We just bought a 54

Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 12:01 PM

We just bought a 54 Cruiser. Needs some work but overall in very good shape. Adventure #2 begins!!!!!
Pictures currently at http://www.archnevada.com/54cruiser/.

We will have to redo the kitchen, etc... but this looks like it will be a blast. We are already talking about a gray/black water tank retrofit if that can be done.

The interesting part is the WBCCI number - #128. We have been told that the trailer was used while Dave McCoy was building Mammoth Ski Resort so we suspect that he may have been the original owner of this unit. But we are still looking.

Foiled Again · 10-03-2006, 12:05 PM

Sent you some good Karma. Hope you enjoy your project - and I hope you've got a big barn to work in!

Paula

**Mel** · 10-03-2006, 12:13 PM

That is soooo cool. Just love the whale tail! Good luck with your project - looking forward to your updates!

InsideOut · 10-03-2006, 12:24 PM

A 3-digit WBCCI number indicates the member is/was an International Officer today. If it is indeed the original number from the 50's the trailer/member may have participated in one of Wally's caravans. Ohhh, if only they could talk!

Regardless, looks like a fun project ~

Shari

SierraBreeze · 10-03-2006, 12:35 PM

Neat Airstream. According to the 1st WBCCI directory I got from Pee Wee in 1955 WBCCI # 128 in belonged to Ben and Alta Holets of Cedar Rapids and they went on the 1955 Mexico West Coast Winter Caravan. Mike might have more info.

Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 12:47 PM

The info we've gotten from Mike Orchard, is that #128 was for Ronald and Marye Elyn Holets of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His records indicated that it was on a Mexico Caravan in 1962!

The serial number is 642-6 and is located on a single plaque under the street-side window.

Never the less, we're excited to have a real Wally trailer!

47WeeWind · 10-03-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SierraBreeze

Neat Airstream. According to the 1st WBCCI directory I got from Pee Wee in 1955 WBCCI # 128 in belonged to Ben and Alta Holets of Cedar Rapids and they went on the 1955 Mexico West Coast Winter Caravan. Mike might have more info.

Hey Buttercup:

Sweeeet Cruiser!! That's one very nice vintage Airstream with its great original fixtures and features. I particularly like the white glass wall light with the single twist switch in the base. I can't recall seeing another like it ... creamy smooth.

My 1960 Caravanners Directory shows Ben and Alta still owned the trailer in 1960, and it had only gone on the 1955 West Coast winter Mexican Caravan up to that time. As Mike notes, the trailer was transferred within the next two years to family members who warmed up the wheel bearing grease.

Congratulations! and welcome back to the 50s.

CaptainJones · 10-03-2006, 02:03 PM

That is such a nice project trailer. I wish you well and hope to see it down the road some day. To me there is something magical about the 50's trailers. I often wonder where mine has been.

Greg

safari57 · 10-03-2006, 04:07 PM

Neat trailer. Love the looks of the 50's. It's in about the same shape as mine was when I found it and with a few months of nights and weekends it came together very nicely. It's nice that you have been able to already track down some history - mine will forever be anonymous unless I can become an aluminum whisperer, and given my hearing is not that great it's doubtful that is ever going to happen. I may have to drag it to an international meet just to have someone with those skills give me the history.
We'll be watching for progress pictures.
Barry

Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 05:52 PM

Thanks Mike, Shari, Dianne and Fred for the great info. Thaks to the rest of you for the warm wishes and thanks to Paula for the karma.

Our biggest thanks goes to 65GT (Leo) for giving us the heads-up on this one. We might be the serrogates for him on this one, too

!

We just walked in from bringing her (him?) home. Wow, I really can't believe it. After it was parked I walked to the other side and put my hand on the front panels and whispered "your home." I know how geeky this sounds, but I have to say, like Greg (CaptainJones) mentioned, there is something special about the 50s trailers. I sort of knew this, but it didn't hit me until the we actually owned one. She is a piece of history. I can feel it.

I was so nervous whether we were doing the right thing or not by buying another trailer. But now that I look back outside and down the driveway at that 'beautiful, sort-of-shiny' wonder sitting there, I'm sooooo very happy.

We walked through it again and started a mental list of items and projects.
I think we'll start with the 2 windows that need hardware and glass... no, maybe we should begin with new hubs, tires and shiny moon hub caps, or maybe we should wash it...maybe electrical...gas...plumbing...polish...upholstery. ..window coverings...flooring...re-finish wood...clean hardware... .... ........

... ...

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kimber

65GT · 10-03-2006, 07:47 PM

I often count my blessings -- just like that double door liner that I spotted at 5:30am with an extremely low buy-it-now, price -- this one was on the wrong coast! Whew -- that will keep me out of divorce court for a little while longer! I love the '53 -- wouldn't trade it -- won't sell it, but that Whale Tail was calling me!

I'll be surprised if eventually this one doesn't become your main tow. Fix it up, polish it up, and take it out to the playa. You could probably put a hi-tech garden all around it (planting seeds you know)...

I know you guys love the history of the WBCCI and Wally's Caravans. It looks like you may have hit the jackpot in that regards. I think I'd slap a red 128 right back on it -- you've got a real historical item there and I'm sure you'll both discover and build that history over time. You definitely found a REAL Wally trailer in this one!

Congrats to you both -- a real nice find indeed! Better hurry though -- the 50th WBCCI is in Perry Georgia the end of June. 128 probably deserves to be there!!

Just like Fred said -- welcome back to the 50's!!

__

InsideOut · 10-03-2006, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65GT

I think I'd slap a red 128 right back on it -- you've got a real historical item there and I'm sure you'll build that history over time. You definitely found a REAL Wally trailer in this one!

Except, #128 is an active number/member assigned to a Spouse of a Deceased International Past President. Might not be good form ~

Shari

65GT · 10-03-2006, 08:13 PM

I'd still put a 128 on it for historic purposes and then when I was traveling to a WBCCI event I'd put up a silver piece of vinyl over it with my regular numbers on it. I think in this case, if it's one of the original Wally Byam's Caravan trailers it deserves to have it's original numbers.

Would most agree? Maybe not -- but if it were mine...

__

Sugarfoot · 10-03-2006, 08:26 PM

Fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed that slide show. You have a real piece of history there. Yeah, I'd want to keep "128" too. Could it not be put on an Airstream historical register sort of thing? There must be an acceptable way.