New Fixer-Upper in Pie Town

[ajo]

Greetings Cohort,

Nita just bought a 1958 Airstream something or other. I'm already confused about the names and the lengths. Do you measure only the body ( 15' ), or include the hitch ( 18' )? No model name seems to be associated with any of the paperwork, no name on the coach except for "AIRSTREAM" emblazoned between the stop lights below the rear window.

There are four windows and a door. I get to do the fixing: The commode flusher is rusted frozen. A.C. outlets need to be changed to grounded type. The trailer hitch socket where the ball goes is worn away and has been built up with weld but the whole assembly is welded to the frame so that is going to require professional help. There is some sort of hydraulic brake cylinder mechanism mounted above the hitch: anyone know what that is for? Service brake? Break-away/parking break?

More later as I sort out my projects.

Thanks for being here.

--ajo

[Hittenstiehl]

Welcome,

With Airstreams you measure from bumper to ball to establish their length. If it's a 58 it sounds like it might be a Globetrotter or Traveler.

Airstreams website has some archival documents that have old brochures and descriptions that might be gun to look at. Both those archive pages have a photo and the Traveler page has a brochure to match up your doors and windows.

A photo can help others here identify it and look on the tow area to see if there is a short serial / vin number.

[tvketchum]

If the plate by the door is intact, post a picture. You will find out the model, factory which built it, options and such from the serial number. As others have noted, trailer lengths are from the tip of the tongue to the back bumper face. Good luck on the restoration!


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Tom
TVKetchum