Visit our Popular Forums

Aviator · 08-01-2013, 05:46 PM

Welcome to another restoration thread/blog. In July of 2013 we bought a 1970 Overlander International on an EBay auction. The history of the trailer as I know it at this point is (in reverse order) I bought it from Hometown RV near Beckley, WV. He got it from an autodialer who took it in trade for a downpayment on a car from a woman who inherited it from her father (it sat in his yard for a long time) who got it from a guy to cover a debt (original owner?)

As soon as I can figure out how to upload some pictures I will post them.

Aviator · 08-01-2013, 06:47 PM

Here are the first few exterior before pics

Aviator · 08-01-2013, 06:54 PM

And a few more. Yes, the axles are totally shot.

Aviator · 08-01-2013, 06:59 PM

Scratch and Dent. The big door above the water heater is the Onan generator. Basically it is a lawn mower motor with a generator on the bottom attached to an up to two hour timer for auto shutdown.

Aviator · 08-01-2013, 07:00 PM

Tomorrow I will start ripping into the trailer and see how solid the floor is, etc. We are definitely going to gut it. I hope I don't have to pull the shell

Lance M · 08-01-2013, 07:37 PM

Very cool Craig. 1970 was a great year. Great for Airstreams too. Looking forward to the work!
Have fun!

Aviator · 08-02-2013, 06:30 AM

Lance,

I was scrolling through your Abbey pics and wondered at the purpose of what appears to be Aluminum foil around the lower edge during your restoration?

Lance M · 08-02-2013, 06:43 AM

Hmm. You are probably referring to the belly pan sheet.? I left it attached around the trailer at the U channel because I intended to reinstall it, then later replaced it.

Aerowood · 08-02-2013, 09:47 AM

Fairly straight trailer, but you do have your work cut out for you, and surly you jest when you hope the floor is in good shape. Ask yourself in your best Clint Eastwood voice "Do you fill lucky punk, well do ya"

Skatiero · 08-02-2013, 04:12 PM

Wow! Looks great, Craig and Carol! We especially love the generator!

HiHoAgRV · 08-02-2013, 05:29 PM

Cool, another Overlander. I have really enjoyed fixing ours and I look forward to following your adventure

desertair27 · 08-02-2013, 06:21 PM

Very nice trailer! I'd like to see more pictures of the generator install if you get a chance.

Aviator · 08-02-2013, 06:58 PM

Well, today was spent removing interior components. Yes, Aerowood, I did feel rather lucky. Now I am just kicking myself I didn't jump on the Overlander someone sold on the forums for 1200 with the floor and frame all ready done after taking the shell off!!GRRRR.

Top left is the spot I put my foot through after removing the goucho. 2nd is the nest of plumbing under the sink area. Multiple plumbing repairs were made to the copper pipe using garden hose.

The bottom two reflect todays progress.

Aviator · 08-02-2013, 07:08 PM

Desertair27, Here are a couple of shots of the generator install. Also in the bottom left picture in the above post, you can see the grey box just in from of the bath that houses it inside the trailer.

Aviator · 08-03-2013, 09:40 AM

Desertair27, here are some more gen pics. I am still trying to figure out how to remove it. All the rivets are out, and the four bolts I could find which extended into the frame. I even vacuumed out the birds nest complete with egg shells I found inside the exterior door!

Aviator · 08-03-2013, 07:18 PM

Here is the end of day two.

We have now established that there is rot in curbside front, both rear corners and down the curbside effecting all but one (the center) floor section.

Aviator · 08-03-2013, 07:20 PM

For those interested in the Onan generator, here are a few more pics of it.

desertair27 · 08-04-2013, 07:23 AM

Does the generator work and are you going to keep it? I like the idea of having one mounted in the trailer like that just wonder how the noise and vibration is.
You are getting a lot done in a short time,keep up the good work.