[overlander64]

Greetings Tim!

Welcome to the froum. I agree with you that air conditioning is a near necessity during the summer anywhere humidity is a problem. While my experience is with a more recent Overlander ('64), I can offer some insight from discussions with friends who own earlier Airstreams.

1. It is my understanding that Airstream didn't begin automatically reinforcing the roof structure for Air Conditioning until 1961 or thereabouts.

2. You will need to verify that you have a 20 AMP available circuit in your electric box. I would almost suspect that you may find the need for a revision to your electrical service if that hasn't already been done. Realistically, 30 AMP incoming service seems to be the bare minimum for the installation of a new air coniditioner.

3. You will need to decide whether you want to route the condesate via one of the special Airstream drip pans that may be available for your Air Conditioner - - if not, the condesate will run along the roof and down the side of the coach - - this is the arrangment that I have with my Overlander (probably not the best on a polished coach, but I hadn't planned on polishing when the new air conditioner was installed).

4. I know that friends with a '60 Overlander found that additional bracing was required prior to the installation of an air conditioner. The electic wiring was fished between the ceiling panels into one of the roof lockers where the romex was directed to the rear electrical service panel. Their mounting location is very similar to that in my '64 coach - - almost flush with the doorway between the center bedroom and kitchen area.

I don't know if Airstream had suggested installation position for air conditioners in the '50s - - by the '60s, there were factory guidelines for air conditioner location.

Hopefully someone with a coach closer in age to yours will respond with more precise information about actual location and needed bracing.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin