I mentioned the other day that a new project has arrived at the house. One that is full of vintage charm, character and lots of possibilities… and yes, a bit of work on the to-do list.
A vintage travel trailer
We have been on the lookout for a vintage trailer project for awhile. And we found one in a 1961 Avion Trailer that is just waiting for a little bit of love. Or a lot of love depending on how you look at it.
My husband and sons have been talking about fixing up a vintage trailer for fun -and of course I would love to use it for special photography projects. I mean- can you just imagine all the things that I will be setting up and photographing here? I have a list a mile long in mind already. haha.
The main things we (okay I) had on the list- the right price, the photography cute factor, mostly original and functional with a bathroom as we also planned to use for an extra guest room on the property or for camping obviously. We didn’t mind if it needed some work (or to be put back together) as long as it was not crazy crazy. And a bonus if the yuck factor work was already wrapped up. I also did not want a beast of a trailer- I wanted something on the smaller size.
Vintage Avion Trailer
A cousin of those famous airstream trailers- Avions are quite similar in look on the outside- some with a metal body that can be polished to a mirror finish.
On the inside, it reminds me more of the canned ham type trailers with their details and solid wood cabinetry. We looked at Airstreams as well and we kind of preferred the underdog here. Though, I do have a couple of airstream models that are favorites, a lot of them just didn’t talk to me. Fixed up- older Avions can fetch a similar price as Airstreams- but they are harder to come by so are a bit more unique- which I think is a bonus. And also the interior is solid wood and a lighter finish- which I prefer. Isn’t the kitchen so cute?
This is a 24′ Avion and it tows so light and easy. This floor plan has a dinette area, kitchen, 2 twin beds and a bathroom with a wee tub/shower combo. The cupboards are in fairly good shape and a beautiful blonde color. And of course, the little vintage pink range which is also the original.
BEFORE
The Before has good news and not so good news- as most projects do- but Kevin and Clover seem to approve.
The good?
The body outside is in pretty good shape. Not too many dings, dents or other issues to contend with. One thing we noticed was a lot of the outsides of the other trailers were quite damaged. And it can be repaired- but we really wanted something for a good price with more easily doable work. Inside there has been some rebuilding work already. We also have most of the originals and are able to put back in place.
I love that the outside on the 1961 Avion can be polished to a mirror reflection finish. Unlike the after 1963 versions that have what is called an anodized finish and look more like a matte silver.
We considered a couple of the later versions but decided we did not want to take on the task of stripping the finish off to get to the ‘raw’ metal. There are a lot of chemicals and we were not so comfortable with the whole process of doing that with harsh chemicals. If you decided to do that- once the finish is off- you then have the task of polishing it. Which we will have to do with this one either way.
The not so good? Remember that old McDonalds or something other commercial that talked about ‘Pieces. Parts’ ? The trailer is definitely in pieces. parts. So it needs to be put back together. Kind of like it was in process of being remodeled and then- it sat waiting for the vision to get it all back together again.
And with the recent rain we noticed that there are still some leaks happening that we need to fix.
The interior shell is also metal under the paint. A lot of what looks ‘dirty’ and damaged on the inside is just grunge that should clean off. But we do plan on removing the paint in a couple of areas and refreshing the paint in others. .
The Vision
I really want a time capsule – meaning as much of the original aesthetic and feeling as possible. I am not on the rip everything out and reimagine it train. So for me, it was important to have as much of the original as possible to work with. Which this one has a lot of- so that is a good thing.
What’s Next
We are starting with scrubbing and refreshing any areas of paint inside and then laying flooring and then will start rebuilding the inside.
Do we know what we are doing? Absolutely not. haha.
Are we crazy? I think yes, probably so.
We have never tackled anything like this before- but the boys are looking forward to the project and it should be fun learning. If anyone has done this before- please give us all the tips! And I will take you along each step of the way to share ups and downs on the renovation in case you want to tackle something like this too.
What do you think of this sweet little Avion travel trailer? And maybe the most pressing question of all: I am told that we should give her a name- so what should we name her? 🙂
Absolutely adorable! i can’t wait to follow along as you restore this beauty! everything you do is so beautiful and your attention to detail is always impressive. thanks for sharing your projects!
Thanks Missy! It should be a fun project for sure!
OMG! What fun for you and I know you will do an amazing job.
can’t wait to see the progress as you go along.
I how about Sylva or CATALINA..
Priscilla!!! She is beautiful! Congratulations!!!
She looks like a Camelia Rose to me!! All the vintage ladies have a middle name. That pink stove is adorable!!
Hi Courtney, I have no doubt that the end result will be just adroable, as all your projucts are, I had one and named it “gypsy rose” my sister nmaend her vintage SCOTTY “ANNIE” HAVE fun picking a name! I CAN’T wait to see the end results.
Cant wait to watch the Progress! You have such talent to make things beautiful! We have a 1949 truck named Jolene!
HOW AbouT “le petit maison”. I love that!!!!
Oh,just such a perfect project for all of you. She will be most beautiful!
I love the name “Avalon”…” it means “Island of Paradise”.
Happy trails!!
Sharrie
Oh how cute. I can’t wait to see after y’all are funished and she’s ready for traveling.
We have BOUGHT a 1979 Avion RV. There were only About 500 made. We are going to start working on her this summer. I am excIted to see your vision for yours. Our wood is not blonde, its darker.
i think bella grace! and I know you’ll do a stunning job per usual!
Dont polish it! My dad started to do that to our old airstream and halg the campground was blinded by the afternoon sun hitting the alumiNum. He quit after doing a 3×3 ft square. Your trailer brings back memories of the fun we had with that camper. If anyone CAN MAKE it cute, you can.
I would name her the pink princess! I love her already! ❤️
How exciting, this project! Can’t wait to see the ‘after’ part, but the fun would be the journey of restoration.
I would name her Olwen, after the Welsh goddess Olwen, who was fair complexioned and a paragon of beauty. There also was a bit of effort required before her would-be suitor/husband was able to realise his destiny, reflecting the steps that will be needed to bring your beauty to her best lustre!
Sounds like a really fun and challenging project. Can’t wait to follow along.
No doubt kevin and cLovEr thought they had hit the jackpot FOr A new residence. You will make it beautiul.
What a fun thing!!! Oh she’s gonna be awesome when she’s done.
I think her name should be edna.
Good luck – can’t wait to watch as this turns into something wonderful as only you guys can do. ♥
Sweet Adeline! Can’t Wait fOr the After!
It will be gorgeous! My choices for a name are: Marilyn or RosaLee.
How spectacular! Ever since seeing Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez in the movie with the vintage Airstream, and Lucy trying to cook while Desi drive-I have dreamed of owning one! I know that she will be absolutely beautiful when y’all are through!
How avout naming her “Lucy”?
My choices for name are: Marilyn or Rosa Lee
Oh my gosH! Be still my heart! You hit the motherlOde with this cute little gem! The pink stove iS perfect, and cabinets are in great shapE! I have always wanted to have a trailer (smaller) in our back yard too. I am looking forward to all your posts on fixing this old gal up!
A diamond in the rough.
Just love her and know she will be grand!
This new project of yours made me smile! What a great fun thing to do. For a name? All I can think of is “Cousin Eddie” Randy Quaid’s role in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where he pulls up in his RV unexpected for the Griswold’s family Christmas holiday. Cousin Eddie’s dogs name was Snots..but don’t name it that! Lol
Adorable.What a great family project.
Several years ago, our neighbor redid an Avion to its glory in Vintage pink cowgirl fabric. It looked adorable with the pink stove. With your French style, it will be stunning.
So awesome! Love the Avion! She’s Beautiful already. Can’t Wait to see your beautiful transformation. Still thinkin about what I would name her….hhhmmm.
3 suggestions for techniques, problems, etc for you (I know you’ll put your own fantastic style in it):
1. Junk Gypsies did some shows on airstreams and a lot on their websites and such.
2. Escape to the Chateau had a few fun epsiodes where they refurbished very beaten up vintage motorhome, Boat, etc.
3. LOVE the Genevieve Gorder makeover of a train car for one of her Dear Genevieve episodes! and she had a lot of repairs to deal with, though she doesn’t roll up her sleeves and do it herself like you (We) Do!
How cool, looking forward to the after shots
This is gonna be amazing. The pInk stove is the icing on thw cake. Her name ahould be Rosie because she’s there among thw rOses at your house! Can’t wait to follow along.
How about ‘Pinky’?
I’m so excited for you we restored a 1957 deville its a lot of work but so worth it there are a lot of websites that have original parts you can order
The fun part is sharing it at a car show with our 1978 mg midget! Have so much fun!
GiRrrlll, i started hYperventilating as soon as I saw her! She’s the perfect DIY project for you n Your hubby. I’m already living vicariously thru just sering her. I immediaTely (as Im surd you did) started Googling “best pink retro fridges in 2022”. Maybe im assuming too much that you’d wanna pink fridge to katch the stove? Amazon even has a FriGidaire bar-size one that is too stinkin cute (if you had the room)? My suggestion for her name is “Pinky TUSCADERO”. She was FONZIE’s GF on HAPPY DAYS, remember? Or, “the Glampinator”. Also, sincerest congrats on your son’s wedding! Lil Juliet is sooo gorgeous! Hope you n your hubbby know how blessed you are, you deserve it❣️🙏🏼✝️✌🏼☮️ I dont see a link for wedding PICS?
This is wonderful. It is so you Curtney. You guys have a budget I could only dream to work with.! Congrats.
How exciting! Love the pale pink stove. Can’t wait to follow the Restoration? I love pink flowers/roses, so…what about Rosalee, Rosana, Rosabelle or even Rozy? I’m sure i’ll love whatever name you choose!
I was thinking about Genevieve or Beatrice. I will enjoy seeing the progress. WILL there be a chandralier?
Im sure yiu will make it beautiful! How about naming her “Rambling Rose?”
Hi Courtney,
I know you and your family put a lot of work into the projects you tackle. That said, this is so darn cute. I know it will be amazing when finished. I hope it’s at least a little bit easier than THE RECENT FURNITURE WITH THE WORMHOLES. hAHA.
Karen b.
I love your Avion! My hearts dream!!!!! My choice of name is Avita, Short and Sweet…..
How about Gypsy Rose — loves to travel and has no inhibitions? She does everything with style!
Hi Courtney, Really enjoyed seeing all Your Projects. Loved the two little Goats peeking into theAvion. Just a suggestion for a name… ‘Miss Vonnie’ Laters, MJ