All New Clipper 1936

[truckasaurus]

Whilst toying with ideas for my next Airstream project I keep coming back to the 1936 Clipper. Googling around for a suitable candidate I keep reading the same paragraphs about how the older trailers came as a kit etc and I was wondering what the kit contained and what the customer would need to have done to get up and running?

The more I think about it if I can find a squashed or very badly treated Clipper it should be a decent sized templating job but all the panels appear to made of straight unformed sheet. New floor, chassis, windows, etc, etc. There's probably not much from the original trailer that one would need. It's even occurred to me that I may as well make a couple and take them to the ready for cabinets stage.

Kind of thinking aloud but I'm wondering if anyone built or rebuilt a shell rather than just performed repairs.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

Whilst toying with ideas for my next Airstream project I keep coming back to the 1936 Clipper. Googling around for a suitable candidate I keep reading the same paragraphs about how the older trailers came as a kit etc and I was wondering what the kit contained and what the customer would need to have done to get up and running?

The more I think about it if I can find a squashed or very badly treated Clipper it should be a decent sized templating job but all the panels appear to made of straight unformed sheet. New floor, chassis, windows, etc, etc. There's probably not much from the original trailer that one would need. It's even occurred to me that I may as well make a couple and take them to the ready for cabinets stage.

Kind of thinking aloud but I'm wondering if anyone built or rebuilt a shell rather than just performed repairs.

We have a 1936 in our shop, but it does not look like it was in "kit" form.

Andy

[truckasaurus]

Andy, is the shell constructed the same way as say a 60's trailer? I mean does it have extruded ribs?

[62overlander]

I am not Andy, but the ribs are laminated wood.

[truckasaurus]

Thanks Frank. I think I might track one down and go take a look at the whole enchilada.

[62overlander]

Truck, there are about 6 clippers of that era out there. You will probably search a good while before you find one.
The level of workmanship is mind boggling when you do finally see the bones.

[truckasaurus]

...6, that doesn't give me good odds! Maybe a little flexibility on the age will help.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

Andy, is the shell constructed the same way as say a 60's trailer? I mean does it have extruded ribs?

Originally it had laminated wood.

However, we changed it out to have metal main bows and stiffners at every seam including the segment seams.

We did this for Tim Burton, but he never had us finish the job.

Someday, we will sell it, since Tim is no longer interested in it.

Andy

[3Ms75Argosy]

Hey Truck, sounds like you need another CA trip...

While not a Clipper, I think David W. had some good pics of the Wee Wind in his book and web site.. I think you'd get a good idea there? I too have wondered what it would take to build one...
Marc

[oh2bcarefree]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Originally it had laminated wood.

However, we changed it out to have metal main bows and stiffners at every seam including the segment seams.

We did this for Tim Burton, but he never had us finish the job.

Someday, we will sell it, since Tim is no longer interested in it.

Andy

WOW - maybe it's a good thing you still have it and he lost interest. I mean... if you've seen his movies, there's no telling what he may have done with it.

It's all good in the movies, not so much in an Airstream...


Tina

[62overlander]

Here is one Trailer Buff did a few years ago