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soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 08:24 AM

Having been bit by the bauxite bug, I received a case of the "foil fever", also known as the "silver sickness". I am hoping that trailer number SIX will be a long lasting cure for this aluminum ailment.

I found this trailer on Ebay, and it closed without meeting it's reserve price. I emailed the owner about it, and he offered to sell it to me for the opening bid if I came to get it. I left St. Louis around 8:44 AM, and rolled into Council Bluffs, IA around 2:30 PM. I waited until 3:00 PM for the owner and trailer to arrive.

The trailer arrived, and I quickly went inside, and looked around for anything that would be too big of an issue. There was only a 4 Pin adapter, the front window looks like it was hit by a BB pellet, and the tires have seen better days, and didn't hold air well. All aside, I got a great deal, and moved forward. I pulled my truck in front, and have my 2" ball on a drop pull bar. The PO couldn't seem to get the jack to lower onto the truck. I tried my best, and snapped off the bolt holding the lack handle on the unit. I was pretty upset about it since he didn't let me know he had an issue hooking up to bring it to me. I went inside the nearby Walmart and purchased a new hydraulic car jack, a four to seven pin adapter, and a straight tri-ball draw bar. This ran me around $100. I had to have a straight draw bar, and a 1 7/8 ball. Other than the $40.00 tri-ball, they didn't have anything else.

I return to the truck where the PO was supposed to be working like he told me. He was GONE. My truck was sitting unlocked and everything (That was my fault). I called him, and he told me he was out getting cigarettes..

.

He returned with a new steel pin to allow us to use the jack again. No such luck as I only bent the new pin. I was fed up, and had spent almost two hours messing with it. I was off schedule, and since the 4 Pin only gave me running lights, I wanted as much daylight to travel as possible. I don't know why the turn or brake lights don't work, but it isn't number one on the to do list.

Other than that, the trailer is pretty solid. Everywhere I stepped has a good floor, but haven't gotten the ice pick out for under the bed and cabinets. The original marvel fridge works well, but I don't like the idea of only having it while plugged in.

Other things that need to be addressed are all the gaskets and seals on the windows...I will need the materials for all of them. The panel ray heater is gone, and I am debating how to patch the hole it left. Someone installed a box to pull the power cord out of in the rear that looks like crap. I want to put a marinco outlet in, but I will have to see how big this hold is. Also, I assume there was a 110 outlet back here that was pulled out since it is bare wires...anyone know where I can get a new one? The porch light is also missing...this may be near impossible to find from what I have heard. Paging Rob Baker....he always finds stuff like this.

The interior is a soft white, but I cannot find any speckled zolatone under it at all....makes me wonder. The cabinets are in very good shape, and nice looking wood. We will have to add tanks since there is no water or holding tanks. It's funny to look in the toilet, and see ground when you flush. The bath needs an overhaul, but I think it could look really nice when done. The couches in front will likely be sold if someone wants them, as may the marvel refer. I have not looked for the water heater yet, but I assume it was all electric, and doesn't work.

Hope you enjoy the pics. We will be able to take our time with this one since we have the ambassador to camp in.

Steve

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 08:28 AM

A few more

flyfshr · 08-07-2008, 08:48 AM

Very nice. It looks to be a great candidate for restoration. I expected to see you post pix of the troublesome jack but maybe its days are numbered so you didn't feel it was necessary. I have have an opportunity for the electrical plug (cord end and plug in part). Give me a few days and I'll let you know.

Congrats.

Brad
FF

maccamper · 08-07-2008, 09:00 AM

Hey Steve, congrats on the new project (Nancy guessed correctly). I just took the 15" steel wheels off our trailer and replaced them with new aluminum ones. Would you like one or two of them for spares? I was planning on just taking them to the recycler.

Laird

CombatMedic · 08-07-2008, 09:12 AM

Cant wait to get home and see it!

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 09:12 AM

Brad, Thanks for that, and I will anxiously await hearing from you.

Laird, I will likely put new wheels on here that are aluminum, but right now I need to find out how far this project needs to go. Got some free time to look at it? Want some BBQ? Quid Pro Quo Laird

Steve

utee94 · 08-07-2008, 09:27 AM

Steve--

Looks great. I don't think you need to change a thing, except of course to mount a hitch onto the back of it so you can tandem-tow your trailer pit!

Congrats on the new find.

-Marcus

CombatMedic · 08-07-2008, 09:43 AM

I look at the old numbers that had once graced our airstream and wonder its history and if it has been to any exotic places.

flyfshr · 08-07-2008, 09:49 AM

If you are current members of the WBCCI, they can look that info up for you in Member Services. I now know the complete ownership history of my 2699 number. That doesn't necessarily mean that this number was issued to my trailer its whole life though. The trailer's history is what I really wanted to know.

Brad
FF

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 09:54 AM

I think the floor plan is fantastic, and give separate steeping areas (Our main wish). Just need to figure out if we want the sofas or want something new up front.

Steve

maccamper · 08-07-2008, 11:03 AM

What's your approach going to be on this one Steve? Restore? Renovate and update? Combination of the two?

Nancy and I have not been to St Louis for awhile, are you thinking you'd have time for someone to look at your new project before or after the rally?

Laird

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 11:07 AM

Laird,

Being unemployed, I sit at home all day right now until I have a job. You can come over anytime. I think we will update everything, and try to stay original if possible. First thing is frame and flor work, then axle...after that I can work at my leisure.

Steve

muddy_hollow · 08-07-2008, 12:11 PM

That's a super looking trailer. Loads of potential, but be prepared for spending at least 3-4 times your budget

To bad someone cut the top for a big AC like that...

I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress.

Best of luck.

D

ArtStream · 08-07-2008, 12:28 PM

You R 2 much Steve!
Congrats on the new arrival, looks like a great project
You must be itching to tear into it.

Tanks?

Hey, Colin looks big enough to help now!

Best to ya both,

Michael

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 12:44 PM

Torn into.....

Taking the interior out now...many of you will laugh at what I found. Stay tuned for pics...I want to see how fat this goes before posting pics.

Steve

TBRich · 08-07-2008, 01:09 PM

Looks great, Steve! And now that you have it home...all the many hassles along the way getting it there will fade and transform into a wonderful story to be told around campfires of the future. Good luck with it!

CombatMedic · 08-07-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyfshr

If you are current members of the WBCCI, they can look that info up for you in Member Services. I now know the complete ownership history of my 2699 number. That doesn't necessarily mean that this number was issued to my trailer its whole life though. The trailer's history is what I really wanted to know.

Brad
FF

But we are not members of the WBCCI....

Jaxon · 08-07-2008, 04:32 PM

Wow, Steve! That bed brings new meaning to the word "lumpy"!

Man, she's a beaut! Good luck on your restoration & keep them photos coming.

overlander63 · 08-07-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaxon

Wow, Steve! That bed brings new meaning to the word "lumpy"!

Man, she's a beaut! Good luck on your restoration & keep them photos coming.

For those of us too young to know, or have never seen a "live" specimen, most of those cushions were stuffed with horse hair... Can you say "Will-Burrr"?

Steve are you thinking of replacing the a/c unit with a vent, or letting it stay until it dies? It looks good, exept for that "back to the future" a/c.

soldiermedic · 08-07-2008, 05:11 PM

Spent all day out there.

The "lumpy" sofa beds are out, and will NOT go back in. Two owners ago, they replaced large sections of the floor that had rotted out. There are other spots now that need attention. Our goal is an entire floor replacement with marine grade flooring, or something else that will not rot as easily. A huge ugly eye sore is where the old panel ray went through the roof. Since there were no tanks in this thing originally, I must find a way to vent tanks for the future....risky business. I may consider other layouts to make it work better, but there will need to be some difficult stuff to do. I see why my caravanner was done the way it was. The old panel ray heater vent became the black tank vent.

As for the AC unit...it doesn't work. None of the systems work since the electrical is out dated (Fuse box instead of circuit breakers). There is no DC power, and I would really like to have 12 v power available.

Anyone care to chime it?

Steve