Q. What part of the reno is the hardest?
A. This is dependent on so many factors, honestly. Every single Airstream we’ve worked on (for reference, we’re on number #6) has been vastly different. Each time, there has been something tough that we’ve not had to deal with previously. Examples of this include replacing chassis crossmembers, severely pitted exterior aluminum, restoring eight flat fixed and vista view windows, et cetera. Generally, the tough stuff is getting the Airstream watertight, safe, and road ready. While building is tough, it’s always been the most consistent thing we do and the thing that more people already know and have experience with (us included).
When we started our first Airstream renovation four years ago, we had no clue what we were doing. Often folks ask how we know how to do this work - and honestly, we had to just dive in and start. The resources that are out there now are fairly vast, though we caution to not trust every DIYer, be sure to have reliable sources (popularity on Instagram does not always equal solid knowledge) when doing dangerous or potentially dangerous tasks, such as electrical, but there weren't many at all when we began. We had to really dig and research with what was available and just start (scared or not - which we were - we were terrified to drill out rivets and remove the interior skins!). It might sound like some tough love (okay, it is tough love), but plenty of people have been able to figure out how to do this without step-by-step guides or previous experience. Like anything worth doing, it takes giving it your all and putting in the work. Figuring it out. Doing the doing.
The best way to get through the hard parts is to push on through and reach out to trusted and experienced mentors if you get into a tough spot, but ultimately, the only person who can do this work for you is you.
You've got this.