my 1961 Overlander?

[rockhoundj45]

Hello All,
After years of day dreaming I finally picked up this 1961 a couple of weeks ago. The guy I bought if from simply called it a "land yacht". It is a 26 footer according to the title, but any badging that once said so is long gone. For starters, can anyone verify that what I have is in fact a 1961 overlander?

I realize it will take a significant amout of time and patience to get this old girl in tip top condition, but I am up to the challenge! I myself am fairly handy, and my father is a whiz with anything related to carpentry/electicity etc. Together we plan on doing a restoration starting from the ground up, (replacing the axles, fixing any rot in the frame and floor as well as referbishing the electrical system and plumbing, etc.

But with the arrival of Spring here in Eastern Oklahoma, I would really like to just give her a good cleaning and taker her out "as is" a few times. The P.O. says "everything" worked last fall when winterized. So far I have verified that both 12v and 110v lights work. I haven't checked the plumbing yet but hopefully this won't prove to be too much of an immediate issue...As far as towing, it has new tires and it pulled just fine for the 100 mile ride home, (with turn and brake signals that work).

I guess my second general question is: What basic concerns should I have and what preparations do I need to make prior to taking my new pride and joy out on a weekend camping trip?

Also, based on the attached photos, can anyone tell me how original the interior layout of my trailer is? I'm fairly certain that the dinette is not original, however I'm not sure about the stove and sink set up.
The fridge is an all electric dorm fridge, but I suspect the stove may be original. Ultimatley I would like the interior to be as close to original as possible, although I have a long way to go before I start thinking seriously about that part of the restoration...

So overall I am very excited about my new airstream and I look forward to learning all that I can along the way to total resoration...Any feedback/advice from this forum will be greatly appreciated...and please be patient with me for afterall I am a newbie!

[truckasaurus]

Welcome, you have bought the best model and year! (slightly biased of course).

Mine was gutted already so I'd say check out the Airstream site for the original layout pdf's, they're there.

First glance I'd say, and I won't be the first here. that you'll most likely want axles. I'll fish out a pick of mine if it helps but mine rides way higher.

[Cochese]

Your trailer looks pretty solid. I live in Tulsa as well, I have a 65 overlander.feel free to call me w/ any questions(918)645-2762... Good luck, Brian

[65CV]

Sure looks like a California '61 Overlander. Good looking find.

See this site for pictures of other Overlanders that year. You'll also see that your serial number fits perfectly in the group.

You can also find a copy of the original brochure here.

There are quite a few threads on Overlander restorations in the '58-'63 Overlander forum. You may want to start a thread there or ask the mods to move it. You'll get a number of good responses there.

What should you look for before trying it out?
- Tires over 5 years old
- Split Rims can be very dangerous
- Frame Rot can be serious if your trailer had a lot of leakage below the windows
- the Frame to front plate joint
- mice

As long as it is solid, it's a great idea to try out the original design before making any changes. There are some very well tested designs in that trailer.

Welcome and enjoy!

John

[RM66caravel]

So they painted the plate and what a beautiful airstream you have! Since the plate was stenciled you may have some issues cleaning it up but I am sure that there is a source for a replacement somewhere. Again and welcome to the forums
Cliff

[reinergirl]

Looks like a nice candidate for restoration! Welcome! One note, that door knob was basically only used for one year, it's extremely rare to see one intact like that. Take care of it! No slamming the door .

I think Vintage trailersupply.com should have a replacement plate for that year.

Please PM me if you would like to have this moved to the Overlander forum.

[rockhoundj45]

Originally Posted by Cochese

Your trailer looks pretty solid. I live in Tulsa as well, I have a 65 overlander.feel free to call me w/ any questions(918)645-2762... Good luck, Brian

Thanks Brian...
I will definately be in contact!

[rockhoundj45]

Originally Posted by 65CV

Sure looks like a California '61 Overlander. Good looking find.

See this site for pictures of other Overlanders that year. You'll also see that your serial number fits perfectly in the group.

You can also find a copy of the original brochure here.

There are quite a few threads on Overlander restorations in the '58-'63 Overlander forum. You may want to start a thread there or ask the mods to move it. You'll get a number of good responses there.

What should you look for before trying it out?
- Tires over 5 years old
- Split Rims can be very dangerous
- Frame Rot can be serious if your trailer had a lot of leakage below the windows
- the Frame to front plate joint
- mice

As long as it is solid, it's a great idea to try out the original design before making any changes. There are some very well tested designs in that trailer.

Welcome and enjoy!

John

Thanks for the information John,
I can't wait to get started working on my new project!!

Caleb

[rockhoundj45]

Originally Posted by RM66caravel

So they painted the plate and what a beautiful airstream you have! Since the plate was stenciled you may have some issues cleaning it up but I am sure that there is a source for a replacement somewhere. Again and welcome to the forums
Cliff

Thanks Cliff!

Ahhh so someone painted the nameplate...I knew something wasn't right...
Caleb

[Cristobal]

Nice. We bought our '61 two years ago. I can't stop using it long enough to do most of the work that I want to. Cool thing about this site is I found pictures on here from when the previous owner bought it. My goal this year is to polish the outside. I've been tinkering with it on the weekends. If you have any questions that I may know the answer to, feel free to call me 912-996-5575. If I don't answer, just leave me a message. My badges are in decent shape on the outside. I'm planning on making new decals to replace the old. If it turns out good, I'll have a pattern in the computer. I own a sign shop and these things do seem to be hard to find.

[Gaël]

Very fine and have fun with your overlander !

It looks very in good condition !



And welcome !