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Old 02-01-2017, 11:50 AM   #21
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Too bad you're on the other side of the country. The restoration would be the anchor for a terrific documentary film. I'd love to make it.
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Old 02-01-2017, 11:56 AM   #22
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OMG! You are a brave man, but if ever there was a reason to find the courage, this is it! A wonderful find that will be well worth the effort.
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Old 02-01-2017, 12:57 PM   #23
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Now to complete the deal by finding & restoring the '55 Caddy Coupe de Ville.
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Old 02-01-2017, 01:43 PM   #24
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Your water heater

I've got the same style water heater I took off a 1966 Action c-10 truck camper. I replaced it with an Atwood gas 6gal. Send me a separate picture of yours and maybe I can compair better. I still have it and it
Is in good condition. Good day Bob C.
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Old 02-01-2017, 02:55 PM   #25
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WOW .... what a cool find ....good luck
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Old 02-01-2017, 04:07 PM   #26
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Can't wait to see the end result!
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Old 02-01-2017, 04:40 PM   #27
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That is awesome! What a find. A gofundme page might not be a bad idea. I wish you very best. Please keep us posted.
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Old 02-01-2017, 05:05 PM   #28
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The moped on the back is a Vela Solex. My friend is one of the last dealers of these mopeds. They are French and friction drive.
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Old 02-01-2017, 05:53 PM   #29
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FWITW, I believe that is a 1956 Cadillac Coupe Deville. I had one and recognize the tail fins. I don't remember if the 1955 model had the same fins. That was a bad year for Cadillac. It was the year the Hydramatic plant burned to the ground and a substitute tranny was used. I believed the Buick Dynaflow tranny was used as the replacement. I remember Cadillac had to replace it at 50,000 miles. Also, it ate generators and the fix was to install ballbearing genny replacements. Later on the heads cracked and it wasn't long before there where non in the junk yards to rebuild. New heads were the only solution. In 1954 the car brought $400 used. I would sure research the model year before attempting to restore one with that kind of history.
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Old 02-01-2017, 06:47 PM   #30
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Thank you!

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. We want to do this right, but it will take time (work wise) and financially as well.

With Windy to finish and now sell (which was way worse than this one)

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f116...nd-151697.html

and something else at least to help cover the restoration costs I really do appreciate the help finding all the things that are missing, perminant to the trailer like the interior lights and all the hardware, and help with the accessories, radio, bike, etc as this moves forward.

The big hurdle I see is the front end cap. Mind you the paint on this trailer is probably at least 6 coats thick, maybe more, and some of what you see is peeling paint, but 3 segments (counting from the curb side, # 4 (center) #5 and #6 have very serious metal rot, easily could put your finger through. Of course segment #4 is flat metal (with beads rolled on each end) we're going to need to find someone who can recreate these since they are unlike any segments I've ever seen. What finish aluminum isn't as important as we plan to repaint the trailer the original caravan color.

I realize this will likely be the most expensive part of the restoration, mainly because it's way outside my wheel house and I lack not only the tools but the skills to make these segments. I assume I'll have to remove them and ship them to someone to be copied, then reinstall.

The inside segments under these have similar damage but are all flat material with a bead so those are more easily redone.

Ideas are greatly appreciated. I do want to avoid trying to do body repair (epoxies, fillers etc) if at all possible.

Spent the afternoon shoveling 18" of ice covered snow out of an area next to the house to get the trailer safely on our property so the pictures are a bit dark.
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Old 02-01-2017, 06:56 PM   #31
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Wow - I own the other trailer in the first picture - get that restored and maybe we can get them together again - mine is 90% done - it's amazing what happens to these trailers and where they are found - mine sat in a storage unit in Amarillo Tx for 20 years - I think if you search "a very famous Airstream " you will see pics of #50 - keep in touch and up to date on your restoration - mine took about four years


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Old 02-01-2017, 07:15 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody Ranch View Post
Congratulations!!! Now, dive into it. Wish you were closer because I have an entire, original interior and the new plywood walls for my Liner. I am sure most of it would be the same as your project...if your going original. I have my eye on you.
Thank you! That would be cool if parts were similar. If you don't find a home for it maybe some of hardware that is the same or those types of smaller parts could be shipped if need be. I appreciate the thought!
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:17 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken J View Post
Wow - I own the other trailer in the first picture - get that restored and maybe we can get them together again - mine is 90% done - it's amazing what happens to these trailers and where they are found - mine sat in a storage unit in Amarillo Tx for 20 years - I think if you search "a very famous Airstream " you will see pics of #50 - keep in touch and up to date on your restoration - mine took about four years

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That's awesome! Definitely need to do that! Do you have a thread or blog of your restoration? I'd love to check it out!
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:21 PM   #34
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Water Heater

Here's the water heater, quite unique!

Also noticed that the floor was originally cork square tiles. Heard from Frank Yensen a few weeks back in just a general conversation that Wally Byam like cork floors and he was right!
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:34 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by goransons View Post
Of course segment #4 is flat metal (with beads rolled on each end) we're going to need to find someone who can recreate these since they are unlike any segments I've ever seen. What finish aluminum isn't as important as we plan to repaint the trailer the original caravan color.

I realize this will likely be the most expensive part of the restoration, mainly because it's way outside my wheel house and I lack not only the tools but the skills to make these segments. I assume I'll have to remove them and ship them to someone to be copied, then reinstall.
.
Two weeks ago, someone on here from Nashua New Hampshire posted his home built airstream that he just completely made from scratch, spectacular work. If I see the post I'll attach it.
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:34 PM   #36
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So glad you're going to restore this piece of history. I feel a little sick for you, but it will be a worthy project that I will enjoy watching!
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:41 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyNH View Post
Two weeks ago, someone on here from Nashua New Hampshire posted his home built airstream that he just completely made from scratch, spectacular work. If I see the post I'll attach it.
Found it

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...light=Homemade
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:49 PM   #38
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You might chat with Paul Mayeux at A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise,TX phone (817) 919-3651.

He has done several of the seven panel restorations and may be able to give you some suggestions or leads for parts.
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Old 02-01-2017, 08:07 PM   #39
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I'll check with them for sure. The issue though is these 7 panels aren't the same proportions as the 60's 7 panel segments, I have a couple salvaged segments, but this trailer is the 50's trailer width and height (and radius) but the bigger segments but retain the 50's bead detail. No doubt a test of future production changes.
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Old 02-01-2017, 08:29 PM   #40
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I do not have a blog but I did keep tons of pictures - if you search my name you will see the thread I started with some pics - yes you have to get the wallet out for these things - of course there is no budget for these things I did keep a pretty good blog on here of the 58 overlander I did - you should see that under my name as well - I also was the founder of the restoration rally which became the vintage trailer academy - my interior was trashed as well - I kept as much of the interior parts/wood as I could and built new exactly the same as old - it's not hard to duplicate to be new again - since these were all custom built - it will be very difficult to find an old interior to fit - most of the other parts can be found - they are around - Kip Egan who posted above knows more about skin work than everyone on this list combined - he is an advanced expert in all things skin related to work from aircraft to airstreams - he has also been an instructor for the VTA - good luck !!
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