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Melody Ranch · 01-14-2010, 09:23 PM

I got my latest project....here is the mystery. It is serial numbered as 8010. That places it in the area of a 1956 Flying Cloud. However, I see where Helen Schwamborns' Custom 1956 Overlander had that number...When I got the info on this one from the owner it was her opinion that it was a 26 ft. Overlander....obviously not the case. I guess there is more to the serial numbering than I know.

Stored on the roof of a building in Santa Monica.....Hollywood...California, for many years it is in very nice condition. I doubt if it was used much even before that. It was completely updated at some time in the past.

The process of getting it off the roof was unbelievable. A gate had been added to the access ramp to the roof where it stayed. Also a fence had been built across from the ramp by a neighbor. We (my brother and I) had only 1/4 inch...NO KIDDING...on both sides as we tried to turn at he ramp bottom.

Anyway out of Los Angeles mid afternoon...still bad traffic to Phoenix the first night. Next day to Texas, over the Guadalupes, Carlsbad to Hobbs, New Mexico. Next day over to Fort Worth and then to Mountain Springs, Texas, where she is now in the barn here.

Pictures to show what she looks like and the areas we traveled thru...for those who have never seen it. Sea level in California, across the Salt Flats of Arizona and West Texas to the 8700 ft. Guadalupe Mountains in Texas....so you thought Texas was flat?

Now the work begins.

FLYNCLD · 01-14-2010, 09:26 PM

What a find! Keep up the nice pics!

Airslide · 01-14-2010, 09:38 PM

What an amazing story.. I want to see the pictures of the rescue!

Vinnie

47WeeWind · 01-14-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

I got my latest project....here is the mystery. It is serial numbered as 8010. That places it in the area of a 1956 Flying Cloud. However, I see where Helen Schwamborns' Custom 1956 Overlander had that number...When I got the info on this one from the owner it was her opinion that it was a 26 ft. Overlander....obviously not the case. I guess there is more to the serial numbering than I know.

Hi Melody Ranch:

Serial number 8010 is a California serial number for a 1956 Flying Cloud. Helen's 26' Custom Overlander was built in Ohio so had an "O" prefix to its serial number, which was O-8010. You have a fine memory, but "O" that prefix makes all the difference in the world.

That's a great looking Flying Cloud you acquired, congratulations!

Melody Ranch · 01-15-2010, 08:29 AM

I see now. Yes.....I have C-8010.

The biggest problem we had on the move was......the crappy service I got from the Airstream Dealer, hired by the previous owner for me to do an inspection and prep for the trip. I wanted to be ready to blast out of there shortly after checking it over. I was assured that the bearings were pulled, checked and packed.....the lights were working etc., etc. When I got there I cloud see that the bearing caps had never been removed. Thats a good hint to the other things to follow. The wiring was all wrong and the pig tail to the connector to short to remain connected when turning. The jack had been bent and was not functional....we had to chop it off.....I remembered Steve (Soldiermedic) having jack trouble too, when he brought his Baby home. The awning arms needed realignment so that the awning could be furled and made road worthy. Anyway we got it ready for the move....then the dreaded trip down off the roof. Out of LA around 1300 . Tried to stop at Inland RV in Corona, but they were too busy to help with some rechecking I wanted to do before the trip across the desert to Phoenix and beyond. Other than not having the correct hitch stinger for the correct ball height an uneventful trip home. So uneventful that we opted out of the I-10 route and went for the Guadalupe Mountains, (Buena Suerte Hi-way) Carlsbad, and the Hwy 180 thru rural Texas to home. A little uncomfortable when the Border Patrol Officer at the Inspection Station out of El Paso looked in at us, then to the Cloud, and said "Good Luck."

soldiermedic · 01-15-2010, 08:39 AM

Glad to see it made it home in one piece. My jack could not be retracted, and stayed mostly down the entire trip back home from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Looks like a nice Whale tail, and 13 panels to boot.

Steve

utee94 · 01-15-2010, 09:33 AM

Very nice trailer, man you sure have a nice collection going. I'd be jealous if my wife would let me...

Aerowood · 01-15-2010, 09:54 AM

A good find on your part, I'm envious of you and the room you have to have multiple projects. I'm in Mojave Ca. right know and spotted two 70's trailers at the Airport but do not have the time to check them out. looks like they have been there awhile.

have fun
Kip

Melody Ranch · 01-15-2010, 10:12 AM

next...............

flyfshr · 01-15-2010, 10:16 AM

Great find Melody. Funny you should mention Helen's Overlander as I am in the process of tracking it down from emails from 6 years ago. The then current owner emailed me some pictures of it and wanted to know if I knew anything about it. I was just getting into this aluminum obsession then and didn't know much and unfortunately, I threw the old emails away. All I have is a Texas license plate on the Suburban TV.

BTW - when were you through Phoenix? You didn't even stop and say hello?

Brad
FF

oh2bcarefree · 01-15-2010, 10:39 AM

How awesome! I am envious, but trying to stay satisfied with just our CW. I love the whale tail. I'm becoming a big fan of them...

Congrats - what a great story - I am amazed at the lengths you go to get such cool trailers.

Carry on!

Tina

47WeeWind · 01-15-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

I see now. Yes.....I have C-8010.

Hi Melody Ranch:

Actually, you have plain ole "8010" without any prefix. The absence of a prefix to a wholly numerical serial number identifies a 1947-1950ish California built Airstream. Adding an imaginary "C" prefix to your wholly numerical early California serial number is fictional and might confuse some newbies, although you and I understand it does not belong there and should never be confused with an "O" for Ohio.

bwoodtx · 01-15-2010, 02:12 PM

how did you find out about this one?

SilverHoot · 01-15-2010, 02:37 PM

Love it! What a beaut!

whitsend · 01-15-2010, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwoodtx

how did you find out about this one?

Ditto!!

Melody Ranch · 01-18-2010, 09:31 AM

Well, Vintage Trailer Supply is out of the infamous H-20-2 Bargman door handle. You know the one. By chance, does anyone out there have one I could buy....or one I can borrow until Steve has the Vintage Trailer inventory back up. This is really the only item missing from the Cloud....I'm tired of the screw driver now in use. Any leads would be appreciated.

Melody Ranch · 01-18-2010, 07:31 PM

I have to get the word out..

soldiermedic · 01-19-2010, 07:46 AM

Here's hoping you find one. How long till the casting process is complete for the ones at VTS?

Steve

Melody Ranch · 02-04-2010, 01:50 PM

Rebel is it!
I have decided to try something else.

I like the condition and look of the "patina" 8010 has acquired. So, for now, I do not plan to polish her. I have already done that to four previous projects.

I am not going the Pergo, Marmoleum or cork floor route. I like the feel of plush carpet and am putting in a designer type carpet.

700 x 15 tires. period! Beauty rings and moons of course.

No new axle. I like the look and feel of a sprung solid original.

Rebel!!!