Visit our Popular Forums

modarch · 01-06-2009, 10:34 PM

Ben- see posts starting with #41 here re: water infiltration at the rear bumper. I am not doing the detail that somone posted here, but I am going to do what is described in the restoration of the '65 Caravel that is posted above in post #19 by StanZ...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f137...s-42479-2.html

ben edwards · 01-07-2009, 10:16 PM

A break in storms means I got to get this done. Would home depot or the like carry vulcem? or a sealer thats on the shelf that is good? I also do not know what is bulb seal? I blew the area dry w/ my compressor also cleaned everything and want to seal Thursday. I did poke at the wood floor at the rear and it is still solid , but damp and in need of a fix.
Here are some pics.
Thanks, Ben

ben edwards · 01-07-2009, 10:17 PM

pics

Stan Z · 01-07-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben edwards

A break in storms means I got to get this done. Would home depot or the like carry vulcem? or a sealer thats on the shelf that is good? I also do not know what is bulb seal? I blew the area dry w/ my compressor also cleaned everything and want to seal Thursday. I did poke at the wood floor at the rear and it is still solid , but damp and in need of a fix.
Here are some pics.
Thanks, Ben

Ben, I also had the 'wet edge'. I just filled the gap along the bumper cover with vulcem ( a lot of it) and skipped using the bulb seal as RJ describes. It worked out just fine. I guess it depends on how big the gap is on your trailer. I also sealed along the top of the belt line trim, but I don't think that was really necessary. I bought everything from vintage trailer supply. I don't know if Home Depot or other local suppliers carry vulcem, it would be worth checking.

Good luck,

Stan

Silverhobby · 01-08-2009, 06:01 AM

Many times the trempro brand and the vulkem can be bought at your local Home | Fastenal
store. If not in stock, they'll be glad to order it for you.

Melody Ranch · 01-08-2009, 07:23 AM

All this leak chasing your into now is not a bad deal. Just do it one step at a time and enjoy it. You have a great looking Caravel
Do not forget that the tail lights are a major source of water leak/damage to the back floor area. Check the gaskets and the attach screws.

Diesel1 · 01-08-2009, 12:19 PM

My 67 Tradewind International has what I think is a factory TV antana. Mine has two mounting points in the same location as the holes in your picture. A bracket on top with a 1 1/2 inch hole through it, then a smaller bracket below with the same size hole. A three piece telescoping pole is fitted vertically through the holes in the brackets. The antana portion of mine is missing. The larger hole next to the top group of four holes has a two wire antana lead run through it. The antana lead comes out of the cabinet by the refer. The antana lead being run through the walls makes me think this is a factory installation. I use the antana pole as a flag pole. See photo at 1967 tradewind travel traivals. Adios, John

ben edwards · 01-18-2009, 10:48 PM

I am Waiting on vulcem to seal up seams and started thinking about polishing, as I have a body man friend who is slow (economy). When polishing starts I will take pics. until then here are some of my family playing in our tradewind and testing systems for a hopeful Presidents day Holiday trip.
Ben

gail · 01-19-2009, 11:36 AM

Thanks for sharing the children are precious!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ben edwards · 02-24-2009, 06:54 PM

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

toastie · 02-24-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben edwards

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

gail · 02-24-2009, 07:27 PM

What a nice addtion, how much did it cost, maybe we can order one I can not stand my white thing!

ben edwards · 02-24-2009, 08:31 PM

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

Sheridan · 02-24-2009, 08:45 PM

Hey 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.

Glad to help,

Dan

gail · 02-24-2009, 09:59 PM

OK sheridan did you give your gal a shine??????

Sheridan · 02-25-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

OK sheridan did you give your gal a shine??????

Not yet. I'm saving that duty as the last finishing touch.

Barkingdogg · 03-14-2009, 08:35 PM

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

**Stefrobrts** · 03-14-2009, 09:55 PM

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!

ben edwards · 03-16-2009, 07:36 AM

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

Melody Ranch · 03-16-2009, 07:57 AM

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