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DDickey · 04-12-2016, 12:47 PM

So last week I took the plunge and bought a 1957 22' Caravaner that needs a complete restoration. I've gutted the interior down to the ribs, drilled all of the rivets around the belt line and I'm ready to lift the shell. My question is, does the bottom u-channel stay with the shell or with the floor?

By the way, we're going to call her Lucy, and we're already in love.

MarkR · 04-12-2016, 01:18 PM

I'm thinking "neither" . . . only because mine was pretty much "white dust" at each "steel" fastener (bolts thru outriggers and screws thru plywood) . . . Plus, I'm assuming you're replacing the plywood . . . Anyway, to install your Belly Pan, you're going to have to have the U-Channel fastened to your Plywood . . . which occurs prior to setting the shell back down . . . do you have photos to share?

(oh, and welcome to the forums - it's a great place)

DDickey · 04-12-2016, 04:04 PM

Here's Lucy!

DDickey · 04-12-2016, 04:12 PM

Apparently I have no clue how to post pics

MarkR · 04-12-2016, 06:08 PM

choose "go advanced"
scroll down to "manage attachments"
browse and find the photos
choose "upload" . . .

DDickey · 04-13-2016, 06:45 AM

Ah, got it, here she is...

DDickey · 04-13-2016, 06:47 AM

Need to build gantries

prairieschooner · 04-13-2016, 08:30 AM

I Love Lucy!
Good Luck! it will be fun following this.

pbearsailor · 04-13-2016, 08:35 AM

That sure looks familiar!

Mine is #9153. What is your serial number?

Cheers,
Steve

DDickey · 04-13-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbearsailor

That sure looks familiar!

Mine is #9153. What is your serial number?

Cheers,
Steve

Great blog Steve, I'm going to keep it as a favorite since we have the same trailer. My trailer is #3445 - I wonder why our numbers are so far apart? How do you like that propane fireplace, does it keep the trailer warm?

twolanehwy · 04-13-2016, 10:41 AM

take pictures...many many pictures of everything, from every angle as it will help as a reference when putting back.

Also make an interior template from channel to chennel so when reattaching channels you can make sure floor shape is proper. These are like tins with radius corners. They don't just land straight down.

I hope you are retired and have lots of money.
Have fun.

DDickey · 04-14-2016, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twolanehwy

...
I hope you are retired and have lots of money.
Have fun.

Hahaha...full time job, a business on the side, a little bit of money and a whole lot of stupid, but I do like to rebuild things. I'm sure I'll be leaning on the board for moral support, and I'm a home brewer so I can always retreat to that when times get stressful

I'm already a little freaked out that I've pulled the interior skins. The PO had done a poor interior remodel, including moving the interior walls, so the skins have a bunch of holes in them. I'm going to replace them with new material and I get a little punchy thinking about all of those rivets. But I realize that's about 268 steps down the road...

rugjenkins · 04-14-2016, 09:07 AM

You could put rivets in the holes unless it really hacked up. Look forward to seeing pics and progress.👍

pbearsailor · 04-14-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDickey

How do you like that propane fireplace, does it keep the trailer warm?

Heater is a Dickinson Newport and I really like it. I boondock much of the year and it uses very little 12 volt power so that's a real plus over a furnace.

Cheers,
Steve

BigButtUgly · 04-15-2016, 09:10 AM

Here,s why the numbers vary so. DDickey - correct, a 13 panel 1957. pbeansailor - yours a 1958, 7 panel # 9153. 1958 numbers 9100 thru 9199. My 1958 is 9189 , also gutted so named "Yurt on Wheels" because all contents can be moved outside under the huge awning. Also, all contents transported in tow vehicle, can be pulled and placed at point of use. Therefore my Yurt" always weighs 2180 # so handling never varies. 1,000# in Cadillac Escalade EXt has self leveling air ride. Flawless design. All weather. The cold weather packing list differs from warm weather so never transport what will not be used ( example: wood fired heater, blankets, warm clothing, items not subject to freezing freezing, etc)

BigButtUgly · 04-15-2016, 09:32 AM

Ignore my last post. The 1958s are 93XX. And mine 9389. Am seeing if CA numbering for 1957s is different than OH

BigButtUgly · 04-15-2016, 11:37 AM

DDickey: Found it. Number 3445 was Ohio built 22' Flying Cloud with the window treatment on street side same as the 9100 to 9299 Caravanners. Google in 1957 Flying Cloud 22' #O-3424 Vintage Airstream". Good info. or google in 1957 Caravanner 22' or one more 1957 Flying Cloud 22'. Your O-3445 number was an early build as numbers were 3421 to 3499, The later ones having switched to 7 panel and yours 13. The Flying Cloud and Caravanner floor plans are very different but really makes little difference when gutted. You probably had a bathroom window above the toilet and corner sink. My toilet was at rear with a sink wood vanity under the window ..But windows and placement likely the same. Yours probably has no nameplate and is referred to as "Custom: while my 1958 has Caravanner name plate. I think both of us have the nicer big double windows next to the door.

DDickey · 04-16-2016, 10:53 AM

That's really good information to have. The interior of mine was poorly remodeled at some point. The bed took up the rear of the trailer and was pretty big, and the restroom was moved street side, just behind the kitchen. Even though it was a hatchet job, I sort of liked the floor plan because the bed was almost queen size and the restroom was large. I may do a modified version of it - still trying to figure it out

BigButtUgly · 04-17-2016, 03:30 PM

DDickey: There were some as I described and some as you stated. If you look up 1958 Caravanner you'll see what mine was like. My reconfigure has a rear twin mattress which blocks the window and folds down only when needed. Up to use the corner base shower stall. Airstream toilet now gone. I use a portable. Other end same mattress set up. In severe below zero conditions both remain up and I use an Intek inflatable couch/queen bed near the wood burning heater. I'm good to -40 degrees F.

jjmtb · 08-02-2016, 02:28 PM

DD and BBU-

Woohoo, I am totally pumped to find this thread. I am about 2 weeks behind DD. I have a new to me, fresh from the woods, 57’ Caravanner. Check my link and stop by. I will be following right along with you. I assume we are going to have many of the same questions. Maybe I should just hang back a little and let you do the heavy lifting and follow but what fun would that be.

Subscribed!

How about an update?