Research by WBCCI Number?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Dirk G

Just was told that number is not available. So bummed. I guess that means someone did register it after the directorybwas printed. Terrible timing...

You know, I forgot that members can opt out of being listed in the Directory for privacy reasons. Perhaps that could also apply in this case. Sorry either way.

[Dirk G]

So either someone registered it between the printing and now...or they register as private so you can even see who it is, right?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Dirk G

So either someone registered it between the printing and now...or they register as private so you can even see who it is, right?

Basically yes. Not sure how many members opt to not have their contact information included in the directory, but assume it is a fairly low percentage of super security conscious members. Their information is probably at more risk in a hundred other places, but it is good that the club repects their wishes.

[Wills61]

Could someone help me out with the history behind #4914? It is a 1961 Overlander, I've owned the trailer for a couple of years and have recently gotten it road ready. Any information would be great! Thanks in advance

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Basically yes. Not sure how many members opt to not have their contact information included in the directory, but assume it is a fairly low percentage of super security conscious members. Their information is probably at more risk in a hundred other places, but it is good that the club repects their wishes.

There is actually a third possibility that was pointed out to me. #6815 was assigned in the 2019 Membership Directory. It is thus possible that the members renewed their membership for 2020 too late to be included in the 2020 Membership Directory. Typically the club holds recently released numbers for one year just in case the previous members make a late decision to renew. A number can be released immediately if the non-renewing members are contacted and confirm they will not renew (e.g. if they sold their Airstream).

Since #6815 is not available per club HQ, I would guess that this late renewal scenario might actually be the most likely case for #6815.

[Dirk G]

So if its not secerect...and they had the number in 2019, who is it and is there more history? What happened to that number after edgar and doris did not renew in 1980. Wonder if the trailer is still at Travelers Rest with he same number?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Wills61

Could someone help me out with the history behind #4914? It is a 1961 Overlander, I've owned the trailer for a couple of years and have recently gotten it road ready. Any information would be great! Thanks in advance

Hi Wills61,
WBCCI #4914 was first assigned in 1961, thus first appearing in the 1962 Membership Directory. Here is how #4914 has been assigned over the years according to WBCCI Membership Directories:

• 1962-73: Michael & Frances Rynskel, Clearwater, FL (1962), Waukegan, IL (1973), caravan 29 - Western Mexico Winter 1962.
• 1974-79: Alfred R. & Norvella Stanley, Largo, FL, no caravans.
• 1980-87: Unassigned.
• 1988-90: B.D. & Dena Gray, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, no caravans.
• 1991: Unassigned.
• 1992-99: Walter & Dorothy Smith, Chula Vista, CA, no caravans.
• 2000: Unassigned. Did not check further.

What can we guess form this? Most likely the Rynskels bought your 1961 Overlander new, immediately joined the club, and then took it on the 1962 caravan to Mexico. Since there was no unassigned year between the Rynskels and Stanleys, and since Largo is very near Clearwater in Florida, it is very likely that the Rynskels sold their Airstream to the Stanleys during 1973. This might have been your 1961 Overlander, or perhaps a different Airstream if the Rynskels ugraded to a different trailer between 1961 and 1973. We have no way of knowing since the club did not keep records of the Airstreams owned by members. It is doubtful that either couple from California owned your 1961 Overlander. I have no information that would help determine how, when, and who moved it to Georgia.

That's all I got. Enjoy your Overlander!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Dirk G

So if its not secerect...and they had the number in 2019, who is it and is there more history? What happened to that number after edgar and doris did not renew in 1980. Wonder if the trailer is still at Travelers Rest with he same number?

I do not provide personal information on members since 2000 on public forum due to privacy concerns, so I cannot help you with who it was assigned to in 2019. I hope you can understand that. If you join WBCCI, you should be able to contact the members that are currently assigned #6815, even if that means having a message relayed via club HQ.

As far as who #6815 was assigned to after 1980, this number remained unused until 1988 when it was assigned to a couple from Minnesota, so it seems very unlikely that that couple owned your grandparents Airstream, though I suppose it is possible that they wintered at Traveler's Rest in Florida. I have no way of checking out this remote possibility. I did not check any Directories newer than 1988 as that did not seem useful.

Sorry I cannot provide any more concrete information.

[Dirk G]

Thanks again for all the detail. Gonna join up and continue the research "from the inside". Haha.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Hi Wills61,
WBCCI #4914 was first assigned in 1961, thus first appearing in the 1962 Membership Directory. Here is how #4914 has been assigned over the years according to WBCCI Membership Directories:

• 1962-73: Michael & Frances Rynskel, Clearwater, FL (1962), Waukegan, IL (1973), caravan 29 - Western Mexico Winter 1962.
• 1974-79: Alfred R. & Norvella Stanley, Largo, FL, no caravans.
• 1980-87: Unassigned.
• 1988-90: B.D. & Dena Gray, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, no caravans.
• 1991: Unassigned.
• 1992-99: Walter & Dorothy Smith, Chula Vista, CA, no caravans.
• 2000: Unassigned. Did not check further.

What can we guess form this? Most likely the Rynskels bought your 1961 Overlander new, immediately joined the club, and then took it on the 1962 caravan to Mexico. Since there was no unassigned year between the Rynskels and Stanleys, and since Largo is very near Clearwater in Florida, it is very likely that the Rynskels sold their Airstream to the Stanleys during 1973. This might have been your 1961 Overlander, or perhaps a different Airstream if the Rynskels ugraded to a different trailer between 1961 and 1973. We have no way of knowing since the club did not keep records of the Airstreams owned by members. It is doubtful that either couple from California owned your 1961 Overlander. I have no information that would help determine how, when, and who moved it to Georgia.

That's all I got. Enjoy your Overlander!

Interestingly my ‘61 Overlander went on the same 1962 caravan to Mexico.

[AWC]

I recently bought a 1962 Ambassador that had been abandoned in a campground in central Wisconsin, new campground owners wanted it gone. It has a large dent in the rear end-cap, and I was originally thinking I'd use it as a donor for a 1961 Overlander I plan to restore, but having dug in a bit it is otherwise actually surprisingly complete and has some potential beyond what I originally expected.


Even though some clues indicated it was last used in the late 70's it still had a bundle of the original paperwork (and the signed lifetime warranty inside a closet, but I'm not holding my breath there) that showed an early owner Jas. Zehrung of Miamisburg OH.


I would very much appreciate any insights about the history of this trailer, thanks!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by AWC

I recently bought a 1962 Ambassador that had been abandoned in a campground in central Wisconsin, new campground owners wanted it gone. It has a large dent in the rear end-cap, and I was originally thinking I'd use it as a donor for a 1961 Overlander I plan to restore, but having dug in a bit it is otherwise actually surprisingly complete and has some potential beyond what I originally expected.

Even though some clues indicated it was last used in the late 70's it still had a bundle of the original paperwork (and the signed lifetime warranty inside a closet, but I'm not holding my breath there) that showed an early owner Jas. Zehrung of Miamisburg OH.

I would very much appreciate any insights about the history of this trailer, thanks!

Hi Andy,
I have a two part answer.

Part 1: According to old WBCCI Memmbership Directories, #5879 was assigned to a James Zehrung or Kettering, OH in 1962 and 1963. Kettering is an Ohio city that is adjacent to Miamisburg. I can only assume "Jas." is an abbreviation for "James". Mr. Zehrung is not credited with any caravans.

Part 2: Then starting with the 1964 Membership Directory, #9773 (which was first assigned by the club during 1963 after the 1963 Directory was published), is assigned to Robert and Marilyn McNeil of Columbus, OH. Here is how #9773 has been assigned over the years according to old Membership Directories:

• 1964-68: Robert & Marilyn McNeil, Columbus, OH, no caravans.
• 1969: Unassigned.
• 1970-71: Charles B. Jr. & Ann Spicer, Pasadena, TX, no caravans.
• 1972: Unassigned.
• 1973-83: Mrs. Ruby Jordan, Iowa, LA, no caravans.
• 1984-89: Unassigned.
• 1990-92: Paul & Dorothy Neilinger, Punta Gorda, FL (1990), LaPorte, IN (1992, Dorothy only), no caravans.
• 1993+: Unassigned, but only spot checked a few directories.

So what can we guess from this? Likely James Zehrung bought your 1962 Ambassador new and immediately joined the club being assigned #5879. Then sometime during 1963, he sold the Ambassador to the McNeil's, who lived less than 100 miles away. The McNeils changed the Big Red Numbers on the trailer to their assigned #9773. Given that #5879 was on the trailer for 2 years or less and over 55 years ago, you may or may not find any ghost evidence of that number under the 9773.

I do not believe that the Spicers, Mrs. Jordan, or the Neilingers ever owned your 1962 Ambassador given the unassigned dates in between and the rather large distances that would be involved. Club history provides no clue as to when, how, or by whom the Ambassador moved from Ohio to Wisconsin.

That's all I got. Enjoy your Ambassador!

[Dspchef]

I read this thread each time I log on and figured I would try my luck as well. We bought very used 76 Excella 500 with the ghost numbers of “7793”. Old receipts show the old girl was last used in 2008 in Greensboro area of NC. Any info would be greatly appreciated and exciting for my kids that keep wondering.

[RevRunRegan]

I just bought my 1986 Excella and I believe I'm the 3rd owner of it. The number on is #3770 and I'd love to find out what it's history is. Thanks.

[crazycuda]

looking for info on #4741. bought the 77 sovereign from an airstream dealer who had it on consignment from a gentleman that bought it and brought it to them for restoration but ended up getting a new unit after getting the quote for the full reno. Trailer has a tag from a dealer in Mass. and has a "New England Unit WBCCI" sticker on one of the front windows

Thanks

[CVaznis]

I just purchased a 1976 31' Sovereign and it has ghost numbers 2728. I would love to know any history on it.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Dspchef

I read this thread each time I log on and figured I would try my luck as well. We bought very used 76 Excella 500 with the ghost numbers of “7793”. Old receipts show the old girl was last used in 2008 in Greensboro area of NC. Any info would be greatly appreciated and exciting for my kids that keep wondering.

Hi Dspchef,
WBCCI #7793 was first assigned in 1962, but we only need concern ourselves with 1976 and after in your case. According to WBCCI Membership Directories, here is how #7793 has been assigned since 1976:

• 1976 (and at least a few years prior): Louis & Bernadine Thomas, Fayetteville, NC, no caravans.
• 1977-78: Unassigned.
• 1979-2001: Douglas F and Phyllis Parker, Ukiah, CA (1976), Redding, CA (2001), caravans 158 - Eastern Canada Summer 1985 & 202 - Newfoundland Adventure 1991.
• 2002+: Unassigned, but not check further due to privacy considerations.

What can we guess from this? Hard to say.

It seems unlikely that the Thomas's, who were club members for several years, would buy a new 1976 Excella 500 and then quit the club the following year, but it can't be ruled out.

Also questionable are the Parkers since they are on the opposite side of the country from you. They could have owned a 1976 Excella 500 during part or all of their time as club members, but if so, how it made it's way to Virginia is unknown. If they owned it, they may have taken it on one or both of their caravans.

I suppose it is possible that #7793 has been assigned to someone else since 2001, but I do not perform such searches and provide replies for that time period out of privacy concerns.

Perhaps information in or on the trailer can help you determine if the Thomas's or Parkers are likely prior owners. If the trailer is California built, then the Parkers become a more likely prior owner. If it is Ohio built, the Thomas's become a more likely prior owner. If it bears a dealer decal or emblem from someplace in or near California or Virginia, that could also be a clue.

That's really all I can tell you. Enjoy your "top-o-the-line" Excella 500!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by RevRunRegan

I just bought my 1986 Excella and I believe I'm the 3rd owner of it. The number on is #3770 and I'd love to find out what it's history is. Thanks.

Hi RevRunRegan,
WBCCI #3770 was first assigned in 1960, but we only need to consider how it has been assigned since 1986 according to WBCCI Membership Directories:

• 1986: Unassigned.
• 1987-89: L R & Patricia Graham, Adrian, MI, no caravans.
• 1990-91: Unassigned.
• 1992-97: Everett & Martha Elliot, Stockton, TX, no caravans.
• 1998-99: Unassigned:
• 2000-14: A couple from LeClaire, IA, no caravans (name withheld due to privacy).
• 2015 Unassigned. Did not check further.

Assuming you found the trailer near Kansas, I cannot hazard a good guess which couple might be the prior owners. All three, seem about equally likely to me, but it mostly likely would have only been one of these three couples, as the unassigned years and distances in between suggest that each owned different Airstreams.

That's all I got. Enjoy your Excella!

P.S. This is the last answer for tonight. I'll get to the remaining requests when I get more time.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by crazycuda

looking for info on #4741. bought the 77 sovereign from an airstream dealer who had it on consignment from a gentleman that bought it and brought it to them for restoration but ended up getting a new unit after getting the quote for the full reno. Trailer has a tag from a dealer in Mass. and has a "New England Unit WBCCI" sticker on one of the front windows

Thanks

Hi crazycuda,
WBCCI # 4741 was first assigned in 1960. Here is how it has been assigned since your 1977 Sovereign was built according to WBCCI Membership Directories:

• 1969-80: Hayward & Ruth Glidewell, Hammond, IN, no caravans.
• 1981-86: Unassigned.
• 1987: Elmer G & Sophia L Nichols, El Paso, TX, no caravans.
• 1988-91: Unassigned.
• 1992-2005: A couple from Brockton, MA, details withheld due to privacy concerns.
• 2006: Unassigned, did not check further.

So what can we guess from this? It would seem most likely the Glidewells from Hammond, IN (near Chicago, IL) upgraded to a 1977 Sovereign during their time in the club, but obviously they began their membership with an earlier Airstream. I am basing this on proximity to your location in Michigan. If you purchased the Sovereign from Texas or Massachusetts, or if dealer decals/emblems suggest it may have been sold in or near those locations, then maybe the Glidewells are not the most likely prior owners.

That's the best I can do. Enjoy your Sovereign!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by CVaznis

I just purchased a 1976 31' Sovereign and it has ghost numbers 2728. I would love to know any history on it.

Hi CVaznis,
WBCCI #2728 was first assigned in 1959. Here is how it has been assigned since your 1976 Sovereign was built according to WBCCI Membership Directories:

• 1969-90: Leo J & Ellen Wilson, Sun City, AZ (only Leo in 1990), caravan 79 - Western Canada Summer 1971.
• 1991-93: Unassigned.
• 1994-2003: A couple from Highland, MD, no caravans.
• 2004: Unassigned. Did not check further.

Since you are in Texas, it would seem most likely that the Wilsons from Arizona upgraded to your 1976 Sovereign, though they would have joined the club with an earlier Airstream. They would have taken that earlier Airstream on their 1971 caravan.

That's the best I can do. Enjoy your Sovereign!