Greetings mwinter973!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mwinter973
I just purchased a 1972 Ambassador that needs much work. We have what looks like could be one twin bed but cannot tell for sure. The mattress is not there just now. There is just some type of wood base that looks like it should pull out but sticks a little over some tambour roll cover compartments. The other side does not have a bed but a full close and a cabinet with drawers under the window on that side. What mattress belongs there - twin or double? Does it pull out? Does not look like it would support any weight when pulled out. Thanks.
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Your coach is of the less common "Double" floorplan. The 1960s and 1970s rear bath Airstreams were offered with either center twins or a center double. It seems that far more twins were made than the double. The double utilized a pull-out quite similar to that used in the front lounge. The actual size of the mattress was slightly less than the size of a household double bed.
The mechanisms for the 1960s pull-out utilized primarily kiln dried oak components if the two coaches that I have seen with this arrangement is any indication. The actual design varied from one year to the next slightly, and I have seen one or two that have either hinged legs that drop down when the base is pulled out - - or permanently affixed legs that rest against the cabinetry. You can find the florrplans included in the original sales literature at this
link.
There have been a number of different approaches mentioned to the problem of refurbishing the bed in a center double coach. The most expedient is usually to just replicate what was there originally. Some have modified fouton mattresses for use on the existing platform while others have modified the platform such that it is permanently extended and installed a custom inner-spring mattress.
Good luck with your investigation!
Kevin