New Member and new owner of '65 Caravel

[Jewel65]

Hello! Lots of knowledge on this forum. I've been pouring over this forum and other sites the last week to learn all I can as I am about to pull the trigger today on a 65 Caravel! It's a little rough, but I think it has good bones. We are going to take the next year to do some restoration and cleaning of this little camper. It will replace the Dutchman Pop-up that we have had several years now. I'm excited to get it and looking forward to the projects ahead as I am sure there will be many. Will be picking it up tonight. Here are some photos taken at our first encounter...

[Royce]

Congrats, nice looking Caravel! And welcome to the forum. You are in for an adventure, I hope it turns out to be a good one. As a preacher I know says at the beginning of the sermon. "You are either in for a treat or a treatment." :-)

[TouringDan]

Jewel

Looks like you really found a hidden jewel in the 65 Caravel. I really like the size of the caravel and the very efficient floor plan. Welcome to the forums.

Dan

[overlander64]

Greetings Jewel65!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

Originally Posted by Jewel65

Hello! Lots of knowledge on this forum. I've been pouring over this forum and other sites the last week to learn all I can as I am about to pull the trigger today on a 65 Caravel! It's a little rough, but I think it has good bones.

I would say that your '65 Caravel has very good "bones" as evidenced by your photos. As a transition year, you may find features in your Caravel that don't appear in either the 1964 or 1966 Caravels. It appears that you have a window in your entry door; if that is the case, it is an unusual feature (possibly special ordered by first owner, possibly owner added after production, or a factory experiment). If that window is jalousied, it will provede welcom ventilation during summer showers.

Originally Posted by Jewel65

We are going to take the next year to do some restoration and cleaning of this little camper. It will replace the Dutchman Pop-up that we have had several years now. I'm excited to get it and looking forward to the projects ahead as I am sure there will be many. Will be picking it up tonight. Here are some photos taken at our first encounter...

Congratulations on your find - - the Caravel appears to be a keeper that you and your family can enjoy for years to come! Enjoy getting acquainted with your coach!

Kevin

[Jewel65]

Originally Posted by overlander64

It appears that you have a window in your entry door; if that is the case, it is an unusual feature (possibly special ordered by first owner, possibly owner added after production, or a factory experiment). If that window is jalousied, it will provede welcom ventilation during summer showers.
Kevin

Thanks all for the warm welcome! The trailer will need attention. Yes it does have a jalousie window in the door. I didn't know it was rare, but that is why I am here, to learn new things! It looks like this forum is just as active at the Miata.net forum for Miata owners, as I have learned a wealth of information for our two Miatas from that forum. This looks to be just as good a group as that forum that I have been a part of for several years. Hope to be active on here too.

So far the things I know the trailer will need is a new axle, at least before I travel very far in it. The old one looks to be pretty warn. Floor looks pretty good, but I will have to check it out further as I start to work on it. Thinking of pulling the skins underneath to find out what is needed and repair any frame problems, rust prevention, etc. Will be doing general cleanup inside with new cushions and upholstery, drapes, etc. As I go along I am sure I will get into more than I currently know.