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p.dow · 02-16-2004, 04:43 PM

hello - i am looking at a 1957 overlander. its towing yolk has rust through. the frame is severley rusted.the floor is drooping through the rear undercarrige.
the shell is in very good condition as well as the windows. the interior is dank, but it is all there and in restorable shape.

i am wondering how to get this project home since i am sure it can not be towed.

i am also wondering if anyone has info on fabricating a new frame and then placeing the body/floor onit ?
can it be done ?

thanks

paul
dunedin, fl

InsideOut · 02-16-2004, 05:18 PM

Quote:

i am wondering how to get this project home since i am sure it can not be towed.

Flat bed truck...

There are several threads on "frame off restorations"...use the search feature & you'll get lots of info to get you started in the right direction.

Sounds like a lot of work to me...hope the price is right~

Shari

flyfshr · 02-16-2004, 05:29 PM

Hey Paul - as Shari said, "I hope the price is right." I also hope you have a close friend at the metal supply warehouse and also a friend that's a good welder, unless you can do the welding and fabrication yourself. Once this is done, you should have a trouble-free unit as far as the chassis is concerned. Sounds like there is enough of the interior to work with. If you like a challenge then I say go for it. Post some pictures when you can.

FF

p.dow · 02-16-2004, 05:42 PM

ok
i will check out the recommended search topic.

i have a hobart 175 mig . if it is sufficient to do the job i will use it .

i will post some pics of it tomorrow (as it sits in its delapadated state).

thanks
paul

wahoonc · 02-16-2004, 06:35 PM

Paul,
That mig unit should do it just take your time and don't try to push it. We use the similar Miller unit at work to weld 1/4"-3/8" steel in the field. You have to give it a chance to cool off every now and again but it will get the job done.

Aaron

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:02 PM

i am wondering... what would low and high purchase price range be for this ???

thanks
paul

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:04 PM

looks like i only know how todo attach one pic at a time for right now....

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:06 PM

pic3

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:07 PM

pic4

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:07 PM

pic5

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:15 PM

#6

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:16 PM

#7

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:17 PM

#8

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 02:23 PM

forum system is full of these pics
i had 3 more showing full length wall heater grate that is just to your left as you step in (next to sink cabinet/counter area),
the stove, the toilet. all pretty crusty.
hope you enjoy the pics.
paul

flyfshr · 02-17-2004, 02:29 PM

Wow Paul. Looks like a project. You'ld have a great trailer when you're done. You can post pictures at AirstreamPhotos.com by clicking on the 'photos' button under one of your posts. Log in info is the same as on this site. Should be able to load a bunch of photos there. I, for one, would like to see the rest of your new baby.

FF

MarkE · 02-17-2004, 03:00 PM

Paul, Upon reading your 1st post I thought that this project was prob. not worth all the exspence, time, & effort. BUT, after viewing the photos I say, "As long as you can buy the trailer cheaply and have the ability to do the frame work yourself: Go For It!"
The coach shell appears to be in fine condition and that IMO makes this project one that is certainly worth considering.
Be sure to check out those threads concerning frame work and 'frame-off' restorations ('always seemed to me it should be called "off-frame'. Oh well) both on this forum and at the Vintage Airstream Club site.
It also appears that you'd have enough of the interior to work from.
Good Luck and keep us posted on your decision and progress.

markdoane · 02-17-2004, 03:24 PM

One thing I found very interesting was the aluminum fully rivetted interior endcap in the first picture. Must be very strongly built.

InsideOut · 02-17-2004, 03:35 PM

Quote:

i am wondering... what would low and high purchase price range be for this ???

You may want to check out this Price vs Condition Link to get an idea on the price.

Shari

p.dow · 02-17-2004, 03:44 PM

that would be the pic of the bathroom sink i think.
all those rivets are prestine in appearance.

i am wondering what i ought to offer the lady who owns it.
she really does want to have it out of there but she is not ready to give it away just to have it hauled away......? any thoughts?

thanks
paul

i will put all the pics i have of this as it sits right now- on the photo site link - later tonight.

paul