Going on a road trip and need help.

2bkidfree · 11-21-2007, 08:01 AM

So, I'm going 420 miles to look at a 59 22' (flying Cloud - probably). If I take the plung I'm bringing it back. I'm taking tools, lights, floor jack, towing lights and a few misc. things. The guy selling it says that it has 2 spare tires. He bought it 6 months ago and hasn't used it. Before that he has little history. The main thing that worries me (if I buy it) are the bearings. What size was used on this axle? and how do I replace them? Should I start towing with the ones on the AS and check the temps often or just change them out? Also, can anyone think of something I'm forgetting?

Yes, I know that going to buy an Airstream the day before Thanksgiving isn't too bright.

By the way, I'll be coming back really slow and taking lots of breaks. I'm going from San Diego to Modesto CA leaving about 1:00pm. If you live along the way let me know.

Gilbert

**CanoeStream** · 11-21-2007, 08:34 AM

420 miles is a long way to tow at the low speed this might warrant. Can you pack the bearings before you take off? Or has the PO done this? Packing would allow an inspection.

2bkidfree · 11-21-2007, 08:40 AM

Yes, I can re-pack them before I take off. I'm thinking of just taking new ones with me to do at the pick up. How hard & long do you think the re-pack is on this axle?

Zeppelinium · 11-21-2007, 09:05 AM

I'd be more worried about the brakes than the bearings. Not that they work, but that the mechanism doesn't fall apart in a way that jams the drum. I've picked up two trailers that have sat for awhile, 8 years and 25 years. They were both 70's models, so they were a little less risk than a '59. On the other hand, your '59 has been moving lately.

I repacked the bearings on the 25-year immobile Sovereign--took about 3 hours. Avoiding the black widows was a bigger problem than anything mechanical. Then I put on 4 new wheels and tires for the drive home (1,200 miles).

I didn't do anything to the 8-year immobile Safari except put on new wheels and tires. I checked the axle temperatures a couple of times on the 200 mile drive home. No problems.

The brakes failed on an Overlander that had been reasonable well cared for. I was backing up (after several thousand miles of ownership) and noticed in the rear view mirror that one wheel was locked. It rolled fine going forward. Turned out one of the electric brake lever arms had come off its post. On closer inspection, three of the four brakes were in bad shape. It only cost $50 per drum to replace the brake plate. This had two benefits--fixed the problems and upgraded the brakes to the currently available magnet designs. Finding the old magnets is not really possible these days.

You can replace the brake plates in a few hours, say half a day. The biggest problem I had was in getting the pressed-in bolts out of the old plates so I could use them on the new ones. If you can, buy new bolts--it will save you an hour a plate.

Zep

53flyingcloud · 11-21-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bkidfree

So, I'm going 420 miles to look at a 59 22' (flying Cloud - probably). If I take the plung I'm bringing it back. I'm taking tools, lights, floor jack, towing lights and a few misc. things. Also, can anyone think of something I'm forgetting?

Gilbert

Hi Gilbert, Congrats on a find..I can't remember anything about the bearing but, I would say this..Take a few cans of spray brake cleaning fluid with you to clean the brake drum area while repacking the bearing..

Are the wheels current?? Any pictures to share? Have a safe trip~!!

2bkidfree · 11-23-2007, 09:38 AM

Well, we made it. My son and I drove 453 miles taking 9 hrs (no breaks) in the day befrore Thanksgiving traffic to see it. We took every tool we had including Air compressor, lights, sockets, floor jack, car stands and misc tools galore. Got there a little after 10:00. It was a 59 22' A/S in good shape that had sat a long time and the interior was pretty rough. The exterior was very straight. Bought it and hooked up the temporary lights. Headed straight back to San Diego.

For the first 50 miles we stoped every 5 miles to check the bearings, tires and misc stuff. After that it moved to 10, 15, 20 then 30 miles. We stopped every 30 miles to check stuff until we got home.

I can honestly say that we were the only vehicle going 55 max on the freeways that day. We made it home at 11:00 am the next day. All told it was 20 hrs of driving in 22 hrs.

I think having every tool I owned with me kept things from happening.

Thanks for all the help.

Gilbert

P.S. It was located on a farm in the middle of nowhere the made me think of deliverence. The guy said I would find him because he would leave his truck lights on and they would be the brightest things and he wasn't kidding.

safari57 · 11-23-2007, 11:57 AM

Good for you Gilbert. And that's hilarious about the truck lights.

So, pictures, pictures, pictures.

I find that typically, when I am picking up a car or trailer, the amount of trouble I have is directly related the the quantity and type of tools I happen to have on board. If I've left it at home, that's the thing that will break.

Oh, did I mention pictures? What a great way to celebrate Thanks Giving.

So, is it a Flying Cloud?

Barry

2bkidfree · 11-23-2007, 03:54 PM

Here are some pictures we took as soon as there was enough light. I'm also including the model number tag. I think it is a 59 22' Flying Cloud. If anyone can help me figure it out that would be great.

Thanks.

**azflycaster** · 11-23-2007, 04:07 PM

Nice find. I say it is a California 59 FC with double bed layout. The serial number matches the matrix for that year and the plate says California only. The date of manufacture is also stamped on the lower right of the plate, May of 59 in your case.

**CanoeStream** · 11-23-2007, 04:46 PM

Christmas came a month early!!

Good story.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bkidfree

It was a 59 22' A/S in good shape that had sat a long time and the interior was pretty rough. The exterior was very straight.

The fellows on theVAP.com always say the coaches in the drier southwest have more core soundness than from anywhere else in the country. Hope the floors are good for you -- but there are ways to deal with that. The exterior looks in good shape and the process ahead of you will be worth it. Thanks for the pictures. Stick around now, ya hear?

safari57 · 11-23-2007, 05:09 PM

Hey 2bkidfree

What a great looking trailer (not that I am biased in any way). Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Looking forward to updates on how you are doing with the revival. It can be fun, it can get out of hand at times, and it sure is rewarding when it's usable, even if it's not complete yet.

Barry

robandzoe · 11-23-2007, 05:15 PM

Waiting patiently for some interior shots. I'd love to come up to see it in person next time I'm in San Diego. Congrats on a hazard free tow! Rob

urbanfood · 11-23-2007, 07:38 PM

great find and congratulations!

2bkidfree · 11-23-2007, 08:16 PM

Everyone is welcome to come and visit. There's lots of work to be done. I'll post pictures of the interior when I can. I don't know what they did to the bathroom, I just know it's wrong.

If anyone has pictures of what the bathroom should look like send them to me. This one is missing the sink and they messed up the floor and belly skin when they replaced the toilet. The shower pan is stainless steel and I wasn't sure if that's right.

Thanks

Gilbert