Searching for a 1958 manual

[Nancy S]

Within the month I will be the owner of a 1958 Globe Trotter. What is the best way to track down a copy of the owner's manual, if there is one for that year? How much should I expect to pay, generally? Thanks for your help.

[overlander64]

Greetings Nancy S!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreaming.

Airstream didn't begin publishing Owner's Manuals until 1964. Even in '64, the Owner's manual wasn't particularly enlightening but it was a first step in the right direction. Prior to '64, the owner received a packet of literature and manuals for each of the installed accessories. This practice continues to this day, but the owner's manuals have made tremendous strides in the degree with which they cover the various systems in the coach.

Once you can determine the manufacturer and model names and numbers for the various appliances and accessories in your coach, you can post this information with a request for copies of the applicable literature/manuals, and you will likely receive offers from owners with similar coaches to photo copy what you need at nominal cost (usually postage and copy costs). Most of the individual literature/manuals for my '64 Overlander are no more tha two pages - - the longest documents are those for the refrigerator, furnace, and water heater - - each is a dozen or more pages.

Good luck with your search!

Kevin

[63flyingcloud]

Greetings, Nancy! And Congratulations!

Although there was no Owners Manual in 1958, there were brochures and sales literature which may be of interest. Some of these are available online at the VAC site.

Check out www.airstream.net/members/documents/index.html

The '58 is not represented, but the surrounding years may be useful.

Also, the VAC publishes a quarterly magazine called the Vintage Advantage. The current issue has a comprehensive article about the Airstreams of the early 50's. I believe that the next issue will focus on the late 50's, so you might look for that.

Finally, there will be a VAC Vintage Rally in your neck of the woods (Duncans Mills-Russian River) in early October. Although the rally is filled, you might be interested in the open house on saturday, Oct 11.

In any case, Welcome, and smooth sailing!

[59toaster]

I have what I think is all of the litirature that came with our 59. It's like Kevin mentioned, Mostly for the appliances. Very little that is spicific to the model. It's only about 7-8 pages of material. I'll be happy to fax you a copy of what I have if you have a fax available.

I think 59 was a transisition year on a couple things. I have a forced air furnace mounted in the galley wall under the stove. You may have the radiant heater by the door. Water heater I believe is the same. Information on the water system will probably be the same as well. You should have the Air over water pressure system with a water tank against the front wall and possibly the Grover air pump. If you have the Grover there may be a switch on the front wall to the right of the front window. It's possible that it has been converted to on demand electric. The pump will be mounted next to the tank under the goucho or one of the dinnet seats depending on how yours was equipped.

[Nancy S]

Thank you Rivet Master!

[Nancy S]

Thank you Overlander64, Flyngcloud63 and 59toaster for you helpful comments.

59toaster, how do I give you my fax number as a private message?

[63flyingcloud]

Nancy,

If you click on the button marked "PM" under 59Toaster's post, it will take you to the place you need to go.