Just Starting the new project!

[potters66]

Just picked up a 1968 a few weeks ago to do a restoration project for the boy. Info here is incredible!! He has always wanted an Airstream and my wife found this one sitting in the woods for about 25 years. She had a 1962 years ago. We made a 275 mile journey each way including a ferry to get across Long Island Sound. Some bearing grease, tires, straps, duct tape and lights and off we went. Was a flawless trip and a lot of thumbs up on the roads as we went by a little green and dirty.
I am sure I will have many, many questions along the way and will also try and post our progress if anyone is interested.
As of today, it's been 2 weeks working on it but we have limited time with our work schedules. This week I will sandblast the frame.

Steve

[potters66]

A few more.

[Bubba L]

Looks like a great project. Ask away. There are many here who can answer your questions. Welcome and good luck, Bubba

[potters66]

A picture of the old number on it.... anyone have info??? it's a long shot but might as well ask.

3594

Steve

[wildhorses]

You are headed down a long, painful but totally satisfying journey! Enjoy yourself!

[SilverHoot]

Wow! You dove right in! Congrats! If anything like my experience it'll take twice as long and cost 3 times the $$$ as what you think....but satisfying!

[fwjumper]

It will be a great and rewarding experience. At the end of it, you will know EVERYTHING there is to know about your trailer. (not all, but yours)

Having done major repairs on several and renovations on more, it has never taken as long or cost as much as I feared it would. (But always longer and more than I hoped) Being patient and creative will save you money and mistakes. I am not a patient man, but I'm learning.

I wish you well in your work and look forward on your behalf to that great feeling you will have the first night you spend in your project. (assuming there are no leaks)

This forum is a fantastic resource, a treasure trove of experiences, many worth your attention. It is one of the most knowledgeable, helpful and generous groups I've ever seen. Keep us posted. Your photos are great!

[chrisetmike]

Congratulations and good luck!

We are in the process of fixing a 1967 Overlander. Keep all of interior parts until you are sure you won't use them and label everything! Original parts come in handy for paterns. We are finally at the rebuilding stage.

[potters66]

Thanks everyone and been looking at window parts and it looks like Vintage trailer Supply is a good source???? Any others just let me know because I see they are out of the 39" at the moment.

There is also another late 70's a little larger and much better shape on the same property that I am working on.

Attached is the other one I am working on getting.

Steve

[TheGreatleys]

VTS is fantastic, and the first place I check. Out-of-doors mart at odmrv.com is also a good place to check for those specialty parts.

[Atomic_13]

I have two 1968s. Pretty much had to fix it all on my first. Check out the link below. Happy to answer questions.

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado and welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby and to these Air Forums. I had a 66, see photo, and now I have an Overlander, so I have some experience in your 66 Overlander.

You have a big project ahead, but you have taken all the right steps so it appears. Getting the body off the rusty frame is a hard part. Clean the frame and start making repairs to it. You can then replace the rotted subfloor and reassembly these three components. The body, subfloor and frame are the "bones" of every Airstream. Your bones will be good when done.

The "ghost" Wally Byam Caravan Club International membership numbers can be researched a bit. Here is a "thread" from these Forums that my help you. I think 66Overlander his a WBCCI historian and has access to old member numbers. Try making a post in this thread and see what happens:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286...ml#post2061890

Or you can call WBCCI directly and ask for the research on this number.

By the way 66Overlander did actually restore a trailer like yours. He is working on a unique 62 Safari now.

David

[potters66]

Thanks for all the info. Probably be another week before I have any new progress pictures as the real work got in the way. Here is one I forgot to post. On the way back home waiting for the ferry after a 20+ years of hibernation.

Steve

[Jeremy J]

Really nice looking trailer you have there. Lots of work but you've done a ton already. Your frame really doesn't look that bad from the front. How is the rear?

These forums have been a ton of help to me and I'm sue you'll feel the same.

[potters66]

Originally Posted by Jeremy J

Really nice looking trailer you have there. Lots of work but you've done a ton already. Your frame really doesn't look that bad from the front. How is the rear?

These forums have been a ton of help to me and I'm sue you'll feel the same.

Back of the frame is in very good condition also with the exception of one outrigger on tub side and the lower c-channel sub-frame is bad. Back was sitting in dirt for all those years but a very easy fix. I snap a picture tomorrow.

Steve

[wildhorses]

The rear of the frames are prone to rust, I boxed the frames to make them stronger and replaced the rusted sections.

[potters66]

Here is the back and also now know why one of the old numbers is missing on the front. Must have had a bump at some point and a very good repair was done.

Steve

[Jeremy J]

That rear frame doesn't look too bad at all. Should be able to get that nice and strong.

[potters66]

Well... I got side tracked on another trailer project but finished the frame and deck today. Shell will go back on tomorrow. Thanks to all the info on this site up to this point I have located most all parts I needed. Just got my shipment of all new glass and everything I need to get them installed and working like new again. Just have to order the roof vents and we are water tight again..... I hope!!


Steve

[dbj216]

Thanks for the update. Glad to have you back on the Overlander. Keep us updated as your project progresses.

I'm struggling away on my 75 Overlander. Getting the bathroom plastic back together has been hard for me. But I'm getting it done.

David