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Old 12-31-2013, 02:28 PM   #1
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1956 26' Cruiser/Overlander
Ringwood , New Jersey
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1955 Overlander with Marine Toilet

My 1955-1956 Overlander has a manual marine bronze and porcelain toilet that pumps into a holding tank. Was this standard on the overlander or was this optional.
It may have been an aftermarket add on as the pump has been modified to only flush because there is pressurized water available in travel trailers.
There is no indication of who manufactured the toilet. I would be interested in hearing anything about this.
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Old 12-31-2013, 04:44 PM   #2
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Photos would help however it is likely that you have a marine toilet that was retrofitted at some point.
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Old 12-31-2013, 04:54 PM   #3
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From your description you probably have a Wilcox Crittenden marine head. Currently owned by Dometic
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Old 01-01-2014, 11:04 AM   #4
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1956 26' Cruiser/Overlander
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Marine toilet pictures

Here are some pictures of the toilet out of the trailer and a picture of the holding tank. The toilet was modified not to pump fresh water into the bowl which required machining and brazing, all well done. What toilet did Airstream use in 1955-1956? This modification had to have been done early on as the trailer is very original and has been sitting unused since 1969.
I think it was a Wilcox Crittenden "Winner" as you said
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Old 01-01-2014, 04:42 PM   #5
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The typical 1955 arrangement was a Thetford toilet with a pedal valve for the drain and a separate hand-operated valve for water for flushing. Parts are no longer available and all but the most dedicated restorers replace them with modern toilets.

The setup you have is more typical of a marine installation and will use considerably more water than an RV toilet. Nonetheless, it is workable, and parts for the Wilcox Crittenden pumps are still available.
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Old 01-01-2014, 08:39 PM   #6
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Thanks,
I wonder why the first owners elected for this arrangement, there seems to be no other holding tank. The grey water drains directly out to a valve, you have to have hookups or a portable tank.
I will keep this toilet and rebuild what needs attention. I like the porcelain and bronze.
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Old 01-01-2014, 09:03 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ericp755 View Post
Thanks,
I wonder why the first owners elected for this arrangement, there seems to be no other holding tank. The grey water drains directly out to a valve, you have to have hookups or a portable tank.
Greywater tanks were not introduced until the 1970s. In the 1950s it was common to let greywater drain out on the ground.

The toilets and holding tanks of the 1950s were unreliable, a situation that continued until the introduction of plastic holding tanks and valves, and improved toilets, starting in the mid 1970s or so. It is not surprising that someone might have chosen marine components of the era, which though costly, would last longer.

Quote:
I will keep this toilet and rebuild what needs attention. I like the porcelain and bronze.
Wise choice.
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