Madge has a new home, pictures later...

[Jeepers!]

We brought our new Caravel, today, from TN to TX (14 hours there, 14 hours back, plus a jaunt through Graceland like so much cattle), named it Madge after Magdalena, the Caravel that returned Texas' first European Explorer to Spain. She's got a straight body, but a shoved-in bumper from being rear ended 45 minutes from delivery from WV, yesterday! I bought it sight unseen anyway. There is a custom, nicely made, forward dinette, with pedestal table. The aging plastic toilet sits above a butchered installation into the fiberglass base. And she has the obligatory rotted-out rear end (LOL). I'm told it was known for many years to have sat under a shed, until the PO relented and sold it to the owner before me. Who then let it sit for a few years, without use. The body is nice, with nice wood inside and even a few extra original floor tiles. The roof vent cover is detached but taped down, the fridge vent cover was broken, but removed and taped shut before delivery. The fridge is original but non-functional. The rest seems stock, including a spare. No AC, no awning and and all glass intact although I've yet to test their functionality.

So, Oh Great Airstream of the Interwebs, what say ye?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[bwoodtx]

We say PICTURES, PICTURES!!

[Jeepers!]

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Jeepers!]

[lisaslists20]

well there is just no other word for that cutie than adorable!

[Jewel65]

Very nice '65! Looks a lot like mine looked a couple of years ago. Lots of time and $ later it will look even better! Did you pick it up anywhere close to Memphis?

[Jeepers!]

Met the WV owner and trailer in Memphis. Toured Graceland.

[Jeepers!]

Questions:
I can cut off the bumper, but how to straighten?
How to remove fridge? I'm sure I can figure it out, but tips, tricks & techniques are always appreciated from the experienced!

Our intent is to seal it up and repair all we can and use and baby along for a few seasons, then gut and restore and renew. We are seasoned campers and view Madge as a glorified 2 man three season tent with a shower, potty & kitchen.

[Jeepers!]

West Virginia, before purchase.

[Jeepers!]

Miscellany

[reinergirl]

Sweet! Love it.

You might be able to source a new bumper, see here

1964-1968 Bumper

As to the fridge it's a matter of taking off all visual screws, wiggling and seeing what's still not moving, and finding the hidden ones.

The fit of the screwdriver is crucial, try every one you own til one works!

[RM66caravel]

I notice that she is missing the screws from the threshold and was wondering has the floor been replaced by the door? Oh yes Nice caravel! open the rear access for the fridge (outside) unplug and disconnect the gas line then you will find that it is screwed in in the front! Welcome
Cliff

[Jewel65]

Originally Posted by Jeepers!

Questions:
I can cut off the bumper, but how to straighten?
How to remove fridge? I'm sure I can figure it out, but tips, tricks & techniques are always appreciated from the experienced!

I would think the bumper can be straightened. Maybe put it between two trees and tie a few bricks to the middle for a surface to push on. Push at it with another vehicle in the middle, maybe a small tractor? Or, take it to a body shop?

The fridge I can help with because I have done it before. The bumper, not so much. Open the cabinets and you will see two or three screws in the side in the cabinet openings. If I remember correctly two on the top and three on the side. Remove these screws. Drill out the rivets in the thin wooden panel by the door, and remove the panel. Unscrew the screws holding the refrigerator to the floor. Some of these screws may be tough. You may have to use a cutoff wheel on these if they won't budge. Unscrew the gas line. You now should be able to remove the fridge.

If you are removing to work on it, you may be able to get it going without removal. Start with the gas burner. Take it apart (it can be accessed from the access door) and clean it with compressed air. If that doesn't work use carburetor cleaner, but DON'T try to ream out the hole with anything sharp. Clean the flew with a bottle brush if you can reach it. You are trying to remove the old rust that will clog the burner. There should be access from the top through a hole in the back of the cabinet above the fridge. Once the burner is cleaned and flew is clean put everything back together and light it up. My luck was good and I am now using my 50 year old fridge! I did remove mine for the work, but I was rebuilding my trailer. It is much easier to work on outside the camper. Good luck!

[Jeepers!]

[Jeepers!]

What was this?

[Jeepers!]

Rusty fridge bottom door frame.

[RM66caravel]

I replaced the piece of aluminum by the door with a piece that extended over the cavity to the left (as you are looking at it from the outside) because the step slide slot pushes water up against the floor when driving in the rain! The fridge looks bad don't know what you would do for that except replace it! Looks like you have been busy, it is my work week (Sunday through Wednesday mids) so not much getting done!
Cliff


Yes I said that! Or did I?

[Jeepers!]

I think I'll do the same, I think I can patch the floor with one piece of wood, for now. The fridge is an enigma. I want to save it, make it work at any cost, it fits properly leaving a needed drawer space above. Again, I think I can kinda fix the front rusty spot with some scrap metal and a mig welder, some sandpaper and gray spray paint. If It'll limp along for a couple years...

[Jewel65]

Originally Posted by Jeepers!

I think I'll do the same, I think I can patch the floor with one piece of wood, for now. The fridge is an enigma. I want to save it, make it work at any cost, it fits properly leaving a needed drawer space above. Again, I think I can kinda fix the front rusty spot with some scrap metal and a mig welder, some sandpaper and gray spray paint. If It'll limp along for a couple years...

That's the way I think too. They don't make new ones as good as the old ones were. However, yours does look like it has more rust tan mine did, It might be worth trying to save though. Make sure you can get it working before trying to fix the cosmetics. One problem is that the rusty part you show looks to be where the seal rests, so if repaired it will need to be a pretty neat repair to allow a tight seal. How rusty is the piping in the back?

[Jeepers!]

Anyone know what model fridge our Caravels have?
How about model of toilet we are supposed to have?
One has to ask, the Manual has no answers.