The exterior of the coach was polished and Plasticoated by P & S Trailer Service in Helena, Ohio in 2004. While receiving its refurbishment at P & S, new Worthington 40 pound LP tanks were purchased and drop-shiped to Helena so that they could be polished to match the coach. Unfortunately, A & E Systems did not offer parts support for their 1960s Airstream roller awnings, so when main components of both awning arms broke in 2004, a new awning was ordered from ZipDee with "Blue Fancy" striped material -- a bathroom window and bedroom window awning were added at the same time as well. A solar electric system was added over a two year period at the WBCCI International Rallys in Bismarck, ND and Sioux Falls, SD. The solar electric system included three solar panels, charge controller, charge monitor, and an Inverter Charger to properly manage the AGM battery pack that was installed (three Group 27). The original ceiling vent fans were replaced with Fantastic Vents as the International Rally in Boise, Idaho. Between 1995 and 2000, the water heater, furnace, and refrigerator were replaced with their modern equivalents which meant that the vents for furnace and water heater required modification -- since the original shrouds had been badly damaged over the years, they were discarded in favor of the sleeker appearance possible using the vents supplied with the new equipment. New Alloy wheels were added in 2009 to replace the solid steel wheels that were installed when the original split-rim wheels were replaced in 1975. A modern "bat-wing" antenna replaced the original mast-type antenna on the front panel of the coach -- the bat-wing assumed its preferred location on the roof of the coach.
Interior
In overall configuration, the interior has not been changed from its original floorplan. The second owners essentially ripped out the fiberglass bathroom enclosure when the original china toilet had to be replace -- this left a plywood enclosure in place of the smoothly styled fiberglass enclosure. The second owners had also determined that the original Zolatone paint was ugly so they painted it sour-kraut green. Fortunately, they did not remove the original ceiling pad nor the original comfort pads one the walls alongside the beds. In 2005, the interior was refurbished by Henry and Arlene Fowler (Fowler RV Interiors, Symsonia, Kentucky). This included applying a sponge-painting technique to the ceiling and walls utilizing white, blue, and gray paints to simulate Zolatone. Blue-fade drapes were installed on all windows, and matching bedspreads and pillow shams were also sewn. Henry did a wonderful job recreating the drop-leaf table top in solid oak finished in a rich golden oak stain. The new Dometic 3-way refrigerator was slightly larger (2.5" taller than original) than its predecessor which meant that the cabinet had to be modified by removing the cutlery drawer that had been immediately above the refrigerator door -- this was another of Henry Folwer's excellent wood working projects. A local bathroom fixture refinisher was contracted to refinish the bathroom fixtures in antique pewter that replaced the very tires Avacado Green that was the original fixture color. The front sofa and matching ottoman were reupholstered utilizing the same subtle stripe red-white-blue material for all uphostery.
Customization
This coach was a "custom" order, but unlike most of its peers its only custom feature was the use of one hydraulic braked axle and one electric braked axle -- this was to accommodate the original owners existing 1957 Mercury tow vehicle -- the hydraulic axle would be converted over to electric brakes when the 1957 Mercury was traded in favor of a new 1967 Mercury Monterey coupe that would function as primary tow vehicle.
Systems and Running Gear
This coach received more of a restoration than rennovation. There were no particular non-reversible changes made to either the interior or exterior.
Other Information
In its 45 years on the road, this coach has been parked in at least one campground in every one of the lower 48 states, all of the Canadian provinces, as well as all of the Mexican states. The coach has also made at least one trip to Alaska.
Tow Vehicle
Tow vehicles for this coach have included:
1957 Mercury Monterey (1964-1967)
1967 Mercury Monterey Coupe (1967-1970)
1970 Mercury Monterey Coupe (1970-1975)
1975 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe (1975-1980) <was a package deal with Overlander when sold in 1980>
1980-1995 Tow vehicles Unknown
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1995-1996)
1995 Chevrolet K1500 Z71 Club Cab Pickup (1996-1998)
1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (1998 to Present)
1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (2004 to Present -- periodic tow vehicle).
We just pulled our 64 land yacht out of a field. It has been neglected for several years, but in great shape. The bathroom has been gutted and the tanks (septic) removed. Did you replace the black tanks? If so did you remove bottom pan?
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