Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-26-2019, 02:23 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
1950 Silver Steak Clipper Restomod

Hello all,

I’ve decided to start a build thread for my 1950 Clipper restomod project. This forum has been so helpful I want to add my own experience to the mix. I hope this thread helps someone in the future.
I’ve been working on this trailer for about 9 months.
Here it is the day I picked it up.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	F4E177E3-0EB2-47F2-BEAF-AE32D30A5435.jpg
Views:	223
Size:	654.0 KB
ID:	332389  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2019, 06:50 PM   #2
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
The original owner had started working on the trailer about 15 yrs before I found it. They didn’t get too far. Some demo inside but the biggest help was stripping all the interior paint. That was great for me. I planned to gut the interior and design, fabricate a completely new layout with a bathroom. Here is the original interior.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	38A916AA-FA35-4EF7-B039-905EC2D96056.jpg
Views:	226
Size:	305.5 KB
ID:	332471   Click image for larger version

Name:	8884EAF4-3D3F-43E5-9558-55B5D66DCA33.jpg
Views:	148
Size:	242.1 KB
ID:	332474  

Click image for larger version

Name:	34D5463B-A384-419C-8D04-BF50009AACBE.jpg
Views:	179
Size:	327.9 KB
ID:	332475  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2019, 07:46 PM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
Al Zeppelin's Avatar
 
1949 22' Liner
St Petersburg , FL
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 44
1950

Love it! Looks like you and I are in a similar boat, although I'm a little further ahead in our '49 as we recently got back from our initial trip in albeit a skeleton situation, then again you state you are 9 months in so maybe not. Where is she at this point in time in regards to your renovations? Looks like she has major potential.
Al Zeppelin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2019, 09:56 AM   #4
1 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Sierra Vista , Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by SGT374 View Post
Hello all,

I’ve decided to start a build thread for my 1950 Clipper restomod project. This forum has been so helpful I want to add my own experience to the mix. I hope this thread helps someone in the future.
I’ve been working on this trailer for about 9 months.
Here it is the day I picked it up.
Hello from Arizona,
I have seen your earlier posts and I'm following your progress. I was wondering about the condition of the metal frame under your Silver Streak. My Sabre is only a 17 footer, but I notices some damage to the frame beneath the rotten wooden flooring covering the frame as you enter the trailer. Like you, I would like to post the progress of our restoration on this site too, but my son and I are waiting out the winter and trying to complete that "retired-honey-do-list," before we begin.
Keep up the great work and posting your progress for all us vintage forum folks.
dccywood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2019, 03:27 PM   #5
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Al,
I’m hoping to have an aluminum tent by early summer.

Dccywood,
The original frame is different than yours I believe. Mine is a pipe frame. The aluminum outriggers were in bad shape so I built an entirely new frame using all steel.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	D5C39169-7736-4817-A0C8-4FE5E4494D12.jpg
Views:	184
Size:	491.1 KB
ID:	332514  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2019, 03:49 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Demo

I started removing the interior down to the ribs. The farther along I got the more nervous I was about getting it back together. I took notes and lots of pictures. As far as getting it back together...well... time will tell.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	40468C40-5C45-4ABD-A1E9-CC67D8E762DB.jpg
Views:	158
Size:	319.4 KB
ID:	332515   Click image for larger version

Name:	0ACD1077-3096-4384-B2EE-4C87B1356CBF.jpg
Views:	146
Size:	316.6 KB
ID:	332516  

Click image for larger version

Name:	3B20F6B8-52D7-4679-99B9-65DD5C648C56.jpg
Views:	142
Size:	400.3 KB
ID:	332517   Click image for larger version

Name:	AC7B2F71-DF5C-40D1-9585-E73AAEA7CF7E.jpg
Views:	156
Size:	269.7 KB
ID:	332518  

Click image for larger version

Name:	7A68BCFF-0D7E-4861-B81A-61A761FFACDC.jpg
Views:	146
Size:	396.2 KB
ID:	332519  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2019, 05:23 PM   #7
Rivet Master

 
1966 22' Safari
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Fredericksburg , Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,931
We labeled our skin on the inside with a magic marker as we removed. Mark arrows for up/down and fore/aft on each piece. The old rivet holes will line up and help in locating the correct location. One thing I did have to do was trim a bit off the bottom of all lower panels. The original floor on the 55s were 5/8” and I went back with 3/4” plywood. Not much, but wanted a little flexibility at the bottom. Good luck
Bubba L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2019, 06:07 AM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
New Floorplan

This is my redesigned floorplan. I will be adding a wet bath with 2 15 gallon grey tanks below the floor. 8gallon black and 30 gallons of fresh water above floor. I will need to move one window about 10” to make this layout work but I’m liking it. I haven’t decided if the front will be convertible lounges like original or a full time bed. Convertible lounges will create new challenges for fresh water but doable.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	403EAF35-665C-4A81-B729-4D1B3DFBA711.jpg
Views:	167
Size:	576.9 KB
ID:	332560  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2019, 05:31 PM   #9
3 Rivet Member
 
1976 29' Ambassador
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 140
Quote:
Originally Posted by SGT374 View Post
This is my redesigned floorplan. I will be adding a wet bath with 2 15 gallon grey tanks below the floor. 8gallon black and 30 gallons of fresh water above floor. I will need to move one window about 10” to make this layout work but I’m liking it. I haven’t decided if the front will be convertible lounges like original or a full time bed. Convertible lounges will create new challenges for fresh water but doable.


Think it’s worth adding additional outrigger to the front and back of frame? Seems like it large area to span without the support. Obviously, it worked for this long but a potential relatively easy improvement if they don’t get in the way of anything else.
tabney0315 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2019, 05:32 PM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
1976 29' Ambassador
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 140
Well, I looked at the frame again and given it’s design and the center support it a pipe it looks it would be much more difficult.
tabney0315 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 08:13 AM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Removing windows

Tabney,
The final frame design does have additional supports front and back. I used angle iron as a full length outrigger wouldn’t work with the belly pan design.

Once the interior was gutted I removed all the windows and door or rebuilding.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	F1A2E6EA-E716-4BD9-B18F-6EA9632A13BE.jpg
Views:	104
Size:	294.0 KB
ID:	332620   Click image for larger version

Name:	B674BEF2-8C46-4BD8-BE0A-69764FD21C90.jpg
Views:	100
Size:	483.0 KB
ID:	332622  

Click image for larger version

Name:	A99A52BE-40FC-419C-B2B7-3B0FCB4F89C1.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	223.1 KB
ID:	332624  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2019, 11:01 AM   #12
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Window rebuild

I rebuilt all 3 windows. I drilled out every rivet to disassemble the entire frame. The bolts holding the glass in were rusted and were a bit of a challenge.

I sanded every piece with 150 grit sandpaper then maroon synthetic wool. I decided not to polish the interior frame.

The biggest challenge was reforming the hinge. I cut a 1/4” dowel in half, inserted into hinge and reformed. Worked great.

New glass, window seal, split nuts and rivets. They are ready to install.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1E7D17CE-5ECC-4052-9813-45E8DC0571F7.jpg
Views:	102
Size:	483.0 KB
ID:	332692   Click image for larger version

Name:	BA8C7A20-A43D-431C-8029-0BA658B5684C.jpg
Views:	118
Size:	536.2 KB
ID:	332693  

Click image for larger version

Name:	63547084-8829-4C26-8ACC-B15A72597B74.jpg
Views:	124
Size:	353.2 KB
ID:	332694   Click image for larger version

Name:	96DDBC96-84E0-4989-9F96-73F4015EDE77.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	416.8 KB
ID:	332695  

Click image for larger version

Name:	F28D2F7F-E33A-4E3E-8074-3B15F5F3CA93.jpg
Views:	107
Size:	238.4 KB
ID:	332696   Click image for larger version

Name:	28E25096-8551-4B68-88CD-4235B1DF63EA.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	271.1 KB
ID:	332697  

SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2019, 11:06 AM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Should I remove a window?

my current design has the new bath where there is an existing window. I was planning to move the window 10” and center it up with the bath, put in frosted glass and be done. I’m now thinking maybe I should just remove the window entirely. What do you think?
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2019, 12:40 PM   #14
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
Quote:
Originally Posted by SGT374 View Post
my current design has the new bath where there is an existing window. I was planning to move the window 10” and center it up with the bath, put in frosted glass and be done. I’m now thinking maybe I should just remove the window entirely. What do you think?
My thought would be to go with moving the window and putting frosted glass in for privacy. Advantage of the window is that you can easily ventilate the bathroom in nice weather, and the extra daylight is also very nice.

My wet bath has no window, and I have to turn on the light to use it no matter what. It has a small power vent, but the area gets very wet and takes a surprisingly long time to dry, even out here in the California High Desert...I wish I had room for a window!
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 11:45 AM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Thank you rmkrum for your thoughts.
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 11:52 AM   #16
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Compound polish

After the windows were done I needed something to do that didn’t cost money and I had already purchased the supplies to polish. I used Nuvite 9 and a dewalt polisher. It was worth the time now because it really lets you see all the scratches and pits.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DD8D69BD-53E7-45AA-BB72-1FCD8521804E.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	208.7 KB
ID:	332764  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 01:25 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
1955 22' Safari
Laredo , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,342
Up to you of course

Quote:
Originally Posted by SGT374 View Post
This is my redesigned floorplan. I will be adding a wet bath with 2 15 gallon grey tanks below the floor. 8gallon black and 30 gallons of fresh water above floor. I will need to move one window about 10” to make this layout work but I’m liking it. I haven’t decided if the front will be convertible lounges like original or a full time bed. Convertible lounges will create new challenges for fresh water but doable.
Just wanted to share my experience with adding shallow gray water tanks to a 50's trailer. My goal was to keep everything inside the belly pan but I found the shallow tanks were not ideal in the real world. Even a tiny bit out of level reduced usable tank capacity dramatically and I was unable to get the tanks to empty completely unless I raised the tongue 6-8 inches. Not too convenient while camping. My drain pipe connected to the end (rather than the bottom) of the tank, which was the cause of the problem.
On my next trailer I had a custom tank made that was much deeper and had a bottom that sloped toward the curb side for complete emptying. YMMV.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20150220_114204.jpg
Views:	113
Size:	89.3 KB
ID:	332771   Click image for larger version

Name:	New gray tank pan installed.jpg
Views:	276
Size:	202.8 KB
ID:	332772  

55AS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 06:26 PM   #18
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Thanks for the input Bambitex. I know it’s not ideal but i didn’t want anything below the belly pan. I used two tanks from tank-mart, 70H, that is premoulded to slope to the drain. The outlet/inlet is also moulded into the tank so it sounds like it’s similar to what you had made. As to if it will actually work...well...time will tell!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	45393376-DF09-4852-8D0D-7559733BB9F1.png
Views:	125
Size:	282.6 KB
ID:	332790  
SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 03:14 PM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Lifting the shell

I built the Gantrys from a plan on this site. They worked great and my wife didn’t blow a gasket when she saw them next to the house.

I supported the enterior with lumber and rigged up through the roof vent openings.

After putting some tension on the rigging I removed the front and rear bellypan rivets.

These trailers are built different, I think, than Airstream. The shell is not supported by the floor. It has 6 tabs sandwitched between floor outriggers. Those 6 tabs buck rivet to the main ribs and support the shell.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	03978670-A728-4DD1-A6ED-C9657C71455B.jpg
Views:	157
Size:	267.4 KB
ID:	332839   Click image for larger version

Name:	C2E3BBF6-BF37-4C31-901B-10F59C26196A.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	275.1 KB
ID:	332840  

Click image for larger version

Name:	AFE8149E-021F-4D88-B0DA-54FC9EC63EA4.jpg
Views:	138
Size:	275.0 KB
ID:	332841   Click image for larger version

Name:	95104C78-0B44-42DB-9A3D-B7126D8B77FB.jpg
Views:	105
Size:	319.1 KB
ID:	332843  

SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2019, 02:05 PM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Ferdinand , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 33
Frame

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.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	AFDFD3EB-079B-471B-9506-EFF9F6415677.jpg
Views:	127
Size:	503.7 KB
ID:	332906   Click image for larger version

Name:	986A6714-98E0-4E55-A92A-B02C2B2B440A.jpg
Views:	144
Size:	451.1 KB
ID:	332907  

Click image for larger version

Name:	326AA2C6-B3DD-40D4-9E80-3349CFED16E6.jpg
Views:	92
Size:	406.5 KB
ID:	332908   Click image for larger version

Name:	6D225CF1-15F5-454D-BB07-D94363712F1C.jpg
Views:	98
Size:	545.1 KB
ID:	332909  

SGT374 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1950


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1950 Silver Streak Clipper - Pipe Frame robandzoe 1947 - 1953 Clipper 12 04-10-2019 10:42 PM
Aviator's 1970 Overlander International Restomod Aviator 1970 - 1973 Overlander 236 12-06-2017 11:39 AM
1950 Curtis Wright Clipper :: 1950 Airstream Clipper jrjackson Airstream Registry Discussions 0 11-11-2014 10:41 AM
1963 Silver Steak Sabre 17' Vintage Travel Trailer Restored Like Airstream Bambi eBay Watch Airstreams on eBay 0 09-22-2013 05:00 PM
outlandish restomod planned swhite832 General Repair Forum 30 05-31-2008 04:50 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:58 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.