The '57 Overlander project

[lonewolf1977]

Thank you 1happycamper!!! This forum is a fabulous place to gain information, opinions, and ideas. Welcome aboard & welcome to the insanity! LOL

[lonewolf1977]

The Wig Wam is home from the shop. Out of Doors Mart started the belly pan curve in the front & rear, wired my brakes, installed my shocks, installed the door knob, put new gaskets on the access doors, installed the 7 way plug & put in new rivets in the front panel. Time to get started on wiring and plumbing.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Started the curve? What does that mean?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

This is what the front end of belly on a 57 Overlander normally looks like. The vertical face of the belly pan is completely behind the belt line giving you this look when finished. You cannot see any belly unless you get on the ground and look up

[lonewolf1977]

In the pictures I posted, you'll see what was referring to. I will be attaching the belly pan to those pieces you see there. Since some of the belly pan was torn, even up to the rub rail, I opted to have them just replace those pieces.

[lonewolf1977]

One front vent cover blew off on the way to ODM a couple of months ago. Don't think i mentioned that in my previous posts, but since those vent covers are virtually irreplaceable, I bought a fantastic vent to put in it's place. Since that hasn't been installed yet, I've been leaning out of said hole-in-the-roof to strip the front end cap of whatever paint crap the PO used on it. At least I don't have to rent scaffolding, right??

Also started insulating the inside. Still plugging along...

[lonewolf1977]

Wiring has begun! All outlets installed. Getting ready to run wiring for a/c and vents.

[lonewolf1977]

Well, the wiring is 90% complete. The only thing left to wire are the brake lights, license plate light and running lights. We have not installed the vents or the a/c yet, but the wiring has been ran to those areas.
We did a test run on the lights and outlets, everything works! We even wired one set of the sconces as 12v, but the bulbs I have for those get really hot really fast. If anyone has suggestions, I welcome your input. I'm attaching a photo of the warm glow of the original sconce...success!

[57BB]

Those original fixtures are beautiful, I use them in my 50s trailer! Try 40 watt equivalent LED bulbs, very little heat, similar look (warmth) and will last years!


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[B_Boult]

HAHA! If you knew how much your 57 restoration looks like my 55 restoration you would laugh too.
Looking at your wall sconce with the odd random wires in behind Knowing that it will all disappear and be beautiful in the future Kinda made me feel like I am ok with my reno. I am doing mine all by myself and it can, at times feel like I am never going to get to an amazing end.
I guess what I am saying is it was cool to see such a similar situation and to hear about not being able to be there working on your Airstream all the time because it is so far away. Mine is 60 miles away. It is winter and so difficult to go there and move it along.

Some of us just don't have a big shop to work in. It is on a small farm in the rain and snow and I work and sleep around the leaks and dirt and through it all, oddly enough have some weird fun adventure. Sometimes it is crappy and sometimes it is magical.

Have fun. Hope it all works out for you.
Cheers

[lonewolf1977]

You are so right B_Boult! Glad to have you join me on this long road. My trailer is currently at the local Airstream dealer getting my vents & a/c installed. Jobs like that, I leave to the pros. I'm too scared to get on top of the roof. Once I get it back, I'll be able to finish insulation and get the walls back in.

[lonewolf1977]

Got the trailer back on Friday. A/C and vents installed. Out of Doors Mart did an awesome job as always. Now to get the brakes wired and get the walls back in!

[lonewolf1977]

Tail lights wired yesterday & 7 way plug wired in to everything. Only thing left to wire are the running lights & license plate light. Getting our tow vehicle (Jeep Grand Cherokee) wired for the 7 way in a week.

[lonewolf1977]

Installing the interior skins--only 3 pieces left until those are finished! Then I'll clean out all the rivet bits, give it a good sweep, and paint the walls. I'm going for an all over white. I have an appointment to have the propane lines ran in early November. Along with the belly pan install. Looks like we'll have the winter to get the flooring ready and working on the cabinets, beds, and dinette.

[Dingo Girl]

Just found this thread and am enjoying it throughly.

[lonewolf1977]

I sent the trailer off in November to get the belly pan installed and the propane lines ran. Got her back in early February. Since then I've got the interior walls painted and now I'm ready to start putting down the floors and installing the plumbing lines. We actually plan to use the airstream as an aluminum tent for a music festival in April. Can't wait! We actually get the USE it this year!!!!

[Dingo Girl]

Congratulations, That is exciting! I'm in the same boat & will get to use mine this year too. Can't wait.

[lonewolf1977]

Dingo Girl....I hope to see you down the road someday

[Dingo Girl]

Your dog looks a lot like mine.
My upholstery fabric arrived this week. This might just become a reality.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for your trailer.

[lonewolf1977]

Tent status maiden voyage tomorrow! Headed to MerleFest. Air mattress packed & card table dinette ready to roll. This should be interesting Can't wait! We'll have lights and fantastic vents thanks to the battery, but that's it. I did mention tent status, right? I'll post pics soon.