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ShullsinUtah · 09-03-2013, 10:06 AM

I just turned from wanting a late model airstream to wanting a classic!
Can you please help me identify this model?

Melody Ranch · 09-03-2013, 11:02 AM

Looks like a 1947 Curtis Wright Clipper which has been screwed up with someones attempt at modernization(opening windows.)

ShullsinUtah · 09-03-2013, 01:10 PM

Okay, guy told me he has the vin and plates that state it is a 1952 called the silver streak clipper.
Should I not keep the windows in this square shape?
Need help here.
I realize you guys are purists but I would be wanting a new toilet.
Sorry.
Has to function for my 2 year old.

Please any thoughts.

ShullsinUtah · 09-03-2013, 01:11 PM

Oh, btw, front and back have exact same windows and pointed shape.

InsideOut · 09-03-2013, 01:23 PM

You may find this Silver Streak website helpful. I agree, the windows have been modified...the originals were most likely "D-shaped ovals" like this:

The problem is, the original windows were not operational and the trailers tend to be "stuffy" - thus the perceived need to modify them by a PO.

Shari

ShullsinUtah · 09-03-2013, 03:24 PM

Thanks so much!~
Super excited.
I love Airstream. I realize know that it is not my dream of an AS, but it is vintage.
It may not be the perfect trailer, but it is going to be the perfect trailer for me

I intend on being on the road at least 3 out of 4 weekends with the family in our little silver streak from April through October.

Why have such a beauty and be at home!

streamquest · 09-03-2013, 05:33 PM

As the later Silver Streak Clippers evolved, they featured operable windows in place of the fixed "alien eyes" at both ends. However these windows don't look quite like what I've seen that was supplied by the factory. My '52 has the "alien eyes", so I'd guess that these were a later modification by owner.

ShullsinUtah · 09-04-2013, 07:42 AM

Streamquest,
Would you mind sharing a picture or pictures of your '52.
I would love to try to fix it up. Of course, with modern wet bath because of the baby.

I suppose that I will have to have those windows made.
The insides are gone except for some beautiful wood doors on the closets(?) and a few upper cabinets. Sink base is there but sink is a mess. The latches are interesting on the cabinets and I will try to salvage those.
We are just buying our first ever RV. What a way to start!
Do you have any advice on what else I should look for?

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
I have been reading lots but still so much to learn.

ShullsinUtah · 09-04-2013, 10:48 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments online and privately.
I think, as a newbie, that I need to slow down a bit to really consider the costs to do this right.
And, if it is right with a 2 year old boy who is into everything.
I can't help myself I literally squeal when I see any silver bullet.
I love them!!!!

JeweloJalopy · 09-05-2013, 01:10 PM

While we were looking at vintage Airstreams, we started to learn about Avions, Silver Streaks, and Streamlines. We ended up finding a sweet, mostly original 1966 Streamline that we love. It was complete and mostly functional for less than people wanted a gutted Airstream shell. We don't regret our purchase one bit, and in fact like knowing it's ever rarer than an Airstream.

Good luck, and keep us (Jewel or Jalopy) in mind if you find one and need help with an inspection!

Cheers,
Ian

streamquest · 09-05-2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShullsinUtah

Streamquest,
Would you mind sharing a picture or pictures of your '52.
I would love to try to fix it up. Of course, with modern wet bath because of the baby.

I suppose that I will have to have those windows made.
The insides are gone except for some beautiful wood doors on the closets(?) and a few upper cabinets. Sink base is there but sink is a mess. The latches are interesting on the cabinets and I will try to salvage those.
We are just buying our first ever RV. What a way to start!
Do you have any advice on what else I should look for?

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
I have been reading lots but still so much to learn.

Hi Shulls,

I'll attach a photo if I can find one, but the pic that INSIDEOUT has posted will give you as good a look at the original windows as anything that I might have.

From the photo that you've posted of your trailer, it appears that the rectangular openings of the retrofitted windows have been cut well into the panels of the end caps and extended beyond the dimensions of the original "D" shapes. To recreate the original windows, I tend to think that you'd have to entirely rebuild the end caps, and then get involved with an even more difficult task of reproducing the mouldings that trim out the "D" shapes
themselves. I can't imagine attempting this without an unmolested original trailer on hand to use as a guide, and without a significant amount of metal working experience. It might be easier to simply work with what you have in its present state, and view it as a trailer with a unique past and story of its own.

I would suggest that you go to the Tin Can Tourist site, and look for the "list of manufactures". First check out Curtis Wright (which is the origin of Silver Streak), and then look at the Streaks. There is a lot of good history provided here. I ripped off a picture of a '53 with the operable windows that were offered by the factory for that year.

The only pic I have of my '52 is with a couple of others. Thats a '48 Airstream Liner on the car trailer, and what I believe is a one of a kind prototype of a '48 Curtis Wright 28 footer to the right. It has become my opinion that this particular CW was probably built by Wally just before he split from Curtis, and was actually the forerunner to his 28 foot Airstream Whirlwind model.

Hope this is all helpful. Good luck.