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SGT374 · 02-04-2019, 01:16 PM

I ordered a 3500# 4”drop Dexter axle and had a local sheet metal shop bend new out riggers. I will be using 16ga(1/16”) steel instead of the original aluminum. It will add a couple hundred pounds to the frame but I plan to save that weight on the interior.

I refurbished the leaf springs and painted everything with POR15. I pre painted certain areas before I started welding. Mainly The outriggers that are back to back.

The center tube is 4” x 1/8” x 24’

dccywood · 02-06-2019, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT374

I’ve decided to build an entirely new frame. After taking very carefull measurements and lots of pictures I had to demo the old to make room. I live in a subdivision with limited space so I couldn’t keep until the new one was done. That would have been great.

After much thought I decided to stay with a leaf spring drop axle. I did considered straight axle and torsion suspension but the arguments seem to be split 50/50.

The only parts that will be kept are the leaf springs and axle cross members. Everything else goes.

Great pictures. I understand a new frame is necessary for your rig. The gantry set up is something I need to do. Where did you see how to build one? Would it be possible to show some more detailed photos of how you attached the gantry to the body? I wish it would warm up here in Southeastern Arizona. Thank you again for your help.

SGT374 · 02-06-2019, 11:01 AM

Ive always loved the iconic Early Airstream design. The polished skin littered with rivets and curvilinear form. At the same time, I have always hated how most campers, not necessarily Airstream, appeared to be so cheaply made. When I think of the exterior form of an early Airstream I have always imagine the interior to be like a million dollar private jet or million dollar yaht. Beautifully rich veneer, curves and just overall quality.

I was lucky to find trailer near by house by accident. It set the dream I have always had in motion earlier than anticipated. What shocked me right away after starting the tear down was how my plan fell apart immediately. My intention was to just redo the interior. When I realized the frame had to be completely rebuild and I was basically going to disassemble the entire trailer I was a little overwhelmed.

With that said, I am about to reattach the shell and frame. It was not my original plan but I know I will have a better trailer in the end. It’s a good thing I have experience in metal fabrication or it may have been another story.

I will soon be moving on to the electrical which will be another daunting task but look forward to the challenge.

Here are a few pictures of the furniture I’ve built and will be the inspiration for my new interior.

SGT374 · 02-06-2019, 11:05 AM

Dccywood,

Here is the link to the pdf. Post #14
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ml#post1411433

I will take a few pictures of the rigging soon.

SGT374 · 02-08-2019, 08:24 AM

I welded the outriggers to the main pipe support. I left one out from the original design for future grey tanks.

I welded on the coupler the same way as original. The jack is a little different. I thought of installing an electric jack but decided against it. I did find a manual jack that I like. It’s called the Ultimate Jack and it has a quick release to raise and lower the jack once the pressure is off.

The original design had saddle reinforcements welded on to support the jack. I didn’t like that look so I welded a saddle inside the center pipe.

dccywood · 02-09-2019, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT374

Dccywood,

Here is the link to the pdf. Post #14
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ml#post1411433

I will take a few pictures of the rigging soon.

Thank you for posting your gantry design for lifting your shell. My Silver Streak is only a 17 footer and I was intrigued by the posts SSSabre and the VanBeber Family made for lifting the shell off his Sabre. Both methods look like they would work for my shell. It is great to see such good care and craftsmanship going into restoring these vintage trailers. I hope I may be able to contribute to when ever my son and I can find the time and it warms up here in the high desert of Southeastern Arizona.

SGT374 · 02-09-2019, 02:57 PM

I added two 15 gallon grey tanks and extra floor sopports front and rear.

I had new wheel wells fabricated by a local sheet metal shop.

PLVMB · 02-19-2019, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dccywood

Thank you for posting your gantry design for lifting your shell. My Silver Streak is only a 17 footer and I was intrigued by the posts SSSabre and the VanBeber Family made for lifting the shell off his Sabre. Both methods look like they would work for my shell. It is great to see such good care and craftsmanship going into restoring these vintage trailers. I hope I may be able to contribute to when ever my son and I can find the time and it warms up here in the high desert of Southeastern Arizona.

this looks great

SGT374 · 02-20-2019, 05:58 AM

PLVMB,

I figured out why my frame was bowed and having trouble with it. When I welded everything up there is an area at the top of each outrigger I couldn’t reach to weld plus the bottom had a bigger gap because I had them hanging on the center pipe. That resulted in more heat/weld on the bottom drawing to tube down. I added weld to the top and it straightened out perfectly.

I also wanted to install the tanks underneath the door as you had recommended but the floor plan dictated that I move them forward. Now the grey tanks are below the floor and the fresh water tanks will be directly above them. That way there will be no shifting of weight as I use fresh water and fill the grey.

I appreciate all your help John

Richard

PLVMB · 02-22-2019, 06:02 AM

Glad the tube straightened back out Heat is good sometimes. Really great job on the jack and coupler I notice you dinged the tube. It looks factory.

kdenault · 06-29-2019, 09:16 AM

SGT374...
I’d love to see the progress on your restomod...please update us!!

SGT374 · 07-06-2019, 08:42 PM

Well it’s been awhile but I’m sill a it. I gave my family a promise I would have I “useable” within one year... it’s been Pugh but I made I. We are currently using the Clipper as an aluminum tent with air conditioner.

Some progress pics for you.
Building belly pan, my version of a frame to body hold down plate and body back on the frame.

SGT374 · 07-07-2019, 07:48 PM

Next I replaced the lower skins on both sides and a few patches here and there. I also moved a window to accommodate the new interior layout. Side windows rebuild and installed with all new glass and weatherstripping.

PLVMB · 07-08-2019, 01:44 AM

looks great

SGT374 · 07-23-2019, 07:34 PM

I sealed interior seams, added front and rear interior end caps, windows, rebuilt door and added rooftop A/C.

PLVMB · 07-23-2019, 10:50 PM

looks great good job

AndynMeganB · 02-01-2020, 11:05 PM

Excellent work! I'm jealous you're so far along in your trailer build compared to us, but also inspired and encouraged to keep plugging along on ours.

Thanks for all the info and writeups.

Airstreamfan · 02-14-2020, 09:15 AM

I just found your thread, and just wanted to say "great job." It's inspirational to me as I am searching for my project Airstream. I look forward to reading about your progress, and love that you took it camping already, as an "aluminum tent with a/c!" Why not?

Canyonwren · 05-17-2020, 12:47 PM

Hi, I am new to the forum and have just started my 1955 SS Clipper. My Clipper is 21' overall. I am impressed by your build and learned a lot about the lifting process from your posts but I am still scratching my head on a couple of items. I see in your pictures the chassis underneath your gantry frame. Where did the body go? Was it still suspended or were you able to set it down some way? Is your gantry frame 12' tall? it appears to be taller in the pictures, like maybe 16'. I am almost finished gutting out and trying to plan my lift so any help would be very much appreciated. I am still puzzling over the attachment points as well. I am thinking that once I remove my interior panels I will find them. Is this correct? Thanks

SGT374 · 05-18-2020, 07:40 PM

Thank you and good luck with everything. My build has been on hold while I remodeled our house. I should be back at it this Winter.

Gantry is 12’ tall

You should find the attachment points under the interior skin.

As far as moving the shell while building the new chassis... I purchased 4 -6” rubber tire casters from harbor freight. I screwed them to the interior temporary supports. That way I could set the shell down and roll it around wherever I needed it. I think you can see them in some previous post.