with new appliances including a new gas cooktop, an RV style gas/electric refrigerator and a built-in microwave oven. The finished kitchen looks striking and modern but has the vintage touches of the boomer rang laminate and metal countertop trim.



Episode 7

Flooring, Windows and Exterior Work - Episode DCLR-207

  AIR TIMES
November 18, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
November 19, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

DIY remodeling expert Nathan Haun joins host Kevin Tetz to install a new cork "floating" floor in the travel trailer. Kevin works on the windows and doors of the 1970 Airstream, which need maintenance, new weather-stripping and some hardware. He also shows how to repaint the Airstream emblems and does some additional exterior work, including replacing reflector and signal lights.



Episode 8

Living Room and Rock Guard - Episode DCLR-208

  AIR TIMES
November 25, 2005

9:00 PM Eastern
November 26, 2005

12:00 AM Eastern

RV Maintenance instructor Terry Cooper from the Texas State Technical College RV division helps host Kevin Tetz install new and updated lighting, including 12-volt track lighting and new brushed aluminum RV fixtures. Airstream decorator Arlene Fowler of Fowler Interiors helps Kevin update the window treatments in the coach. Kevin continues the living room renovation with a re-laminated "credenza" and foldout dining table. He does some work to the Control Panel and storage cabinet and then installs a new foldout sofa bed made for today's RVs. The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, joins Kevin to install a new rock guard on the front of the trailer.



Episode 9

Wheels, Waste System and Electrical Power System - Episode DCLR-209

Host Kevin Tetz installs new correctly-rated Goodyear Marathon tires for the 27-foot, 5,000-pound Airstream -- which are installed on beautiful aluminum wheels. The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, joins Kevin to demonstrate the Airstream's waste system and install an electric dump valve. Electrical Engineer Jeff McCoy from Parallax Power Systems joins Kevin to install a new power converter, which converts AC 120 volt power to DC 12 volts when the coach is hooked up to city power. And finally, RV Maintenance instructor Terry Cooper from the Texas State Technical College RV division helps Kevin install a new "deep cycle" battery and complete some electrical projects.



Episode 10

Exterior Restoration and Final Touches - Episode DCLR-210

On the final episode of DIY's 1970 Airstream restoration, The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, joins host Kevin Tetz to upgrade and complete the hitch work, including installing a new electric leveling tongue jack, an anti-sway hitch, new aluminum LP cylinders and gas valves -- and a new vehicle harness. Tom Numelin from Perfect Polish shows Kevin how to polish the aluminum exterior. Bob Miller and crew from Zip Dee helps Kevin install new awnings. Finally, Kevin tows the restored Airstream to a park and sets up camp. He also recaps the entire restoration.



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