1959 something

[joshterese]

Hi-
I just joined today. We are looking for vin number info & some advice. The vin number page at airstream.com isn't cooperating.
OUR NUMBER 18d-0157
It also says CA 159
Any ideas?
Also wondering how to replace the glass in the windows? It's 3/4 of the way remodeled (mostly inside) and don't want to go through the interior. Our local glass guy just shook his head. It's a small town.

Thanks for reading

[GreatPumpkin]

Welcome to the forums.

Well... your profile lists it correctly?

The '59 "18 footers" from California were officially a "Traveler" or a "Globester", but they were not nameplated. Is your layout similiar to the pic below?

[joshterese]

Well the floor plan...
We've done some remodeling. I'm trying to attach some photos. Hope our airstream doesn't offend the restorers out there. The interior was in pretty bad shape when we got it. Gutted the whole thing down to the insullation and started over. The only original on the inside is the sink and the stove. We tubbed out the wheel wells and put some bigger wheels and tires on it and left the outside about the same-just streamlined it a bit.

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by joshterese

Hi-I just joined today. We are looking for vin number info & some advice. The vin number page at airstream.com isn't cooperating.
OUR NUMBER 18d-0157
It also says CA 159
Any ideas?
Also wondering how to replace the glass in the windows? It's 3/4 of the way remodeled (mostly inside) and don't want to go through the interior. Our local glass guy just shook his head. It's a small town. Thanks for reading

As the GreatPumpkin says, its a 1959 18 footer:

18 = overall length on feet
D = double bed originally
0157 = production sequence number
CA 159 = built in January, 1959, Calif. plant.

The side window is a Hehr standard window, and the rear window might be a Hehr Clearview window. Rubber window gaskets should be available from Vintage Trailer Supply:

Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

Nice looking redo on the interior. If you've got the time, stop by our Saturday afternoon open house at the Vintage Airstream Club's Rocky Mt. Rally in Breckridge, CO late this July:

2007 VAC Rally Information

There will be 70 trailers to oogle at and plenty of kind vintage folk with first hand experince to answer all your questions. It's one of the largest gatherings of Vintage Airstream trailers in the country and its in your backyard.

[joshterese]

Thanks for the invite to the Rocky Mountain Rally. We will be flying to the east coast. Sounds like fun. We used to live in Breckenridge.
Would it be best to remove the windows(frame and all) and bring to a glass shop? If so how do you remove? We wanted to have the glass tinted as well. I guess we could maybe have the glass tinted before install. But then it might scratch. Or is it easy enough to just do ourselves in place? If we do it ourselves do we just need the glass and the strip?

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by joshterese

... Would it be best to remove the windows(frame and all) and bring to a glass shop? If so how do you remove? We wanted to have the glass tinted as well. I guess we could maybe have the glass tinted before install. But then it might scratch. Or is it easy enough to just do ourselves in place? If we do it ourselves do we just need the glass and the strip?

For your side windows, see: 1956 Flying Cloud - Windows

For your front and rear windows, look at: Restoration Topics - Window Repairs

which is close, but no cigar. You probably have the Hehr Clear-View windows on your ends, but the general approach should be similar. Also see:

Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

You should be able to change out the glass yourself, but remove and take the old panes to your local glass shop so they can cut new glass to the correct size. Soapy water and a hot day makes things go easier.

[safari57]

You did a nice job on your trailer. And welcome to the forums. As for offending anyone by not keeping it original - every one of the 20,000 plus forums members have their own ideas of how to do their trailers and voice their thoughts, but in reality we all are just pleased to see another one rescued and put back into use. Hope to see you on the road, or out camping. What are you using for a tow vehicle?

Barry

[joshterese]

Thanks for the support and comments. We tow with a 1997 3/4 ton GMC
Terese