Grey/Black system for 58 Flying Cloud $$?

[gsheldon_pdx]

I need some quick help from a user. I am a day away from the purchase of a 58 flying cloud. It is very original and seems to be in good shape. Assuming that the belly pan was in good shape and didn't need to be removed for another reason, what would be your guess as to the total cost of installing a grey and black water system under the trailer. I am trying to see how much I am signing up for before I sign on the dotted line. I am fine with a rough guess. I just want to know if I am talking about $2,000 or $10,000. Thanks.

[InsideOut]

There are lots of options...

Are you doing the work yourself or paying to have it done?
Combined black/grey or separate?
Replacing existing black tank (no grey) or none at all?

We just bought a '56 Safari and are pondering the same issues...except we need a new toilet as well so are considering a Sealand Toilet/black tank combo

You may find this website helpful for estimating all your parts & pieces.

Shari

[gsheldon_pdx]

To be pessimistic, lets assume that I have it totally done. I don't think there is any black tank at all. The PO installed an RV toilet since he said the only other option was to hook the trailer up to the dump drain at a park. Thanks for the link.

Any regrets? It's a big comittment, and I'm not 100% sure yet.

[CanoeStream]

These are always hard jobs to undertake. It can be very expensive to hire everything that needs to be done. The plumbing issue is only one of many. It could easily take two years before you'd be done if you take this on in your spare time -- allowing for family and your other interests to also survive. I still long for a 1950s Airstream... FWIW, gray tanks didn't come along until 1974 -- some vintage folks use a blue tote tank to collect gray water -- many places don't allow running gray water on the ground.

It's time intensive to listen to all the VAP podcasts, but you should definitely get into that for info and a support system if you take this on. The VAP guys have said -- vintage done right and hired out will cost about the same as buying a brand new Airstream. But you'll sure end up with something way cool and with more cachet when you're done!

[CanoeStream]

Do you mean -- are they using a portapotty? If there is a black tank maybe the dump valve is stuck open (happens all the time) or the tank is cracked. Those answers might be lost to time, but there could be something there to work with...

My previous answer should be tempered by the thought that it may be possible to address the principal issues, use the 58 FC for regional camping, then work up a job list of what you'd like to accomplish. You definitely need to address issues of packing the wheel bearings, getting new tires, making sure running lights are in order. Shortly after would be the legally mandated breakaway brake, which would require a functioning onboard battery. Did the PO replace the Univolt? If they didn't you'd definitely want to do some research here and over at BestConverter - Inteli-Power Converters, Inverters, Solar Chargers.

[InsideOut]

I know our '56 has NO TANKS...it drops to daylight. The above floor tank/toilet we are considering is like this one:



It's not a porta potty with a cassette, it's a porcelain toilet with the tank hard connected in. The toilet & tank are about $400 + installation. It holds 9 gallons.

Dometic Sanitation Systems

One of the hurdles with '50s trailers are that they sit pretty close to the ground so large, below floor tanks could drag if the size (height) is not calculated properly.

Shari

[dmreilly10000]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

I know our '56 has NO TANKS...it drops to daylight. The above floor tank/toilet we are considering is like this one:



It's not a porta potty with a cassette, it's a porcelain toilet with the tank hard connected in. The toilet & tank are about $400 + installation. It holds 9 gallons.

Dometic Sanitation Systems

One of the hurdles with '50s trailers are that they sit pretty close to the ground so large, below floor tanks could drag if the size (height) is not calculated properly.

Shari

How does the tank empty? From the bottom? does it have some type of valve?

[Chuck]

it doesn't look much different from what the AS factory put in my '73...just imagine that square box stretched out to a rectangle...with a vanity/sink sitting on top of the box, next to the toilet.

nothing beneath the floor, except for the dump valve/exhaust pipe...which just barely peaks out beneath the belly pan.

even in late model trailers, they still have on-floor black tanks.

[Chuck]

here's a pic I found...

[CanoeStream]

Yep. What Chuck is describing is what Airstream used on our Argosy. It still discharged thru the floor and out the side like a modern setup.

[Chuck]

mine actually dumps straight down. must've been a short-lived experiment, as I have yet to see any other years where they did this.

[InsideOut]

Yes, there is a dump valve on the bottom...it can then be extended to put it where you want it so it's easier to access w/o crawling under the trailer. Our bathroom is not far from the edge of the trailer, so it won't be too tough to get to.

The cool thing about these one is it's made for a boat so it's very compact...perfect for our little wet/bath. Our '64 has a tank below the floor...in betweent the frame members. Seems more limiting for the size & where it can be placed.

Shari