Found the builder of my trailer....

[ddstech]

Or at least his name. Signed the lower section of the inside of the door with red marker. He also made other artistic drawings inside the trailer. It gives me an exact date when the trailer was on the factory floor. I found it interesting.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mattkroff

Or at least his name. Signed the lower section of the inside of the door with red marker. He also made other artistic drawings inside the trailer. It gives me an exact date when the trailer was on the factory floor. I found it interesting.

One of my mechanics worked at the old California plant, way back then, making the end shells.

I will find out Monday, if he knew that person. If so, I will let you know.

Andy

[Aage]

I always find these discoveries to be really cool. A note to us from the past.

What is his name, Johnny Monza? Too bad you used the flash, makes it hard to read.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by Aage

I always find these discoveries to be really cool. A note to us from the past.

What is his name, Johnny Monza? Too bad you used the flash, makes it hard to read.

Hi, looks like Johnny Alonzo to me?

[ASwifey]

Very cool. Haven't we seen other trailers with the same signature?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Your trailer was not built by Johnny, your door was. Door man is and was a coveted job. It required special skills and that job was retained for years. At that time people, still took great pride in their work. Often the end caps were dated and initialed. Sometimes they were signed also.



Tubs were often signed also.


Take a look at your cabinets. The guys that made the furniture always signed their work in those days.



Pete, Joe, Clayton, and Matt have been a few who have come to Frank's Trailer Works to be repaired or rebuilt. Today they might be secretly signing their name, not sure.

[Aviator]

So is there a hidden "Frank" when you finish a restoration? Possibly some details for the owner 40 years hence who is redoing something? That would be cool.

[Silverhobby]

My house has signatures in it's walls. It was constructed in 1998-99.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by aviator

so is there a hidden "frank" when you finish a restoration? Possibly some details for the owner 40 years hence who is redoing something? That would be cool.

[Aviator]

Perfect!

[Dave Park]

But no signature, Frank?

I like how Frank's Trailer Works = FTW = For The Win

[ddstech]

Similar drawings and tic tac toe games were drawn on the interior skin with the same red marker. It appears there was some idle time with these guys. I found a couple places they could have redirected that time to better use.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Dave Park

But no signature, Frank?

I like how Frank's Trailer Works = FTW = For The Win

FTW=Fine Trade Wind, Fools Toking Weed, Forgot To Wipe, and maybe ?

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Attachment 117972

A cool signature is must on your awesome work Frank.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Johnny has been discovered for a while now.... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...nzo-40088.html

[zedex]

Pretty cool. I always sign my work whenever i do custom stuff. It shows some pride in your work. I would bet my teeth there is no such thing in my 2004 ccd. Throw it together and out the door.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mattkroff

Or at least his name. Signed the lower section of the inside of the door with red marker. He also made other artistic drawings inside the trailer. It gives me an exact date when the trailer was on the factory floor. I found it interesting.

My mechanic worked with Alonzo back then.

My guy says that Alonzo, was old enough to be his father, at that time.

Andy

[Sugarfoot]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

My mechanic worked with Alonzo back then.

My guy says that Alonzo, was old enough to be his father, at that time.

Andy

Andy, my 1956 SOTR has Johnny's signature behind a door panel. Another piece was signed by Tony Villa. Does your mechanic by chance remember him too?



Pee Wee Schwamborn has told me he remembers a man named Mario with a thick mustache that handled the door jigs at the California factory. He doesn't remember Johnny Alonzo or Tony Villa. If they didn't fabricate the door, what might have they been responsible for? Just curious. You know how vintage Airstreamers like to know these things.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Sugarfoot

Andy, my 1956 SOTR has Johnny's signature behind a door panel. Another piece was signed by Tony Villa. Does your mechanic by chance remember him too?

Attachment 142169 Attachment 142170

Pee Wee Schwamborn has told me he remembers a man named Mario with a thick mustache that handled the door jigs at the California factory. He doesn't remember Johnny Alonzo or Tony Villa. If they didn't fabricate the door, what might have they been responsible for? Just curious. You know how vintage Airstreamers like to know these things.

My mechanic from the good ole days, is no longer with the company.

Andy