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09-28-2008, 07:06 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Tellico Plains
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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Need help - 1956 !
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?
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09-28-2008, 07:13 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1993 34' Limited
Melbourne Florida
, Springfield Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 757
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Pictures would be very helpful.
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09-28-2008, 07:16 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master<br><img src="/ugala/forums/images/5rivet.gif">

2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,279
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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.
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09-28-2008, 07:35 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master 
1999 23' Safari
Perrysburg
, Ann Arbor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 915
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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!
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09-28-2008, 08:07 PM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Tellico Plains
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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These are the best pics I have right now. I hope I am doing this right, sort of a learning process as I go.
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09-28-2008, 08:19 PM
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#6
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,308
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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.
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Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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09-28-2008, 08:28 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master 
Currently Looking...
Florissant
, USA
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,083
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Flying Cloud indeed
You can tell by the steetside windows having the bed window and the beath window in the rear.
Steve
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09-28-2008, 08:31 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member 
1972 27' Overlander
Graham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 274
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shes a nice find whatever it is
congrats and good luck
Jerry
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"AIR 17559"
wear it out, don't rust it out
Jerry
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09-28-2008, 08:32 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Tellico Plains
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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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!!
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09-28-2008, 08:44 PM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Tellico Plains
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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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!!
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09-28-2008, 08:56 PM
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#11
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,308
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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.
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Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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09-28-2008, 09:00 PM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Tellico Plains
, Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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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?
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09-28-2008, 09:11 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member 
1962 24' Tradewind
Rabat
, Morocco
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 157
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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.
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Craig
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09-28-2008, 09:18 PM
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#14
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,308
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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...
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Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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