1959 Caravanner

highcotton · 12-02-2005, 09:39 PM

I found for sale a 1959 A/S Caravanner. It seems to be in fair shape, no dents/leaks but the mechanicals are shot. I have not read a lot about Caravanners. Is this a model/year which would be desireable and a worthwhile project?

**flyfshr** · 12-02-2005, 09:58 PM

This is a very desireable project. You'll enjoy its size and vintage, before the days of plastics and contact paper. In a '59 trailer, I would think the mechanicals would need redoing anyway. Go for it and post some pictures.

Brad
FF

guy99 · 12-02-2005, 11:39 PM

I've been seeking a 59. That is my wife's birth year. I already have a 1959 Massey Ferguson Tractor, came very close to buying a 1959 Chevy Impala. If you decide against it (don't know why you would), let me know.

highcotton · 12-03-2005, 01:04 AM

My '65 Overlander is in good shape, decent interior/exterior. It looks great as a landscape accessory and guest house out back since it is too big for me to even attempt to travel with. Of course, we all want the Bambi but we have to be realistic, I suppose. The Caravanner's shell is in good condition but the interior is more or less gone. I am more interested in it since it is an older one. However, it is going to take some real work to get things up to snuff with it. Perhaps I am dreaming about how the Ralph Lauren Airstreams looked and think mine will be like one of those [NOT]. This one is a 22 footer which might still be a bit large but it being from the 50s stirs my grits.

Is this a more rare unit than others? I have not run across much info on Caravanners... Are many of them out there?

robandzoe · 12-03-2005, 07:09 AM

First off, you'd be in the exclusive Vintage sub-Club, where your trailer is older than you, very Cool! Second, you could start from scratch, and build the trailer the way you want it. Have you checked out RJs site:

http://www.vintageairstream.com/arch...ner/index.html

Where is this located? How much for it being that it is empty? Just the shell dramtically lowers the value of the trailer in my mind, so you hopefully are getting a good deal on it. Are there any of the original appliances in it, light fixtures? We are redoing our 58 SOTR. http://sweetsovereign.blogspot.com

Good luck.

Rob

highcotton · 12-03-2005, 09:24 AM

The unit is about 125 miles from my home. The present owner said that it is in good shape to tow; he said that he had towed it for 100 miles last month. The inside is quite dirty with garbage all about. The original appliances are still there. The cabinetry is still present as well, but will need some repairs and refinishing. As far as I can tell, the floor is solid. The toilet/shower, which is on the curb side at the rear corner, will have to be reworked. All the gauchos are present but will need some repairs or replacement. The inside has been recently painted, unfortunately. Price is $750. Even if I buy it and it is a dud, it will not be the first $750 I threw away.

**flyfshr** · 12-03-2005, 10:12 AM

Why are you sitting at your computer typing this? You should be on your way back with this Caravanner in tow. What's the hesitation? There's no way you could go wrong with that price. Snatch it up quick or someone else will. These units don't last long.

Brad
FF

markdoane · 12-03-2005, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyfshr

Why are you sitting at your computer typing this?
FF

Exactly. The end segments alone are worth $750, and the rest of the aluminum is worth $250 scrap value.

59Caravanner · 12-03-2005, 12:55 PM

I'm almost finished restoring a 59 Caravanner. You're right that it's hard to find any info on them.

Whatever you do please don't sell it for scrap!

Sorry about the pictures. Camera phone.

Ken J · 12-03-2005, 01:59 PM

Late 50's Caravanner are fairly common - the ones I've seen are pretty cool - lots of windows and very nice floor plan...

Ken J.

Over59 · 12-03-2005, 04:35 PM

I'll take it. have to hide it from the wife until "The Bat Cave Express" is finished but I seriously will buy it if you pass.

59toaster · 12-04-2005, 09:04 AM

Wooo Hooo another!!!!!!!

BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT OR TELL US WHERE IT IS!

I would be all over it for $750.

Did you buy it yet? Where are the pictures !!!!!!!!!

**flyfshr** · 12-04-2005, 09:15 AM

Maybe he's not replying because he's on the road to recovery, so to speak.

Someone needs to get this trailer. I'll take a number and stand in line.

Brad
FF

highcotton · 12-27-2005, 05:36 PM

Sorry for not replying sooner. I finally got the deal closed and will pick up the '59 Caravanner tomorrow. Its gonna be a challenge, I know. Will post pics and give update soon.