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flyrc · 11-14-2009, 03:39 PM

After a year searching for parts for the 64 globetrotter I finally came to the realization that it was too far gone to salvage (it had been rolled into a mountain side and severe structual damage and cosmetic issues) and while helping a fellow airstreamer find parts he informed me he knew where there 5 13 panel trailers.

He led me to believe I might be able to buy one and I couldn't pass up a two for one sale (for $2200 I got both).

One is a 56 Flying Cloud, the other is a 56 Overlander, both gutted, but both whale tales. Both require full restorations, which should keep me out of trouble for awhile.

Here's the Flying Cloud

**Kevin245** · 11-14-2009, 03:44 PM

Hey Wally,

Congrats on your new projects.

Kevin

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 03:45 PM

Here's the interior as found. How in the world did they use a 24"x24" shower?

FLYNCLD · 11-14-2009, 03:45 PM

OMG! What a deal! I believe that would be considered theft in most states!

danalee · 11-14-2009, 03:48 PM

They have potential. LOL- have fun!

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 03:53 PM

As with most restoration projects I'll have to start replacing floor since the back 6" are gone, and I presume the same is the case in the front. Floor by the door is nonexistant.

At one time the PO had a tire blow and destroyed the street side wheel well, which a local sheet metal shop has fabricated for me.

Someone scabbed on a makeshift black tank, and the toilet rust-mounted to it. There was homemade gray water tank that was 6"x6"x60" slung under the belly just behind the wheel wells. Neither will possibly work so after the floor is replaced I'll start the tank search.

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 04:01 PM

I pulled the lower skins down, and removed the belly pan and the back 8' of floor.

There was some frame damage, but had a local welder come in and make the repairs.

**Kevin245** · 11-14-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrc

Here's the interior as found. How in the world did they use a 24"x24" shower?

While I worked overseas I had a similar sized shower in my flat. It wasn't bad for me unless I dropped the soap.

You had to open the door and step outside so you could reach in to retrieve the dropped item.

Kevin

Xbob2 · 11-14-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrc

I pulled the lower skins down, and removed the belly pan and the back 8' of floor.

There was some frame damage, but had a local welder come in and make the repairs.

Soooooo, dose this mean the overlander is for sale?
Bob

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 04:12 PM

I got sidetracked after reading a forums post about paint removal and decided the pink had to go and that I'd like to not make that mess on the new floor.

I never thought I would work so hard and it would take so long to get rid of that many layers of paint. The latex wasn't so bad, but getting that last layer of Zolatone was a real

I tried every stripper in the book

and finally read a post that recommended 0000 steel wool to get through the last of the Zolatone layer. I highly recommend the steel wool because it saved my bacon.

After two weeks and $200 worth of paint remover I decided that buying new lower metal will be by far the best way to go.

I really like the look of her tail in all natural. Don't you?

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 04:17 PM

The front end cap, interior center panel is discolored, almost like a water marked hue/stain. I started trying to remove it with a cyclo with F7 (see photo) and only was able to break through it in a few places.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to address this? Should I try to sand it with 1600 WD paper or, high speed buffer, or should I pull rivets and replace the panel?

If replacement is the only option, do you think it can be done without pulling the whole end cap down?

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xbob2

Soooooo, dose this mean the overlander is for sale?
Bob

My wife would kill me... Here's the Overlander

OLD TIMERS LOOK GOOD TOGETHER

Xbob2 · 11-14-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrc

My wife would kill me... Here's the Overlander

OLD TIMERS LOOK GOOD TOGETHER

Beautiful! Single or double axil?
Bob

Xbob2 · 11-14-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrc

My wife would kill me...

Lets see ... she didn't kill you for BUYING them but would kill you for SELLING them? She have an available sister?
Bob

BeBop · 11-14-2009, 04:46 PM

I think one of the attraction of the older units is no compound curves. Good with a shear and rivet gun?... you can maintain that skin forever. But from the looks of it, you don't have to, as it appears to be pristine! What a find X 2!

Congratulations!

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xbob2

Beautiful! Single or double axil?
Bob

The Overlander is a double axle trailer and I've been told it had a center bath.The Overlander project isn't going to happen any time soon. It was such a good buy that I couldn't pass it up. It has much better metal than the Flying Cloud, but absolutely no interior. I plan to gather stuff for it as I work on the Cloud.

pbearsailor · 11-14-2009, 05:27 PM

Congrats on a pair of great finds, Wally. Looks like you've got quite a bit to work with there.

I too had some bad spots on my inside endcap. Tried every grade of Nuvite and worked and worked at it and just couldn't get it. I did finally go to a series of WD paper, starting at 400 and going up. Still not perfect, but I'm happy with it now and would do it again that way.

And I agree, stripping the old Zolatone is just a bear.

steve

flyrc · 11-14-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeBop

I think one of the attraction of the older units is no compound curves. Good with a shear and rivet gun?... you can maintain that skin forever. But from the looks of it, you don't have to, as it appears to be pristine! What a find X 2!

Congratulations!

On our last trip to Northern CA. to see my 96 year old Dad, My wife, Janni spotted a 13 panel trailer and that was the start of our search. She loved all the panels. I looked through the vintage photo archives and decided I wanted a whale tail. So when I found them I didn't sleep much until they were both back at the barn

goransons · 11-14-2009, 05:45 PM

Wally'd be much further if he wasn't over here helping as the "bucker" for my panel replacement. I should also mention he's one heck of a good wheelbarrow operator.

Was a great find, the pictures don't do it justice. Wish my paint stripping was going that well/fast. Hoping he'll come give me lessons

Xbob2 · 11-14-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrc

The Overlander is a double axle trailer and I've been told it had a center bath.The Overlander project isn't going to happen any time soon. It was such a good buy that I couldn't pass it up. It has much better metal than the Flying Cloud, but absolutely no interior. I plan to gather stuff for it as I work on the Cloud.

K ... watching with vulture eyes ...
Bob