'56 Sovereign Windows & Door Required?

[CindyB]

We are just considering purchasing a second Airstream, this ones a project! She needs front, back and streetside windows and the door is missing. Is this going to be difficult to find these parts? Does anyone know a good source for 56 Sovereign parts? The skin is perfect so it's very tempting but it only has the orig windows on curbside. Can anyone help with sourcing windows and a door?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

It's easy to find those parts, buy another 56 and you will have them

[wheelerimage]

I have seen custom windows by Motion Windows installed in a 50s Airstream. Looked great. The door would be a deal killer for me. Ive seen vintage doors and windows on ebay, but very rarely.

[wasagachris]

Welcome to the forums Cindy from another fellow Ontarian.
Finding a door will be the hardest thing to get and windows won't be that easy either, especially here as there aren't that many older units available.
You can try calling Ryan at RV Revive, he specializes in salvage parts for Airstreams.
RV Salvage Parts Airstream Trailer Interiors Restorations Collision Repairs

[CindyB]

Nice to know there's someone just around the corner with the same obsession as us! We have a 96 Excella that we travel with and are probably going to take on this 1956 Sovereign as a project! Have you seen an old Airstream sitting anywhere in a field that has a door on it? The search begins!!

[Frank's Trailer Works]

the door will need to be a 55, 56, or 57. Earlier will be too small and later too big.

[CindyB]

Originally Posted by wheelerimage

I have seen custom windows by Motion Windows installed in a 50s Airstream. Looked great. The door would be a deal killer for me. Ive seen vintage doors and windows on ebay, but very rarely.

Where is Motion windows located? I have a door (possibly?) from Dimitri but am still working on windows?

[InsideOut]

Do you need the whole window including the frame or just new glass? The glass is just normal window glass and can be got anywhere that does window repairs or even you local hardware store. The frames on the other hand...will be more difficult to find. A "donor trailer", classifieds ad or RV salvage yard is going to be you best bet - they don't make new ones that match anymore.

Shari

[wheelerimage]

I think Motion Windows is in Vancouver Canada. Just google them for their website. The trailer I saw was a late 50s Airstream Pacer that had all windows replaced in a high cost rebuild. As I remember, they were aluminum and were riveted in just like airstream windows. They were sliders. They did not crank open with a hinge at the top like original Airstream windows. I thought they looked great. I asked the restorer why he replaced the windows and said that the new windows work better due to technology improvements. A person who has restored an Airstream might notice that the windows aren't original, but probably nobody else will.

I think it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to find all of the original windows that you need. You might find that your only two options are either having custom windows made, or having a trailer with no windows.

If I was in your situation, I would call Motion Windows or any other company that makes RV windows and see if they can help you.

[wheelerimage]

Im gonna try to upload a pic of a thirteen panel 50s Airstream with non oroginal custom windows.

[soldiermedic]

Originally Posted by wheelerimage

Im gonna try to upload a pic of a thirteen panel 50s Airstream with non oroginal custom windows.

Attachment 166765



Attachment 166766

You DO NOT want to do this. You want the original equipment for such a rare and desirable trailer.

Steve

[wheelerimage]

I agree. You want original windows, but if you dont have them, and cant find them, what do you do?

It seems the alternative is to let a windowless trailer rot in a field. Mice will like that. Or maybe it could be canibalized for parts. I would rather see a trailer like above that is rebuilt and usable by humans.