I never got around to polishing the trailer as it is just to cold, but I wanted to do something with the looks of the trailer so I found a local hot rod fabrication guy to hand build a one off a/c cover that would fit the looks of the caravel.
The cover is all aluminum, has over a hundred louvers and is made up of 3 pcs. riveted together. I own and have owned all sorts of hot rods and old Volkswagens and I am very happy w/ the look.
We are going inside the trailer and doing some metal work on the oven vent up the wall , countertops and fridge front.
Let me know what you think. Ben
Hi, is your axle in fine shape ? or by appearances is mine in fine shape?. I want to inspect camber and could even have spindles magnafluxed for cracks. What sort of door for opening do you have under sink and also do you have the antenna that cranks out and so any pics?
thanks, Ben
Ben, the Caravel looks great. I wouldn't even check the axle, I would just go with new, here is a good article. '65 Caravel - Axle Damage
I would have to say it is not a cheap addition @ 500.00 and I realize that for about 20x less I could have generic plastic. It is a piece of art to me and I hope it helps a small upstart business get going.( oh wait Obama's doing that).
Anyone who wants one can ask me for info and I can have mine used as a template for early a/c airstreams.
Ben
This is Sheridan, I have a 65 Caravel and I live in Farmington, UT. I've been on the forum for a couple of years and have done a lot of research on these Caravels. I'd be glad to help you out if you have any questions, I even provide FREE advise. I have special tools and some hard to find resources and am only about 15 miles away.
As a 67 Caravel owner I can tell you, Polishing ain't camping. It comes down to what you want to do . Some day I may want to polish, but I've had many days camping (twinking) that I love and will go shiney or not. That is what we love about our Airstream. It's the travel part of our Travel Trailer.
Barkingdogg
My Caravel was polished when I got it, and I have let it return to a sort of matte finish as it becomes more weathered. i much prefer it to the super shine of the polished trailers. They are beautiful, but I also know how much time their owners put into keeping them shiny, and I'd rather spend my time camping!
Your caravel is beautiful inside, very original! It's nice to know there are still ones like that out there!
Polishing will be done prior to clear coating as I only want to do it once! Worked on electrical and pulled the galley side cabinet this weekend to remove the old cracked plastic vent. ( runs up from fridge) I am going to have a metal one built in 2 pcs. loaded w/ rivets. I am thinking about steel countertops and have everything copper or rust chemical dipped and then clear coated. When it happens I will post pics.
I am going to leave the rest of the interior alone as it is so clean and original and start working on getting it out camping.
Ben
Nice job Ben. I like you ideas and look forward to the pictures. On the copper line...look at the FX sheeting. You may be able to brainstorm up some good ideas. Alsa Corp | FXSheeting : Product Info
cool website for metal. Will have to see what we can come up with! Any one know the why or how of a propane operated A/C? My A/C has a copper line running to it and I do not know ho wit would have worked. Is there a pilot light?
Any comments appreciated, Ben
I don't think there is propane operated A/C. At least I've never heard of such a thing. Are you sure it's not a drain tube? A/C produces condensation that needs to be drained away from the unit.
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