1956 SOTR - YES!!! Got it!

[Sugarfoot]

Wow, thanks for all the kind words. What a kick! And nice to see after a LONG day. Today I've learned:

• Even when you think it's ready to go, it's not
• Nissan didn't design it's Big Tow package with a 4 flat connector (for temp tow lights), it's 7 pin RV only, baby! How stupid is that!
• Things you can take care of quickly when at home take three times as long when out of town
• It is possible to tow with only one W/D bar as long as a sway stabilizing bar is on the opposite side
• The "three times longer" rule applies to estimated departure time as well

This trailer had an Eaz-Lift set up. When pulling out (the first time) the curbside bar dropped of the hitch ball set up. Seems the lock pin on receiving end broke. I left the streetside bar on at the least tension. So far, so good, no sway, and it tows like a dream!

If anyone knows a good reason why I shouldn't do this, let me know. I've only got 550 miles to go.

[Sugarfoot]

No time to take more photos yet, but here is the link to my Picasa album for this trailer. There are some interior shots. These pics were sent by the previous owner when discussing purchase. As soon as a saw them I knew this was the one, even knowing full well it needs a total resto from the ground up.

[robandzoe]

Good luck... take pictures along the way on the recovery. Looking forward to seeing the trailer without all the stuff on the road side... that awning type thingy.

Good luck Dacia,

Rob

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Good luck... take pictures along the way on the recovery. Looking forward to seeing the trailer without all the stuff on the road side... that awning type thingy.

Good luck Dacia,

Rob

Rob,

Now come on, I kinda liked the trailer trash siding.

I wondered when you would find this thread.

Bill

[robandzoe]

Bill,

I knew Dacia had scored a 50s big trailer... possibly a SOTR....

Dacia,

Does it have one of these "Sovereign of the Road" plaques on it... true proof that it's a true SOTR!

Rob

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Bill,

I knew Dacia had scored a 50s big trailer... possibly a SOTR....

Dacia,

Does it have one of these "Sovereign of the Road" plaques on it... true proof that it's a true SOTR!

Rob

That SOTR plaque is cool, got one for sale?

Bill

[flyfshr]

Wow! How did I miss all this excitement? Congratulations are definitely in order Dacia, for acquiring a '56 and a whaletail to boot. You'll have to keep us up to date on all of your restoration work, in fact, now would be a great time to start a blog.

Safe travels for the rest of your journey.

Brad
FF

[overlander63]

Dacia, Nissan put the 7 pin connector only on the truck to save money. I have several 7 to 4 pin adapters, they are pretty cheap, and you can get them from most any auto parts store. They just plug in like a 7 pin trailer plug, and the 4 pin plugs in to that. I'm sure you know this by now, tho...

[Sugarfoot]

In Tuscaloosa tonight and only 250 miles to go. There's a lot of washboard highway between Dallas and Chattanooga. All rivets are holding and nothing has shaken loose.

We are just trailing behind the weather front missing the rain by only an hour or two. Good thing too ~ We were only able to get the open vents sealed up from the inside.

[Sugarfoot]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

. . . Once you get a chance could you snap a photo of the painting by the door. I am curious as to what it says. Lettering on the trailers is making a come back and I am always curious to see how it was done originally. So will we see him at CBR this year?

Frank, ask and you shall receive, but no fabulous graphics here.

The Reeds, with 6 kids were the previous owners since 1997. They used vinyl peel-and-stick lettering. The Coffmans were the owners since 1956. They used peel-and-stick metal lettering. Kate died in 1988. I doubt Chuck used the trailer much before his death in 1997. I do know they loved this Airstream. It's even mentioned in Chuck's obituary.

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Bill,

I knew Dacia had scored a 50s big trailer... possibly a SOTR....

Dacia,

Does it have one of these "Sovereign of the Road" plaques on it... true proof that it's a true SOTR!

Rob

Elvis has no lovely crown on his ID. This is all the badging I've got. Fred Caldwell told me California didn't do well badging trailers with model plates during this time. BUT, he has a California sales flyer for an SOTR that is identical to my trailer. That's pretty strong evidence that mine was built and sold as an SOTR.

Tell ya what, I'll trade my Wally Byam's ship wheel plaque that you've been wanting so badly for your SOTR plaque. Deal??

Don't worry. Nothing compares to your Sweet Sovereign of the Road . . . . yet.

Originally Posted by overlander63

Dacia, Nissan put the 7 pin connector only on the truck to save money. I have several 7 to 4 pin adapters, they are pretty cheap, and you can get them from most any auto parts store. They just plug in like a 7 pin trailer plug, and the 4 pin plugs in to that. I'm sure you know this by now, tho...

Thanks, Terry. Yep, know it now. I could have sworn I had a stock 4 pin built in to the Titan. Did I check before? NOOOooo. I couldn't just adapt the 7 to 4 pin or I'd loose the trailer brakes. After several "go 8 miles and turn left" kind of referrals, I finally found a plug and play adapter that gave me a 7 AND 4 pin. Now I have towing lights AND brakes.

[slowmover]

A daunting amount of work, but, whoa, what a cool Airstream!!

[Melody Ranch]

I see a damaged SOTR being sold for parts...in the classified section. Maybe the "Crown" badge is there. Very nice project!!

[drag'nwagon]

Congrats SF, you can keep heading north and drop that off here! Wanna talk about a trade? Ike for Elvis?

[Ike T]

Originally Posted by drag'nwagon

Wanna talk about a trade? Ike for Elvis?

I already got traded for a trailer once, thank you very much.

[robandzoe]

Tell ya what Dacia,If I can get that plaque with the Nautical wheel with Wally on it, I'll get Steve at Vinage Trailer Supply to make some more.... and I'll get him our SOTR plaque to repro too.Dacia, let me know - that way Elvis can be properly badged! Rob

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Tell ya what Dacia,If I can get that plaque with the Nautical wheel with Wally on it, I'll get Steve at Vinage Trailer Supply to make some more.... and I'll get him our SOTR plaque to repro too.Dacia, let me know - that way Elvis can be properly badged! Rob

Can I have one also or is my Liner too old?

Bill

[Sugarfoot]

I don't ever remember this particular interstate sign looking so good.

He's home! The Tradewind raised one eyebrow as he backed in. Not to worry, the Tradewind isn't going anywhere unless it's camping with me.



Now my Mom's yard is starting to look like Robs, or A-Merry-Can's, or Silverhobby's. On second thought . . . no, they will always have a larger herd.

Tomorrow I'll take care of sealing up the exterior broken roof vents and look him over more closely. I'm just too tired right now.

[Sugarfoot]

Originally Posted by REDNAX

A daunting amount of work, but, whoa, what a cool Airstream!!

Oh yeah, this will be a BIG job. I don't have the time, skills, or muscle to do it myself. I need professional help (no comments from the peanut gallery, please). Elvis will spend some major quality time in Virginia for a complete makeover.

Sorry Frank, the 2009 CBR is out of the question for him.

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Tell ya what Dacia,If I can get that plaque with the Nautical wheel with Wally on it, I'll get Steve at Vinage Trailer Supply to make some more.... and I'll get him our SOTR plaque to repro too.Dacia, let me know - that way Elvis can be properly badged! Rob

Have your peeps call mine, and we'll talk at the CBR.

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Can I have one also or is my Liner too old?

Bill

One is NEVER too old!

[Sugarfoot]

Elvis got a bath today. It only broke the surface of the first layer of dirt. And that butt ugly trailer trash siding is off the streetside. Let there be light!

Got a good look at the exterior. There are two very shallow dents or depressions in the skin on the roof lines, two small dents in the band around the belly pan, and area on a rear end panel that looks like someone backed against a small tree limb. At 52 years of age I expected worse, especially since the PO's report it surviving a "tornado". It must not have been a direct hit, but that's when the roof vent covers were broken. I haven't even begun cleaning up the interior.

Especially since it will be gutted during resto, I'm creating an "as found" photo documentation of the SOTR like I did for the Tradewind. You can find it at the 1956 SOTR album on Picasa. It is a work in progress. I got a few shots tonight before angering some resident wasps with their eviction notice. Here are some of the neat things I've found in Elvis so far.

I'm guessing it's an original Humphrey lamp. The porch light I found above the fridge rolling around in a cupboard. I'm shocked it made it home in one piece.

The original owner's son told the PO this fan was a factory item. I wouldn't be surprised based on how it is installed.

There will be more cool stuff to come I'm sure. I haven't even been through the two stacks of original papers and manuals yet.

[robandzoe]

The windows are my favorite part of a SOTR... and yes - they let in the light, but more important - the BREEZE!

$45-50k from now, you'll be sporting a gorgous Whale - Tail!