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Pies1212 · 08-22-2011, 03:08 PM

We found this little trailer wasting away in a barn in Southern Illinois. The trailer was "found" when a friend was removing a hundred year old tree from the house and barn of a retired couple after a summer storm.
The tree just missed the trailer, the rootball of this tree was as big as the truck!
Antway, we've always wanted an airstream! I have to admit, after reading some of the restorations and retrofits on this forum, I'm alot overwhelmed. Barry from Iowa recommended I put the information out here and ask for help. My boys and I are looking forward to the project, my wife- not so much! LOL!
Any suggestions/help is appreciated!

BigAl · 08-22-2011, 03:17 PM

The exterior looks really good. In my opinion that is the main thing.
Everything else is easy. Just takes determination and money.
Good luck with it.
Al

reinergirl · 08-22-2011, 03:53 PM

SWEET! She looks like she's in great shape and even has the original hubcaps! Lucky find!

When you get a chance please post some pictures of the interior. We love pictures! I'm currently completely gutting and doing the full monte on a 63 Overlander with the help of Colin Hyde.

There are plenty of threads on here that have done the full monte (a complete lift off of the shell and replacement of floor and running gear). You may not need that as she's been stored inside but don't worry none of it is rocket science and there are plenty of people here to help.

Welcome to Airstreaming and to the forums!

nmbosa · 08-22-2011, 04:12 PM

Looks great from the outside. How does it smell/look on the inside? The trick is whether you can use it without dumping a bunch of time and money in to rebuild it like most of us. Although I had a blast rebuilding mine, it's easy to burn out or run out of money and get stuck with something you can't get rid of. Lets see some pics of the interior.

Norm

Frank's Trailer Works · 08-22-2011, 04:28 PM

can you post the serial number? I am always curious to meet my Anna's twin sister.

Pies1212 · 08-22-2011, 05:15 PM

My first question is how do I edit the thread fro 1962 overland to 1962 overlander? I know, your thinking "Rookie".

HiHoAgRV · 08-22-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pies1212

My first question is how do I edit the thread fro 1962 overland to 1962 overlander? I know, your thinking "Rookie".

Done...

Overlander & Sea · 08-22-2011, 06:23 PM

Nice find! Very interesting front window (from your images). Good luck with your project.

Wabbiteer · 08-22-2011, 06:38 PM

Hope you can keep it under cover... Since its been barn kept a single drop of water making it inside could* start a chain reaction ending with something straight out of a sci-fi movie taking over the world...

GET on the gaskets and caulk

Very, very nice find by all outward appearances. WTG!

overlander64 · 08-22-2011, 06:52 PM

Greetings Pies1212!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Overlander ownership!

There aren't too many Vintage Airstream owners in Southern Illinois . . . welcome from your neighbor from the South in Union County. I have owned my '64 Overlander since 1995, but have known the coach since it was brand new.

I am sure that you are going to have many hours of fund discovering the treasures of your Overlander!

Good luck with your coach!

Kevin

meredith · 08-22-2011, 07:05 PM

How exciting! She looks great on the outside and I can't wait for you to post pictues of the inside.
Meredith

bwoodtx · 08-22-2011, 07:10 PM

Nice find!!! My wife and I love the jalousie windows-some don't. Anyway we have a '63 Sovereign that has a huge jalousie window. Welcome to the forums, lots of info to help with your new baby.

Pies1212 · 08-22-2011, 07:43 PM

uploaded serial # photo. I will take interior pics next.
262T112
# on the top and back 19375 (I think) the numbers are gone but the outline is there, very faint

Thanks to all of the responses!!
Todd

Frank's Trailer Works · 08-22-2011, 07:52 PM

Mine is I 262T123. Maybe the same week of production for our rigs

Pies1212 · 08-22-2011, 08:55 PM

Thanks! it is a 62. Good to know> I will get some pics of the interior tomorrow.

Pies1212 · 08-23-2011, 07:41 AM

Interior pics.

There are no soft areas or visual clues of water damage. The original tile is covered with carpet. The walls are painted a glorious pink...
All the cabinets and doors are in working order. The fridge is aftermarket and water heater is relatively new. The water tank looks like a torpedo! I was looking for the launch mechanism.
The first round of shop vac cleaning was a success, lots of spiders and a few ants.
According to the inside of the door this trailer has seen some travels.
Also, I found a cool airstream sales brochure.

Pies1212 · 08-23-2011, 07:49 AM

More Pics.

so... taking a poll, where would you start?

I won't be offended or upset with any and all suggestions, this is a family project that has no real timeline, just a "Journey".

Thanks in advance!

Todd

Melody Ranch · 08-23-2011, 08:03 AM

Very nice!
I would "start" by throwing out all the cushions and mattresses...curtains and rugs if there are any....along with any obvious trash and things you definitely don't want. Wash the outside....no ammonia products. Now, if your happy with the floor situation...make it waterproof by sealing it up and do what you have to with the vent and window/door seals. Now, take a more complete inventory of what needs to be done and what you want to be done. (two separate lists) If all looks satisfactory...replace the wheel bearings, check the brakes, replace the tires ....and put it to use. Now, you will have to have a new battery and the systems will most likely need some type of work, but that is what you determine when you get it going. Please don't be a person that tears it all apart, then loose interest (with your perspective on the whole project) and abandon the project. You have a beauty there and it looks like you will be able to use it, even this year.

Wabbiteer · 08-23-2011, 08:52 AM

Just a thought: The foam type used is extremely expensive these days and not easily duplicated for the texture & feel (latex?) - I found a foam shop willing to trim the cushion faces down to clean-fresh material AFTER I had discarded the $1000 worth of matresses (that $25,000 cutter needs to work!).

Get on the vent pipe roof gaskets first, then vents and inspect every shell seam and joint and waterproof with Acryl-R, Alcoa-seal, Vulkem - etc.. Put a filler pop-rivet in any hole in the shell. Check for mouse-sized openings, the hitch A-frame may be hollow and the wheel wells may have gaps.

overlander64 · 08-23-2011, 09:51 AM

Greetings Pies1212!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pies1212

Interior pics.

There are no soft areas or visual clues of water damage. The original tile is covered with carpet. The walls are painted a glorious pink...
All the cabinets and doors are in working order. The fridge is aftermarket and water heater is relatively new. The water tank looks like a torpedo! I was looking for the launch mechanism.

It sounds as if you have uncovered a real survivor that will provide many hours of enjoyment.

Your water tank is one of the pressurized variety. These tanks were typically galvanized steel, but were also available as either aluminum or stainless steel. Today, these tanks often are found to be the culprit of soft floors in the front of the coach as they develop pin-hole leaks in the bottom of the tank where the tank is in contact with the floor. These systems when fully operational tend to be among the quietest available in the RV world . . . the tank is pressurized in as many as three ways . . . when filling the tank with a hose connected to city water supply . . . . through a schroeder valve located beside or near the city water fill connection . . . through an electric pressure pump mounted in the cabinet near the water tank. The pressure pump doesn't circulate the water so it eliminates a potential freeze point when compared to the curren demand pump driven systems.

Enjoy exploring your Overlander!

Kevin

P.S.: If your coach's original owners were members of the WBCCI, I suspect that our coaches probably met at one or more rallys or on one or more caravans. The original owners of my coach were avid members of the WBCCI and active members of the Southern Illinois Unit of the WBCCI through 1980.

Your interior wood looks like it will return to beauty with little more than a thorough application of WATCO oil in the appropriate formulation.

As a suggestion: before disposing of any of the interior softgoods that you want to replace, consider keeping them long enough to use for pattern creation . . . it will make the replacement job much easier.