just bought a 1972 overlander

[55fast3]

I need much information on how to get started getting this trailer in shape. First I need to find out where I can order a set of keys and books for this trailer? I have to replace cushions and mattress. What is the best from airstream or made by a local upolsterer? thanks for any advice that I can get

[azflycaster]

Much of what you are looking for you can get from the Airstream store.
https://store.airstream.com/shop/

Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of Airstreams.

[Belegedhel]

First thing you should do, if you haven't already, is to go to the "Portal" tab above, then scroll down with your eyes on the right hand side of the screen, and look for the download link of the "trailer inspector's checklist." Perform a thorough inspection of your trailer, and you will know that you would be extremely lucky if all you have to do is change out some soft-goods.

Next, order a "shop" manual for your trailer. You can get them from Airstream (as above), and a variety of other places as well, I think I got mine off of ebay. You can probably get the keys from a dealer.

You aren't going to be able to get manufactured upholstered cushions from Airstream for your year of trailer. A local supplier is probably the way to go here.

good luck!

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: Welcome to Air Forums and the vintage Airstream hobby. I too purchased an Overlander 27'. Mine is a 75. I knew full well what I was getting into when I went shopping for a vintage project. My goal is to make a comfortable and reliable Airstream the whole family can use.

You need to assess your trailer's needs as Belegedehl suggests. If yours is a New England trailer, expect a bigger project due to the moisture of the environment. Mine was a Louisiana trailer with similar moisture rot. I too will replace the soft goods in my trailer except the curtains as they had already been done, but it is way down on the project list.

Check out the Knowledge Base, Airstream Trailer forums toward the bottom of the forums page. Find Overlanders, and then 72 and start reading. You will learn a lot about your trailer there. Note that the "seventies" trailers have a lot of similarities so your 72 isn't a bunch different than my 75. If you like, you can read my project thread and learn some about what I've been fixing. I have quite a ways to go yet. Here are photos of my trailer as I brought it home.

Hope this helps...

David

[cowdiddly]

Nice to get an Overlander or for that matter any Airstream. I am also a Vintage Overlander owner and like most its in various stages of progress bringing the ole gal back to ship shape. Here is todays work. project, and one many people forget about. I had a shutdown on my steps and got them in top notch working order again. I even got some new skid pads complete with racing stipes. Next year, by golly I won;t be landing 5 feet out in the camground the next time Oklahoma has one of its notorious Ice storms. Hope you enjoy your new/ole Airstream, I think you will.

[TheGreatleys]

Welcome. On my 74, and I suspect your 72, the water door and compartment locks are standard keys. Seems strange, but every one used the same key. I got my replacements from out of doors mart odmrv.com.

Good luck with your projects. We'd love to see pictures.

[dbj216]

Hi cowdiddly: Nice job on the fold down step. I see it is of the same design as my son's 69 Globetrotter. My 75 Overlander has the aluminum fold over "two step" design that Airstream used for many years. My 86 has the same aluminum steps.

I wonder what year Airstream started using these aluminum two step steps.

David

[cowdiddly]

Hi how you doing DBJ. I must say Your camper is in nice shape for sure, Score!


.Yes, I had a 78 that did the Texas Two Step thingy. Well just from these posts we can deduce that the 2 step model was started in either 71,72, 73 or 74.
My bet would be 1971. They made a lot of changes that year.
At any rate I think that the single step is just to cool for school. Just give the little tin hand hold a slight tug and it just jumps out ready to go. Its so simple and efficient it hurts.
The older I get I have come to understand one thing. The simpiler you can make something and less moving parts the better it is. LESS IS MORE.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by cowdiddly

Just give the little tin hand hold a slight tug and it just jumps out ready to go. Its so simple and efficient it hurts.
The older I get I have come to understand one thing. The simpiler you can make something and less moving parts the better it is. LESS IS MORE.

Cowdiddly

I have a 66 Tradewind with the single step and I love it. It is so simple and works so well.

My son and daughter in law just bought a 78 Caravanner and it has the Texas 2 step. BTW they live in Fort Worth.

Dan

[cowdiddly]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

Cowdiddly

I have a 66 Tradewind with the single step and I love it.

Dan

a 66 Tradewind. I would love it toooooo! I actually think the 66-67 was the high watermark interior wise in quality in the vintage Airstreams. Yours has metal cabinet latches I bet. I would die for a set of those.
I only went a little later to get the vista view windows and I got a good deal on it. but I wish the interior was a like a 66/67