1966 Overlander Rear End Separation Question

[mello mike]

I'm thinking about purchasing a 1966 Overlander. I've heard that the 60s models are prone to rear end separation but less so than the longer 70s models.

How is rear end separation manifested in a 1966 model? Is it the same for 70s? Push on the bumper and see if it moves and separates from the main body?

The trailer is 800 miles from me and the owner states it doesn't separate when he pushes on it. I just want to be sure we're looking for the right thing before I pull the trigger.

Thanks in advance.

[VIKING]

Hi Mike,
I have to assume with any '60s model that there is or will be an issue with the rear end. If you saw how poorly the rear floor is attached to the shell you would laugh. It isn't a deal-breaker unless you make it one though. The repair can be done from below and is not that complicated. I would be more concerned with the condition of the frame. Some are rusted out badly and some are in very good condition from that era.
Stepping on the bumper didn't show any issue on my completely separated Safari. The wood floor separated from the frame and was floating around with the shell attached to it. I couldn't tell until I removed the floor and inner walls, that there was a problem. Basically, the rear end from the water heater opening to the same point on the opposite side has 2 bolts and about 8 woodscrews holding it together. Pretty damn strong?
NOT!

Rich the Viking

[mello mike]

Excellent info. Thanks, Rich.

[rluhr]

Here's one clue that a trailer has serious rear-end separation or (more likely) floor rot. This is a 1974 Ambassador that I inspected last week for a buddy. See the folded aluminum where the body meets the frame? That's because the bathroom floor was rotted. Once that happens, the shell disconnects from the floor and frame and as it bounces down the road, this symptom occurs. Once you see this going on, you know it's not "just a little soft spot" like the seller claims.

Quite often, what people think of as "rear end separation" is caused by simple leaks that have rotted the floor. This can happen in one season of storage. It's not a problem restricted to any particular decade.

In this case the seller had no clue of the problem and was asking $7500. Not a chance, even without the diamond plate riveted all over the body. Buyer beware!