I'm Not Rebuilding this Trailer

[HiHoAgRV]

Dunno what to think of this...

[Overlander & Sea]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

The bathroom vanity has been slowly disappearing into splinters of delaminated wood. Today I backed out the 8 -10 screws and removed it. I lifted off the top and much to my surprise, this trailer is an International Signature Series! (Now if I could just read the signature...)
The floor is good and solid, good thing because I really am not planning on rebuilding this trailer

Very cool finding that signature!! Since you're NOT rebuilding this trailer you can go ahead and NOT repair the toilet bowl sprayer where the copper water line froze one year, while you're there in that area! Just helping from afar!!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I lifted off the top and much to my surprise, this trailer is an International Signature Series! (Now if I could just read the signature...)

Looks like "IDC" or "IDG" and part of the serial number "261-#860" which is appropriate for a 1961 26" Overlander built in Ohio

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Dunno what to think of this...

Hi

Be worried .... be *very* worried !!!!

Actually, if I was there in 61, I was installing some pretty high grade plywood. The fact that Granddaddy sold it to AS in no way colors my opinion .... The thing to be worried about is having a grade schooler loose in your trailer with tools ....

Bob

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by Overlander & Sea

Very cool finding that signature!! Since you're NOT rebuilding this trailer you can go ahead and NOT repair the toilet bowl sprayer where the copper water line froze one year, while you're there in that area! Just helping from afar!!

Yeah, there is a bit of spliced copper still there that I couldn't get out when I ran pex. The darn sprayer leaks when you use it. That causes some unpleasant sensations and reactions when I exit the bathroom with dripping wet hands. I guess I should re(place)pair. It.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Be worried .... be *very* worried !!!!

Actually, if I was there in 61, I was installing some pretty high grade plywood. The fact that Granddaddy sold it to AS in no way colors my opinion .... The thing to be worried about is having a grade schooler loose in your trailer with tools ....

Bob

Do you recall a field trip to Jackson Center as a youngster? Mischievous kids sneaking away from the tour and writing their names on stuff?

LOL!

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Looks like "IDC" or "IDG" and part of the serial number "261-#860" which is appropriate for a 1961 26" Overlander built in Ohio

Yup, like the other trailers I dealt with, the s/n matches the trailer. My first thought was IDC was International, double, C? But it's a twin trailer.
Some marks look like "Older" and "R..T."

Just another unsolvable Airstream mystery!

[Mrs HiHo]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Yeah, there is a bit of spliced copper still there that I couldn't get out when I ran pex. The darn sprayer leaks when you use it. That causes some unpleasant sensations and reactions when I exit the bathroom with dripping wet hands. I guess I should re(place)pair. It.

Ummmm, I agree[emoji40]

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Do you recall a field trip to Jackson Center as a youngster? Mischievous kids sneaking away from the tour and writing their names on stuff?

LOL!

Hi

Well keep in mind that there was one and only one criteria for the quality of a trailer when I was very young. The ones with more plywood were better trailers. There was no debating this point. You *could* bring up the aircraft analogy. That would be a bit of a mistake. Granddad was a aviation carpenter in the Navy before he started selling plywood ....

Bob

[HiHoAgRV]

I'm surprised at some folks who are lucky enough to be able to save the original veneer. This trailer, no way. One more 4x8 sheet of oak ply and a couple of hours results in a reskinned bath cabinet. The frame is in great shape, only one 1x2 needed replacing. I am spraying poly on the interior to help contain any remains of 'vintage aromas'. A couple more coats and it goes back in.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Plywood *can* last a very long time. I have pieces that are at least 70 years old and never have been used. Glue matters and there are multiple formulas that can be used. Back in the "good old days" you might find a range of glues used by a single outfit. As long as the glue holds up, the plywood should stay intact.

Yes, the wood also matters. On older plywood, it rarely was an issue. I wonder about the stuff I see in modern sheets.

Sounds like you got unlucky on the glue batch used on your trailer

Bob

[HiHoAgRV]

Bad glue actually has helped. Not only did the 'A' side veneer come loose from the core, the 'B' side did also. Now the glue that Airstream used, it's not coming loose so I have been able to attach new ply to the old inner side of the 'B' veneer.

Reinstalled the cabinet. The color difference and crooked top are a visual effect of my iPhone camera.
It's a lot of work not rebuilding a trailer!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Ok, I guess I never looked at bad glue as a virtue before

Bob

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Ok, I guess I never looked at bad glue as a virtue before

Bob

This plywood has none of the vices I admire and all of the virtues I dislike

[Bourbonshot]

With HiHoAgRV’s encouragement, here’s another autographed 1961 OH trailer; photo is from the rear closet in our Trade Wind. Would love to know more about Pete!

[HiHoAgRV]

It doesn't look like Pete built my cabinets, he musta had the day off.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

When you start finding the notes carved in Roman numerals .... give Time Team a call ...

Bob

[Overlander & Sea]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Bad glue actually has helped. Not only did the 'A' side veneer come loose from the core, the 'B' side did also. Now the glue that Airstream used, it's not coming loose so I have been able to attach new ply to the old inner side of the 'B' veneer.

Reinstalled the cabinet. The color difference and crooked top are a visual effect of my iPhone camera.
It's a lot of work not rebuilding a trailer!

The bathroom cabinet turned out very nice! Original counter top, original hardware, original sink, but I can't quite see the original bathroom faucet.....

Did you not rebuild it or did you not replace it??!!! haha

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by Overlander & Sea

, but I can't quite see the original bathroom faucet.....

I've been busted...it's a replacement.

[slowmover]

But you purchased it from the table at the RV supply house of marked-down returns, scratch & dent, or discontinued. Maybe from a salvage yard. Thus:

No technical foul.

.