64 vs 66 Overlander

[azarellanos]

Hello,
We're brand new to airstream and this forum. We have a question about VIN numbers. This trailer was advertised as a 1962. We drove 3 hr to see it. The seller then told us it was a 1966. However, it does not look like other1966 overlanders. We think it is most likely a 1964. We're not sure how to evaluate the VIN. Here is a picture of the VIN. 142s52696405 on my regestration.
thx

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kX2fFHuqSCL1HqLd6

[azflycaster]

The VIN does not match the formats for that era. The 2nd and 3rd digits should be the length of the trailer, so 42 does not make any sense. Could you post additional pictures?

[samb]

What year does the title say?
Sam

[66Overlander]

The Airstream California Plant used a unique serial number format in 1964 only.

142S5269 is the serial number, and it decodes as follows:
1 = International Trim
4 = 1964 Model Year
2 = Twin Beds
S = Santa Fe Springs Plant
5 = 26' Overlander
269 = Production Sequence Number, the 269th 1964 26' built in California

6405 is the build date of May 1964.

[InsideOut]

'64's are my favorite '60's trailers.

More pictures please....

Shari

[azarellanos]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/r68Bb67mwNCuSj6LA

the tail lights, door and louvered windows don't seem to match a 1966

[azarellanos]

Originally Posted by samb

what year does the title say?
Sam

1966

[azarellanos]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

The Airstream California Plant used a unique serial number format in 1964 only.

142S5269 is the serial number, and it decodes as follows:
1 = International Trim
4 = 1964 Model Year
2 = Twin Beds
S = Santa Fe Springs Plant
5 = 26' Overlander
269 = Production Sequence Number, the 269th 1964 26' built in California

6405 is the build date of May 1964.

THANKS!!! Do you think a title can be corrected?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by azarellanos

THANKS!!! Do you think a title can be corrected?

I suppose each state is different, but I once had success getting the serial number corrected on an Airstream title in Michigan by taking documentation with me to the titling office. If you want to attempt this, taking a copy of the latest Airstream Serial Number Decoder that covers the years 1964 and 1966 would be a good start. Here is a direct link to the latest Airstream VIN Numbers Pre-1980 document in the Document Archive on the Airstream web site:
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...2020-06-16.pdf

1964 is on page 7. 1966 is on page 9.

[lmate]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

The VIN does not match the formats for that era. The 2nd and 3rd digits should be the length of the trailer, so 42 does not make any sense. Could you post additional pictures?

My vin is not true to that 2nd or 3rd number theory. Ours is a 31 foot and it has 27 on the title as numbers 21 and 3. It states on the title 31

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by lmate

My vin is not true to that 2nd or 3rd number theory. Ours is a 31 foot and it has 27 on the title as numbers 21 and 3. It states on the title 31

If yours is really a 1981 Airstream, then it has a true government mandated 17-character VIN, as Airstream adopted the 17-character VIN for the 1981 model year. The year character will be in 10th position and will be the letter "B" for 1981. Here is a link to the 1981 and after Airstream VIN decoder:
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...80-guide-4.pdf

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by lmate

My vin is not true to that 2nd or 3rd number theory. Ours is a 31 foot and it has 27 on the title as numbers 21 and 3. It states on the title 31

My comment was addressing earlier production trailers.