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Rhonda · 11-02-2007, 08:22 PM

I am going to look at what we were told is a 1956 28ft ???. The only other thing I know is she said the dry weight is 3170 lbs. I don't know the vin # yet. My question is what are the pros and cons of a trailer of this vintage? I am trying to get as much information as possible so as not to get caught up in an Airstream buying frenzy. I have already checked out price vs condition. I am just wondering what the deal breakers would be for a trailer of this age. I know it has been sitting for alot of years possible most of its life but as for condition inside or out I have no idea.

byamcaravanner · 11-02-2007, 08:34 PM

Cool find!

You are right to question it being a 28 footer. If you get over to see it snap a few shots and post them. I love the '56s.

silverleeper · 11-02-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhonda

I am going to look at what we were told is a 1956 28ft ???. The only other thing I know is she said the dry weight is 3170 lbs. I don't know the vin # yet. My question is what are the pros and cons of a trailer of this vintage? I am trying to get as much information as possible so as not to get caught up in an Airstream buying frenzy. I have already checked out price vs condition. I am just wondering what the deal breakers would be for a trailer of this age. I know it has been sitting for alot of years possible most of its life but as for condition inside or out I have no idea.

When I look at the vintage airstream photo archives I don't see a 1956 28'? Do you have any more info?

Rhonda · 11-02-2007, 08:45 PM

I'm sorry, that's all I know until tomorrow when I look at it. My father in law spoke to the owner's widow and that is the information she got from her bill of sale. Unfortunately my father in law didn't get too much info from her.

InsideOut · 11-02-2007, 08:54 PM

I'm a fan of '56...can't wait to check out your pix!

Shari

rgesch · 11-02-2007, 09:03 PM

I'm a fan of '56, too! can't beat a thirteen panel! So coooooool....

Hmmm. 26' would be a Cruise/Overlander. 30' a Sovereign. Depends on where they measured from. Mine started as a 20', revised to a 22', revised to a 24', ended up being a 26' Custom Cruiser! 3100# sounds pretty light for a 30 footer. A serial# would help. Not enough info to make an informed decision here. Proceed with caution.

Pros/Cons depends on the selling price and how much $ you are willing to shell out. Beware of the "doesn't leak" "floor is solid" claims. Best guess for something with the old "sitting for alot of years possibly most of its life" status is frame rot. Worst case scenario (or maybe best case... if you "have a dream") is a master plan and lotsa $. Or you could luck out! I would seek professional help. Don't get caught up in irrational exuberance. Unless you are into that sort of thing!

Gotta go check on the '67 now & give her a hug,

Creampuff · 11-02-2007, 10:25 PM

One major difference with the older trailers is they had no on- board 12v systems or battery and many were park models, meaning you had to plugged in to have any power. Also some had archaic hydraulic brakes, recognized by the mechanism on the tongue. You also will find weird 110v. water heaters, hand- pump pressurized fresh water tank systems and lots of other surprises. Vintage rigs definitey come with challenges.

InsideOut · 11-03-2007, 08:59 AM

The bigger the challenge the greater the reward!

If you are not willing to either adapt your expectations or adapt the trailer, an early-mid 50's is not the trailer for you. There may be compromises.

SHari

Rhonda · 11-03-2007, 08:30 PM

Ok here's some pics. Don't be afraid to be brutally honest. Let me know what you would offer please. It is a 1956 Overlander.

Rhonda · 11-03-2007, 08:33 PM

Here's the interior.

wheel interested · 11-03-2007, 08:44 PM

Sorry I can't be of any help with your vintage questions Rhonda but she sure does look great to me! I love the original appliances, I wonder if you could use the doors for "face plates" or doors over new appliances if that is the route you were going. I'm also a big fan of all those segments. Looks like a nice find.

Rhonda · 11-03-2007, 08:52 PM

Vin # 07175. Could someone decipher it for me?

yukionna · 11-03-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhonda

Vin # 07175. Could someone decipher it for me?

It's an Ohio built, 1956 Overlander, 26' in length. Nice find! Lots of work but worth it!

**azflycaster** · 11-03-2007, 11:08 PM

The one thing that concerns me from the pictures is the hitch area. It appears to be bent up wards. If you look at the propane bottles and the jack they are all tilted to the back. Either the unit was dropped on the hitch or it was jacked up and the frame failed. If the frame has failed at this area it may be rusted out in other places as well. Aside from this area, it is a very good looking unit.

rgesch · 11-03-2007, 11:12 PM

Yea! The skin looks great! And 13 panel end caps with no dents from fallen tree limbs! And all of the original appliances, furniture and fixtures are there. By the looks of the rusty hitch and bumper it is almost guaranteed that water has crept along the frame and under the floor. I would be prepared to strip the inside, rip up the floor and have some rebuilding done on the frame. The amount of rebuilding is the big question. Axles, brakes, wiring, plumbing, heating are things to consider. Like Yuki said "lots of work", but there are is a lot of really great original stuff to work with.

safari57 · 11-04-2007, 12:25 AM

Rhonda

It looks, at first blush, to be in reasonable shape. That front hitch area as noted looks bent, if it is that is NOT a good sign for what the rest of the frame is like.

Has it had mice inside? Does it smell, or are there any signs of mice anywhere? If so that's a bugger to get rid of, particularly if they've been there a while.

This trailer likely won't have either a black or gray waste tank so you need to consider the time and cost to install one (it's not a cheap install).

It will not have 12V like newer trailers, or many of the conveniences you'll see in trailers as early as the early sixties.

There's a lot of expense in adding things like a converter, a fridge that works on something other than just 110V, a decent sized fresh water tank, and the list goes on.

That said, if that frame is okay, and you are into putting some effort and investing a few dollars, you will have yourself one beauty of a trailer.

Barry

Ken J · 11-04-2007, 07:36 AM

I agree with the above - in my opinion from a major search of the 50's models, any that you find will probably need a lot of work - but thats ok if you are up to up. Mine took be 3 1/2 years to do, but its 98% done (they are never DONE) and it sure is fun using it - yes there were times if someone came along with $1 I would have taken it in a milisecond - but again it sure is cool to have it done.

My major concern is the frame - I would somehow inspect that - rusted sections can be repaired - but if the whole frame is toast, I would pass on it.

When I looked at the picture the frame looked bent to me too, but didn't know if that was some sort of picture illision

We are here to help you rebuild it.

Ken J

Rhonda · 11-04-2007, 12:37 PM

I knew it would be a project before I looked at it. I was impressed with the condition of the skin. I does have a few dents but for being 50 years old but nothing too terrible. The tongue is bent and will need to be replaced. The frame does not seem to be bent. The interior is complete and woodwork in excellent condition. Of course the fabrics and such will have to go. Do you all think it is a good restoration candidate? And if so what would you offer? Do you think $500 is a fair offer or is that too much considering the work that needs to be done?

Ken J · 11-04-2007, 01:48 PM

Do you know why the tongue is bent? Are you sure the rest of the frame is ok?

If the frame is ok - $500 would be a steal

Ken J

Rhonda · 11-04-2007, 01:59 PM

The elements and rust is what seems to have cracked the tongue. When the tongue bent up they rested the front of the trailer on old tires to keep it somewhat up and out of the dirt. From what we can see the frame looks straight but you can never know for sure until you pull the belly pan.