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BradS · 03-14-2010, 06:55 PM

A few weeks ago I brought home a 1957 Overlander. Tandem axel, 13 panel endcaps and most of the original interior. I expected to find rotten wood in the floor and a few other blemishes. I was ready to take on a shell off remodel and I was eager to start work.

This past week in Minnesota it rained and rained and rained. I guess it was as good a time as any to search for leaks.As you can see in the photo I have at least one that needs to be addressed.

Its my understanding the damage was caused by a tree. And yes I bought it this way.Someone else went through the heart break of finding the trailer with a tree on it.I get the pleasure of making it better.

The first task has been taking out enough interior to get to the damaged ribs.I look forward to putting it back together. Once the first two ribs were exposed it was just a matter of jacking, pounding and prying them back into shape. The next step will be to start replacing the damaged segments on the front endcap. Once that is done I will start on the back end. Apparently the tree that damaged the front end had a friend.

Im looking forward to seeing how this all ends up

**wahoonc** · 03-14-2010, 07:05 PM

UGLY!

But at least you have the segments that are made from flat metal

Have fun with the rehab. My '75 is STILL undergoing it's 120 step...

Aaron

BradS · 03-14-2010, 07:11 PM

I was looking at a 1964 that needed alot less work. Because I could make the segments for the 57 I became very interested. I do carpentry for work so I have some experience in remodel/rebuilding.

I got the ribs back into shape today so Im just looking forward now

tinman54 · 03-28-2010, 02:43 PM

Jan and I are looking forward to watching your work as well. Your excitement is very motivating, I really want to get back at the 54.

Silverfoxrae · 03-30-2010, 12:22 PM

How is the rest of the trailer? More pix please :-) Looking forward to watching this one come back!!

Rae

DaveFL · 03-30-2010, 03:28 PM

Easy leak solution, look for the duct tape. ;-)
How will you seal new panels in place?

BradS · 01-01-2011, 02:43 PM

After letting this trailer sit all summer I just started fixing the leak I found. So far this project has not been to bad. I took a few segments off and Ill try to flatten them to use as templates.The right side segments appear to be mirror images of the left side segments.

beckybillrae · 01-01-2011, 05:54 PM

Wowie! That's a big job & a BIG leak! Good luck with your project!

tinman54 · 01-01-2011, 08:55 PM

Looks good Brad, let me know if you want to borrow the bead roller for a while!

ts8501 · 01-02-2011, 08:24 AM

It seems to me that your trailer looks very farmiliar........

mello mike · 01-02-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ts8501

It seems to me that your trailer looks very farmiliar........

Man, I'd love to have a garage like that to work on mine!

ts8501 · 01-02-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mello mike

Man, I'd love to have a garage like that to work on mine!

So would we Mike! We are renting this space this winter (6 months). The owner heats it to a perfect working temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the temperature outside is a balmy 7 degrees (-5 degrees wind chill), it is the only way to work on an Airstream in Minnesota in winter.
-Tim

345bill · 01-02-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mello mike

Man, I'd love to have a garage like that to work on mine!

Mike- Those exact thoughts were going thru my head when I scrolled down and saw your reply.
Not having a shop that it will fit inside sure limits what I'd like to do on the motorhome.

Can't wait to see both of these when they're finished.

BradS · 01-14-2011, 08:12 AM

Last night I picked up the first 8 segments from the sheet metal shop.
I cut out oversized blanks using the old segments as templates. Road side is a mirror image of the curb side so I was able to fabricate close replacements even for the most damaged segments.
I chose to have a local shop form the edge bead and they did a great job. Now I need to cut the segments to length and start drilling holes. I hope to start putting the endcap back together within a week.