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submariner · 06-06-2011, 06:41 PM

about 3 month ago, we decided to get us another project. After restoring a 74 Sovereign and a 66 Tradewind, we found a 59 Overlander. At first sight, i was tempted to just walk away, but somehow, my Wife saw potential.

After some negotiation with a very friendly couple , who are Airstream lovers as well, but just could not take on the project anymore, we hooked up and pulled her home. A normally 1 1/2hour trip took us 4 hours, going very slowly and changing the tires.. twice..

here is what we got :

submariner · 06-06-2011, 06:50 PM

here some of the “not so good” photos

as you can see in the photos,the rear frame had a piece of steel tubing inserted on each side, so the rear does not fall out

submariner · 06-06-2011, 06:57 PM

Just in case you wonder.
when we purchased the AS , I was full aware of the extend of work it will take, to resurrect this one.

here some more “before” pictures

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:09 PM

the following weekend was “demolition Time”

We removed the entire interior, and all interior walls to prepare for “lift off”
the first picture shows the damage to the frame due to the “dent” in the roof.. I guess i will fix that later

After re-enforcing the interior with some 2x4 , drilling out (god knows how many) Rivets and about 40hrs of labor , i had the Airstream evenly spread out in my yard..

. Part in my Shed, the body in one corner and the frame in my carport

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:13 PM

the following weekend was a great success: i trimmed the frame of all rotten parts, installed a new hitch, cooler and a chair:

Im ready to go camping

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:15 PM

here some of the " left over"

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:21 PM

After getting some steel, i could finally start to built a frame.
I overlaid the new main frame rails to get the correct size.

In case you wonder, yes i did measure everything before i cut it apart and made a CAD drawing showing all necessary dimensions for building the frame.

HiHoAgRV · 06-06-2011, 07:32 PM

Wow...that's all I can say...WOW!

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:44 PM

Ok.. 3 month after hauling her home, here are the current pictures:

i have the frame welded and primed.I re-used whatever steel was not rotted and replaced the rest. I will do the Topcoat in Silver next weekend.
The next step is to restore the axle, and install a new holding tank in the center, before i continue with the floor. Yes, the holding tank will go in the Center as well as the Bathroom later.

Now, from here on, it will be a very very slow process.. so feel free to comment and stick with me on this. any advice is always appreciated

I will keep you guys Updated and post pictures as i go along..

Ohh by the way , i almost forgot one thing : THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU, for this great forum and all the help you can get here.

HiHoAgRV · 06-06-2011, 07:51 PM

Well something is NOT right...your centerline stringers are entirely too straight! the originals wander left...then right...then back left...

Great craftsmanship!

Long Beach huh?...shrimp season opened last weekend, right?...me's getting an idea...

submariner · 06-06-2011, 07:55 PM

no, its the way , i took the photo.. i tried to put them in as crooked as the factory did

Someday'59 · 06-06-2011, 08:27 PM

Great progress so far! That frame sure looks familiar. We're also restoring a single axle '59 Overlander.

nmbosa · 06-06-2011, 08:35 PM

Nice work. Looking forward to following your progress. I love the old O-landers. Wish more of you were up in my neck of the woods. Seems everyone is down south. Hmm - might have to make a trip down there.

Silverfoxrae · 06-07-2011, 05:24 AM

Congratulations on your new kid...
Can't wait to get moving with mine. The last remaining boats are seeing the "light" (so we can get her inside the shop)--so I can start soon!

funkill · 06-07-2011, 06:42 AM

WOW - you knew the work involved and still took it on! Congrats. Wish I was so motivated....

Laura

submariner · 06-07-2011, 08:10 AM

if you are crazy enough , to take on a project like this, might as well expect the worst..and if you find something usable in the deal.. well ...be happy.

So far i could re-use a part of the frame, the axle is good and all appliances work and are in a good shape. i only have one window glass broke, but all windows open. and i have a bunch of spare parts.. so im happy

( at least , thats what i am try to convince myself)

bredlo · 06-07-2011, 09:04 AM

Boy was that some instant satisfaction! First shots when you brought it home, demo, body off, and a sparkling new frame. Love it - keep up the great work!

submariner · 06-07-2011, 05:05 PM

quick question : 3/4” or 5/8” plywood for the floor?

Colin H · 06-07-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by submariner

quick question : 3/4” or 5/8” plywood for the floor?

5/8"
Colin

submariner · 07-03-2011, 04:33 PM

Some more progress:

i got the final coat of paint on the Frame. The Axles was totally disassembled, cleaned and all hardware replaced. For now, i just stuck the drums and wheels back on to reclaim my car-port :-)

it will be a long journey to get the Overlander back together. But I hope by next year camping season, i will have her ready.

Btw: I want to put the end-caps back into the AS, so they are not sitting any longer in the weather. Is there an alternative Paint , that i can use, to re-paint the interior walls, besides Zolatone ? what do you guys use?