1956 28 ft? - Page 4

Silverhobby · 11-05-2007, 01:56 PM

Rhonda, I too am fond of the 13 panel AS trailers. It seems that any that are found today are certainly worth fixing back up. Best of luck to you.

drag'nwagon · 11-05-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken J

Dave

No I accessed the frame by removing the belly - what I did ( you can see it here 1958 Overlander Restoration is cut the belly about 8-12" from the wrap all the way around and dropped that belly that way. In my case I did replace all the wrap and removed all the rivets that Shari mentions - a dicy situation I must say - but doable - your wrap actually looks ok, so I don't think you will need to that unless you do a shell off.

Good luck - keep the questions coming - we are here to help - and will feel you pain as you go through this restoration process - keep in mind there is an end to the project and it will get done!

Ken

OK so today I stopped over at my vendor/friends place and 2 of the three of them agreed to let me bring IKE over there to get the tounge sorted out, which I assured them will include first straightening and then cutting off and builing a new one to weld on. I think this may be starting to come together. I can have it hauled over there on a flat bed and work on first getting it towable. Towable meaning new tongue, wheels,tires,bearings, and making sure nothing is going to fall off from there to here (65 miles).

drag'nwagon · 11-05-2007, 07:34 PM

This is the place I hope to get IKE in towable condition. Pictured is our '74 31'r, who now is Nixon. This was taken in the spring of this year when I was addressing the sag issues. About a month or so after this AirBoss and I installed new axles on it (check out Axle Reaplacement I and Axle Replacement II).

safari57 · 11-05-2007, 08:19 PM

Congratulations on rescuing another Airstream from oblivion.

I had to have a 13 panel for my first Airstream. That was one of our key criteria and one that caused us to look for so many years. I was really keen on finding a 56 or early 57 Safari to match the Safari tow vehicle but alas the only one we found, a 57, that was close to what we wanted was big big big bucks for what it was. When we looked in through the windows while waiting for the seller to show up we could see water dripping off the ceiling in several places as it had rained a few hours before quite hard. When he showed up we let him know that just from what we'd already seen we felt it was too much money for what it was, and far more project than we wanted or that he thought it was - he had told us it was ready to go camping in. Perhaps in AZ but certainly not on the Wet Coast of BC.

My major concern was the frame and it would appear that you have that well in hand in terms of a place to have it checked out and make sufficient repairs done to make it tow-able home. Are you intending to keep the 74 as well to use while redoing the 56?

It's also encouraging to have fellow streamers available and willing to help with the work. It would appear that the axle replacement is as much a social event as it is a project. Now THAT's the way to tackle these things.

Keep the pictures coming. It's always fun, and motivating, to watch someone else get rolling on another project.

Barry

drag'nwagon · 11-05-2007, 08:40 PM

Barry,

Thank you for the kind words. As for the 74, I think we plan to keep it, or at least untill the money runs out

. The axle job (axle replacement I and II) was an awesome day. I still can't believe Airboss volunteered for that one. The 74 has gotten many new things in the last 6 -8 months including awning to match original screen room (blue and white stripe) FW pump, water heater, radio, speakers, etc. I think my new tag line should be "Work more Pay more, Fix more.

The '56 with the exception of the tongue is in unmolested condition and ripe for a restore. It has been sitting in the same place near my home town since 1972 when the PO bought it from his Aunt (orginal owner).

Rhonda · 11-05-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

Congratulations on rescuing another Airstream from oblivion.

I had to have a 13 panel for my first Airstream. That was one of our key criteria and one that caused us to look for so many years. I was really keen on finding a 56 or early 57 Safari to match the Safari tow vehicle but alas the only one we found, a 57, that was close to what we wanted was big big big bucks for what it was. When we looked in through the windows while waiting for the seller to show up we could see water dripping off the ceiling in several places as it had rained a few hours before quite hard. When he showed up we let him know that just from what we'd already seen we felt it was too much money for what it was, and far more project than we wanted or that he thought it was - he had told us it was ready to go camping in. Perhaps in AZ but certainly not on the Wet Coast of BC.

My major concern was the frame and it would appear that you have that well in hand in terms of a place to have it checked out and make sufficient repairs done to make it tow-able home. Are you intending to keep the 74 as well to use while redoing the 56?

It's also encouraging to have fellow streamers available and willing to help with the work. It would appear that the axle replacement is as much a social event as it is a project. Now THAT's the way to tackle these things.

Keep the pictures coming. It's always fun, and motivating, to watch someone else get rolling on another project.

Barry

We consider ourselves lucky with the wonderful Airstreamers we have met through both the forums and the WBCCI. I suppose that is half the reason why this has become such an obsession.

I have been wanting to rescue this trailer for years but the PO was a pack rat and wouldn't part with anything which I guess has turned out to be a good thing for us since most everything is intact. Also lucky for me is my father in law has known the PO's for decades which gave us an edge on buying the trailer. He had inquired on the trailer for me a year or so ago but we had to wait until he passed to have a crack at it. He has only been gone 3 weeks and his widow is doing her best to clean up the property. I credit my father in law for calling her and getting her to let us look at it. I think because she knew my father in law that made a difference because she already had an offer but she took ours instead.

Airboss · 11-05-2007, 10:04 PM

I thought I heard my ears ringing....."I LIKE IKE" I have some old Ike buttons too...I have a huge collection of those old type buttons...

Airboss · 11-05-2007, 10:10 PM

Hey Safari57 how you been?? Long time no chat....

Creampuff · 11-06-2007, 11:15 AM

I have a rear curbside bunk original to my '57 that I will part with.It fits just above the side window. PM me if interested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Cool! I sure wish I had friends like that!
I'm not following what you are asking, but the key is to not remove the rivets at the beltline...they hold both the shell & the belly pan to the frame. Same rivets. However you cut/patch the belly is up to you.
Yes we do have a bunk...it looks to be original. And while we don't 'need' it for sleeping arrangements because it's just the two of us, we do plan to keep it. Our kitty needs a hiding place and the extra storage space will be great! If we change our minds...I'll let you know.

Shari

Rhonda · 11-06-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creampuff

I have a rear curbside bunk original to my '57 that I will part with.It fits just above the side window. PM me if interested.

Wow! How wonderful! PM is on it's way.

Creampuff · 11-06-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drag'nwagon

Yes sir another axle coming up!! I just don't know if I will retain the srung axle or go torsion, any thoughts?

I wouldn't be too hasty to boot the spring axle. I personally like mine as it provides plenty of suspension. I did realize that the p.o. had not greased the 6 zirk fittings on the shackles for about 20 years and that took awhile to get them functional. Probably why some of these axles fail as when the shackles seize you could easily snap a spindle.
I know some have had issues with spindle failure but I think you should really inspect yours thoroughly before making the change-out decision.

drag'nwagon · 11-06-2007, 07:18 PM

I have no problem with "sprung" axles. In fact they in most cases last virtually forever if cared for properly. They do provide for a "harder" ride than the torsion, but that does not mean it is a bad thing. For the long (31')Beatrice years it is, but even thats fixable.

Airboss · 11-06-2007, 08:00 PM

Dave, June 1957 National Geographic mag. has the European Caravan in it from 1956.. The guy who took all the pics has a 56 just like yours.. had a curbside bunk too.. I have the issue.. Was a neat story about it in last Airstream Life mag.

drag'nwagon · 11-06-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airboss

Dave, June 1957 National Geographic mag. has the European Caravan in it from 1956.. The guy who took all the pics has a 56 just like yours.. had a curbside bunk too.. I have the issue.. Was a neat story about it in last Airstream Life mag.

You mean just like hers...right? Can't wait to read it.