Visit our Popular Forums

mello mike · 07-25-2010, 03:07 PM

Our '58 Overlander didn't come with one of these cool looking, drop leaf tables and we'd like to either buy a used one or see about making our own. Can somebody post some pics and dimensions?

Thanks in advance.

pbearsailor · 07-25-2010, 04:28 PM

Like this one in my '57, Mike?

-steve

mello mike · 07-25-2010, 05:02 PM

Hi Steve,
No, the one we need has two drop leafs that fold down on either side of the main center piece. I believe the table is formica and has steel legs. Also this table is free standing and can be moved about; it does not mount to the side of the Airstream.

overlander64 · 07-25-2010, 08:25 PM

I have encountered new tables that are very similar in design. In fact, Sam's Club carries one that is very colse -- see link.

Another interpretation of the compact drop-leaf table as offered by Unfinished Furniture Expo.

Or the Linon Space Saver Table Set:

These aren't identical but are built with a similar vision.

Kevin

Grand Master · 07-25-2010, 10:55 PM

I think this is what you're looking for. The legs and slides are original. The top is new. I used the old formica pieces as a templeate and made a new top out of oak.

The top measures 24" X 33-3/4'. Each piece of the top is made from a 1" X 12" oak board (actually 11-1/4" wide). It will easlily go through the door for use outside.

My Dad had a '59 and a '62 with the same style tables.

Mike
1963 Tradewind

mello mike · 07-26-2010, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand Master

The top measures 24" X 33-3/4'. Each piece of the top is made from a 1" X 12" oak board (actually 11-1/4" wide). It will easlily go through the door for use outside. My Dad had a '59 and a '62 with the same style tables.

Mike
1963 Tradewind

Awesome! Thanks Mike. Can I also get the measurement for the leafs when folded down and the measurement for the center piece that doesn't drop down?

Kevin,
Thanks for the Sam's Club version. We may end up going that route but we're going to try and retain the vintage look.

overlander64 · 07-26-2010, 07:26 AM

Greetings Mike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand Master

I think this is what you're looking for. The legs and slides are original. The top is new. I used the old formica pieces as a templeate and made a new top out of oak.

The top measures 24" X 33-3/4'. Each piece of the top is made from a 1" X 12" oak board (actually 11-1/4" wide). It will easlily go through the door for use outside.

My Dad had a '59 and a '62 with the same style tables.

Mike
1963 Tradewind

My 1964 Overlander Land Yacht International came with the same compact drop leaf, and I had the top replaced with one made from oak. The photos are below:

When I purchased the coach, the table still had its Formica top that matched the countertops in the rest of the coach. The subrate that the Formica was attached to was rotting away and would no longer hold screws so a new top was a necessity if my table was going to be able to remain in service.

Kevin

P.S.: The center section on my table is 18", but I am not absolutely certain whether the oak top was made to the exact dimensions of the original or not. Fowler RV Interiors restored my table as part of the interior refurbishment several years ago.

mello mike · 07-26-2010, 09:47 AM

After looking at Mike and Kevin's tables I just realized that the table legs slide out to further support the drop leafs when raised.

Making one of these to exact specs may be more difficult than I imagined. I might have to compromise on stationary legs and just have them mounted out further.

Kevin,
Can I get the measurements of your table include the drop leafs?

Overlander & Sea · 07-26-2010, 10:04 AM

Here's a couple of photos of the legs & how they slide under the original table of our '61 Overlander. Hope this helps.

mello mike · 07-26-2010, 10:12 AM

That does help, Rick. Thanks...

overlander64 · 07-26-2010, 06:26 PM

Greetings Mike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mello mike

Kevin,
Can I get the measurements of your table include the drop leafs?

I can get those measurements a bit later this week - - I am going to be away from the trailer until Thursday, but can get measurements then . . .

Unless I am mistaken, I think that the entire operating mechanism for the legs is made of wood that is screwed to the table top. I will double check that when I get those mesurements.

Kevin

Grand Master · 07-26-2010, 07:36 PM

The table top in my 24' Tradewind is made of three (3) equal sized pieces (each 11-1/4" X 24") each leaf has the outside corners rounded.

It seems to mee that the table in my Dad's 26' Overlander was lightly bigger. I thonk they proportioned the tables to the available floor space of the trailer model.

The legs are round tubing bent in a "U" shape. I believe they were all the same size, and the top and slides altered to make different size tables. The most challenging part of reproducing these tables would be to make the wooden slides which have routed dovetail sliding joints.

Good luck!
Mike

Aage · 07-27-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbearsailor

Like this one in my '57, Mike?

-steve

Steve,

Yours is by far the prettiest one posted here! Did you make that?

And by the way, that one DOES have two drop leafs that fold down on either side of the main centre piece, doesn't it?

That centre part looks like the plywood is curved. What a beauty!

pbearsailor · 07-27-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

Steve,

Yours is by far the prettiest one posted here! Did you make that?

And by the way, that one DOES have two drop leafs that fold down on either side of the main centre piece, doesn't it?

That centre part looks like the plywood is curved. What a beauty!

Thanks, Aage, I really like it too. It's original. There's even a spot for it in the Caravanner before the lower streetside window starts, right next to the stove. The base is one piece of birch ply bent through the four corners with some bits of 1x2 framing the inside. Hollow cores on the two leaves. Simple and light and huge when it is opened up. I had to have the trailer when I saw the table.

cheers,
steve

Ganglin · 07-28-2010, 03:15 AM

Mike - if you decide to roll your own - check Ebay. There are drop leaf supports and one dealer who offers the wood slide supports - all at reasonable prices. Search "drop leaf table". Rockler also has the metal supports.

Drop Leaf Support - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Here's some vintage style table legs to go with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-metal-ti...item4cf093df93

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11205

Ganglin · 07-28-2010, 03:52 AM

Check this style table - courtesy Vintage Airstream Archives - coupled with a pair of Leg O Matic chairs.

1957Overlander5

markdoane · 07-28-2010, 06:59 AM

The original top was three sections 12" wide x 29 1/2". The corner radius was about 4".

I laid in oak and new hinges. As Kevin noted, the original substrate was pretty weak, especially if you forget to secure the table and it falls over a few times.

If you want more details let me know.

NJtoNC · 07-28-2010, 07:10 AM

pbsailor, can you show up the hardware underneath? id like to make one similar...

markdoane, did you make the sliding wood bits? or were they there?

pbearsailor · 07-28-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJtoNC

pbsailor, can you show up the hardware underneath? id like to make one similar...

Here are a couple from when I refinished it. Let me know if you need any more.

-steve

Aage · 07-28-2010, 09:40 AM

Wow, that is a brilliant design, Steve! So, it came with the trailer, but if that was an AS accessory, it's the first time I ever saw it.

From the second photo, it looks like the centre section is at least ½" material, if there are any kerf marks, I sure don't see them inside.

I would appreciate seeing any other photos you have of it...?