'60s tail lights

[truckasaurus]

I'm shopping for a trailer and looking online at a few different trailers built in the 60's and was just wondering whether the tail lights on the late 60's trailers could be removed and replaced with those from the early 60's?

The visual difference being my motivation rather than any improvement in performance.

[flyfshr]

Hi truckasaurus ~

Anyway to post pictures of these two styles of taillights? Sure would help us answer your question.

Brad
FF

[truckasaurus]

I'll try... OK I swiped these images from the classified section.

[flyfshr]

I'm only familiar with the ones in the little picture as this is what I have on my '59. Over the two styles, I prefer the older ones for two reasons. They have larger lenses and not inside a box which hinders side viewing. I don't think the larger / older lenses would fit inside the square enclosed type shape on the newer ones shown on the right photo. The dual lenses on the newer style is a plus but I'm not sure which ones blink and which ones are for the break and tail lights.

Hopefully someone will chine in who is more familiar with the newer style.

Brad
FF

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

I'm shopping for a trailer and looking online at a few different trailers built in the 60's and was just wondering whether the tail lights on the late 60's trailers could be removed and replaced with those from the early 60's?

The visual difference being my motivation rather than any improvement in performance.

I'm a purist in so many ways but are you sure that is the path you want? I want to be seen and would sacrifice that one thing for bright LED but thats just me. I don't want to replace a bumper or worse for the gratification of sexy vintage lights. Everything else, I agree, keep it vintage.

[markdoane]

I think the answer is no. The late 50's/early sixties "wedding cake" lenses are surface mounted on the aluminum. The late 60's/early 70's aluminum frames required cutting a large hole in the body. The lamp assembly is recessed into the skin.

You would need to put a patch on the holes. Also, the metal under the frame will be bright and shiny, maybe with some pitting corrosion around the perimeter of the frame. I think you would end up with pretty ugly looking patch in a very visible location.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I think it is possible to do what you want. It is just body work... However, I think the reason you like the early 60's lights is because the early 60's and late 50's were and still are the coolest years of all the Airstream trailers. Years of caravanning had evolved the shape and style to a perfect state. I say do not bother with trying to make a late 60's look like an early 60's, go and buy a early 60's and enjoy. I also want to add that 1962 is the peak of Airstream cool, so try and find a 62 if you can. It is a little known fact that Bob Dylan had a 62 Overlander and it was the overlander that inspired the song about getting his kicks on route 66... if you listen to VAP episode 64 you will hear when he called in to tell the boys that fact. Very informative show.... good luck with your search.

[byamcaravanner]

Originally Posted by markdoane

I think you would end up with pretty ugly looking (trailer)

My comment? ....as I have paraphrased the above quote. You would be best to find a late 50's to early 60's trailer. I think you would find there is more to the look that just the tail lights. Ask Bob Dylan... he would know. BTW, a little known fact; the harmonica he used in the early 60's was made of aluminum and was in the shape of a miniature Airstream. Years of sucking on that Aluminum is what caused his voice to become slurred...but it did make him very smart. I've heard as a young kid he sung like Pavarotti.

[safari62]

I believe the wedding cake lights are on models right up to 67'. there are models that have the casted aluminum housing on models before and after, but correct me if I am wrong but I think this is part of the International upgrade package on those years.

I like that look also and think they are as desirable as the Bargman 99's.

Maybe not deer in the headlights or puppy cute but a more durable look maybe ever more rare.

And Stephen Stills sung we should "Love the one you're with" That is a very important song to have in your head when you will be standing in the trailer with tools in hand.

I was not sure what I had for the first year but with the help of RJ Dial's Vintage Airstream Home site Fred Coldwell I could see that every year has interesting features that are worth having.

So just like other relationships, don't start by trying to make your new love by something that (it's) not. And I think Overlander62 and Byamcaravanner are pulling your leg with the Bob Dylan story....There is really nowhere to park a trailer in NY city.

But I have not listened to thevap64 yet!

Gary

[byamcaravanner]

Originally Posted by safari62

And Stephen Stills sung we should "Love the one you're with" That is a very important song to have in your head when you will be standing in the trailer with tools in hand.

Gary,

Good advice, then and now.

[rideair]

Both types of lights came on trailers from 1964(I think, 64 was slightly different from 65-68) to 1968. The difference was this, the "wedding cake" style was offered on base trailers, the "tail light housing" style was offered on the "International" level trailers.

[safari62]

Originally Posted by rideair

Both types of lights came on trailers from 1964(I think, 64 was slightly different from 65-68) to 1968. The difference was this, the "wedding cake" style was offered on base trailers, the "tail light housing" style was offered on the "International" level trailers.

my Land Yacht is "basic"? someone must own an International.....

[rideair]

I have 3 1966 Airstreams. Two have wedding cakes, one has the housing. I've seen many of the same models in that era with both. A 1966 Safari, Overlander, GT, etc... the "Land Yacht" that has the lighter wood inside the trailer will "tend" to have the wedding style lights, the trailers with the "upgraded" dark wood (International) has the tail light housing style.

Region 2 VAC Guy

[RoverOwner]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

It is a little known fact that Bob Dylan had a 62 Overlander and it was the overlander that inspired the song about getting his kicks on route 66...

This is a common misconception. While Bob did travel on the road in 1962, it was in a trailer that was bought in late 1960 from Woodpark Travel Trailer Sales in Paramus, NJ, making it a 1961 Airstream. In the book, "Life of Dylan", there is a picture of his house being painted pink where you can see the trailer in the background, and it is an Ambassador not an Overlander.

So there you go, the coolest Airstream is a 1961 Ambassador. Obviously.

[phoenix491]

I've wondered the same thing, truckusaurus ... there's honestly not one other thing I'd change, inside or out, about my '65 -- just the tail lights. I don't like the plastic housing that they are mounted in, aesthetically. My trailer is polished, and the tail light housings are a bit faded and a brittle (as will happen with 43-year-old plastic), which detracts from the overall look ever-so-slightly. I much prefer the basically flush-mounted lights of pre-65 models.

Having said that, it's certainly not a deal-breaker -- just a preference.

[rideair]

My bad, I said 1964, it was 1965 they first used the tail light housing and it was of made of plastic. In 1966-1968 they went with the nicer housing made of aluminum. I'm not sure how hard it would be to change the two out. I know the 1966-1968 housing are secured from the back making it very hard to get to the rivets.

[markdoane]

'491,

If you want to change from plastic to aluminum, make me an offer. I have a pair of the aluminum housings, and I'll let you have them for what I paid.

Plus shipping.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I think it is possible to do what you want. It is just body work... However, I think the reason you like the early 60's lights is because the early 60's and late 50's were and still are the coolest years of all the Airstream trailers. Years of caravanning had evolved the shape and style to a perfect state. I say do not bother with trying to make a late 60's look like an early 60's, go and buy a early 60's and enjoy. I also want to add that 1962 is the peak of Airstream cool, so try and find a 62 if you can. It is a little known fact that Bob Dylan had a 62 Overlander and it was the overlander that inspired the song about getting his kicks on route 66... if you listen to VAP episode 64 you will hear when he called in to tell the boys that fact. Very informative show.... good luck with your search.

62over, you got it right

We kind'a partial to our "first" Stream....

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Well, I and Bob stand corrected.

[truckasaurus]

Excellent replies thank you all. I guess I'll have to pony up for that mint condition elusive '61 when it appears. (I also like the boomerang shaped wheel arches on some '61's so that seals the deal for me).