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SCopp · 06-09-2014, 08:32 AM

In a moment of pure insanity or brilliance (not sure which) we bought another Airstream. This one is a 1955 Cruiser Overlander. It had been gutted and has a new powder-coated custom frame, axles and floor.

You can see traces the old red letters above front window - 579. Does anyone have an old membership book that could look up the number and give us a little trailer history? We bought it from an RV dealership in Davenport, Iowa who took it as a trade-in. It appears that at some point it belonged to Tandem Tracks which is some kind of bicycle racing business.

( I guess I would not fool anyone if I said that was Wally Byam pulling his Airstream on a bicycle)

Anyhow, we are excited and looking forward to going through the process again. I am sure we will be using this forum's wonderful wealth of knowledge daily.

Susan

Melody Ranch · 06-09-2014, 08:38 AM

Now you do your magic on this one...like the other. If you offer some more of that Wild Turkey I will come over there and be slave labor. I have the 55 Safari here that I am about to start....wanna compare notes?

SCopp · 06-09-2014, 08:42 AM

I forgot to mention that one of my Airstream gal-pals went with me to pick up the trailer. We drove 1800 miles in less than 2 days.

We've been told that it is official, we are "fast women."

47WeeWind · 06-09-2014, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCopp

You can see traces the old red letters above front window - 579. Does anyone have an old membership book that could look up the number and give us a little trailer history? We bought it from an RV dealership in Davenport, Iowa who took it as a trade-in. It appears that at some point it belonged to Tandem Tracks which is some kind of bicycle racing business.

Hi Susan:

Congratulations on a very fine looking tandem axle Cruiser Overlander. That's one sweet Airstream you have there, just brimming with potential.

WBCC number 579 was issued sometime after December 13, 1955 to Irving and Mildred Ewert of Chicago, Ill. They went on two WBCC caravans, No. 7 to Mexico in Winter 1956 and No. 12 to the Kentucky Derby and Indianapolis in Spring 1957, mostly like towing your newest Airstream. Sometime after 1960 they moved to Key Largo, Fla., perhaps to join ex-Major Frank McCloud and the Temples at the Hotel for drinks. They had not gone on any more national caravans by 1964, and by 1973 they had left the WBCCI. After getting her roadworthy, take this trailer on some more adventures as she's long overdue.

FC7039 · 06-09-2014, 07:51 PM

So you finishing up the polish on mine is out the door I suppose?

SCopp · 06-10-2014, 06:06 AM

Sure I will polish the '50, just sell it to me for a dollar!

Gene, would you post a couple of photos of the inside of your trailer? We were having too much fun at the campout and I forgot to look at your trailer.

This 55 was completely gutted so we are starting to think about floorplans.

Susan

SCopp · 06-10-2014, 06:10 AM

Thanks, that's great information that I will save in the trailer book. Will you be attending the vintage rally in Gunnison? If yes, we look forward to meeting you.

Susan and John

SCopp · 06-10-2014, 06:12 AM

Robyn,

We would love to compare notes but you are getting the short end of the stick. This is our first 1950's trailer- how many have you restored?

Anytime you want to come east just give us a shout.

Susan

Melody Ranch · 06-10-2014, 06:26 AM

Number eight for me. When is Gunnison?

SCopp · 06-10-2014, 07:22 AM

Here is the information and a link to the website:

2014 VAC Rally Information

"The 2014 Rocky Mountain Vintage Airstream Club Rally plans are underway. Come join us as we celebrate another Rocky Mountain Rally at the Rockin' Wally-B Ranch!

We will circle the wagons the nights of July 24-27 in Gunnison, Colorado. We plan to do it the way Wally did – dry camping, no hook-ups & rustic. We will park without assignments, just park as you arrive; expect a limit of 80 spaces."

mayco · 06-10-2014, 07:57 AM

WOW! How absolutely COOL!

Aerowood · 06-10-2014, 06:45 PM

Is the shell not completely tied onto the frame floor assembly yet, hence the reason for the circumferential cargo straps?

SCopp · 06-10-2014, 08:12 PM

That's correct Aerowood. The guys who attached the shell to the channel used sheet metal screws in the rivet holes which as you can imagine worked their way out as we bounced down the bumpy roads. Their reasoning was that we might want to lift the shell again.

Each time we stopped we noticed that more screws were missing and my gal-pal, Janie, suggested that we use the straps. She was right, by the time we made Little Rock, Arkansas we had lost most of the screws.

I am really glad I didn't pull into my driveway with just a frame!

Susan

Lance M · 06-10-2014, 08:20 PM

Wow! Congratulations! That is an awesome find!
I know y'all will work wonders on it

47WeeWind · 06-10-2014, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCopp

Thanks, that's great information that I will save in the trailer book. Will you be attending the vintage rally in Gunnison? If yes, we look forward to meeting you. Susan and John

Hi Susan:

Not only will I be attending the RMVAC Rally in Gunnison this July, as a member of the Planning Committee I will also be hosting the Rally. A new event this year is the craft beer swap tasting, so bring along some of Texas' finest crafty suds to sip and swap at Thursday's Happy Hour. I have yet to sample any of Ron and Rhett's Revolver Beer, so a 6 pack sampler of their straight-shootin' subs would plaster a wide grin on my face.

I look forward to meeting you and John and viewing that big stack of '55 Cruiser Overlander glam photos next month in Gunnison.

SCopp · 06-12-2014, 06:58 AM

I bet we can rustle up a bottle or two! They recently made the top 5 list at the Texas Beer Festival in Dallas.

I made a little progress on the '55 yesterday. The windows have old broken plexiglass and need to be completely redone with new seals, glass and a good polishing.

What do you all think about taking out the window frames? Should I take them out for cleaning or do that in place? Susan

Melody Ranch · 06-12-2014, 08:06 AM

Take 'em out. A much better final result. Also gives you ability to polish under the gutters and straighten them while your at it. See me if you need some bronze screening...I bought a whole supply when I finally found it.

57BB · 06-14-2014, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Take 'em out. A much better final result. Also gives you ability to polish under the gutters and straighten them while your at it. See me if you need some bronze screening...I bought a whole supply when I finally found it.

Great Cruiser! A good friend just bought a 55 we are headed to pick it up in a week...can't wait! I just discovered my 53 Liner has/d bronze screening...I'd love to know where to get some

or if you have some for sale

FC7039 · 06-14-2014, 09:00 PM

Why use the strap? I would have thout you would have used rope.

SCopp · 06-15-2014, 06:50 AM

Rope? Hubby gave it all away!

(Inside humor - My husband was given hundreds of yards of heavy duty rope that was used by skyscraper window cleaners. He gave a lot of it away to our AS club buddies at the last camp out, he said it was a party favor. We always take rope with us camping - it's been really handy)