Need help - 1956 !

[grayj]

I am a newbie to the Airstream world. My brother-in-law and I are planning to start a restoration, but we need help identifying what model this trailer is. We know it is a 56 model, but not sure about the rest. He has the paperwork, but it is lost at the moment. Is the length measured by the trailer only or from tongue to end of trailer? Are there serial numbers or a VIN that will help with finding out more about this camper?

[willyd]

Pictures would be very helpful.

[CanoeStream]

The VIN will be embossed on a metal tag just forward of the door. Sometimes it also is stamped onto the curbside of the A-frame. For '56 it may take the form of a letter and 4 numbers (eg, O-6344) -- that's all! Length could be useful. Lengths are measured bumper to ball and rounded down; eg, 23' 10" would be a 22 foot trailer.

The VIN also should be on the title.

[AirsDream]

If you go here: Airstream, Inc :: FAQ

my recollection is that Airstream has published the Rosetta Stone for decoding VIN numbers. (I could not get this page to open just now for some reason), and with a good VIN number, you can learn a lot about replacement parts, etc.

Good luck finding out more, and do keep everyone informed as to your progress, and ask questions; some of the folks on here are incredibly knowledgeable about these terrific vehicles!

[grayj]

These are the best pics I have right now. I hope I am doing this right, sort of a learning process as I go.

[azflycaster]

Pictures look great. My guess is a Flying Cloud made in Ohio (no whale tail). It matches up well with this: 56FC
The window in front of the door is not the same, but there could have been changes made along the way. The VIN will confirm the identity.

[soldiermedic]

Flying Cloud indeed

You can tell by the steetside windows having the bed window and the beath window in the rear.

Steve

[jpeterman]

shes a nice find whatever it is
congrats and good luck
Jerry

[grayj]

Thanks a lot for your quick help. I already found out more here in a few minutes than I ever could have on my own. I will be sure to ask more questions as this process goes along. Thanks again!!

[grayj]

I guess it's probably hard to estimate without seeing the interior and other details, but can anyone give me a ballpark estimate on restoration? I've been told 25-35k. This price however came from a man wanting to buy it as is, saying it's worth 1k max (he offered 800 cash for it). I am by no means an expert, but I believe the value has to be higher than that!!

[azflycaster]

Restorations can be expensive, but it all depends on the current condition and what needs to be done and who does it. It would be impossible to estimate the cost with out looking at the trailer and seeing what need to be done. The $800 is laughable, I bid $850.

[grayj]

Kind of what I figured. What would be a problem area to look for? Don't want to get in over our heads right off the bat. I guess what I'm asking is what part of the restoration comes with the biggest price tag?

[2333]

Labor is the highest cost, but if it's you and your brother-in-law, then maybe that's not a factor. Without knowing anything about the trailer, your new axle and running gear would likely be the biggest outlay of cash at one time, because your panels look great.

[azflycaster]

My biggest concern would be the condition of the floor and the frame. A rotted out floor and rusted out frame would be a ton of work . You might want to take a look at this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f71/...3-a-44194.html
Steve is bringing a 53 FC back to life...