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66Overlander · 02-10-2013, 08:56 PM

Nice '59 Overlander! I saw the relatively local Craiglist ads for that Airstream and the sheets of aluminum and wondered who'd end up with them. I saw the double spare tires on the rear bumper and speculated that that Airstream was built for long distance foreign caravans. I don't think it was on the 1959-60 African caravan, but it may have gone to Mexico or Canada, or maybe even Europe in 1960. Are there any hints of old big red numbers above the front and rear windows? If there are, I could look the number up to see if it was on any caravans.

Regarding restoring a vintage Airstream, it is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun if you're relatively handy. You'll get lots of advice here and may find some local helpers for some of the bigger tasks like body on or off floor replacement, etc.

Good Luck!

Danruehl · 02-10-2013, 09:07 PM

I just found the number shadows. From memory, it's 3202. Or 2302. I'll check in the am. It was previously titled by someone named Kasprzak if that helps.
Thanks,
Dan

66Overlander · 02-10-2013, 09:22 PM

I'll wait for confirmation of the number before doing any detailed research, but in a quick check of the 1960 WBCCI Membership Directory, both 2302 and 3202 were assigned to people that lived in south east Michigan:

2302 - Robert and Barbara Mallery, Flint, MI
3202 - Keith and Irene Arms, South Lyon, MI

Given that you found this Airstream in SE Michigan, either could be the original owners. Neither were listed as having participated on any caravans in the 1960 Directory, but they may have gone on later caravans.

BTW, both 2302 and 3202 were first assigned by the club in 1959, which would be very appropriate for a 1959 Airstream.

worldinchaos · 02-10-2013, 09:27 PM

Looks like a great contender for a beautiful renovation/ restoration/ whatever your heart desires. Looking forward to following the progress.

TouringDan · 02-10-2013, 09:30 PM

Congrats on your new Airstream. Sounds like you are taking the correct approach to saving it and bringing it back to life to be used for the next 50 years. I have a 66 TW which I really love.

I grew up in the Detroit area. I used to go skiing at Mt. Brighton back in the middle 60's. I still have a brother in Brooklyn and a sister in Milan, Mi.

I have been to the tin can tourist rally in Milford, Mi in May. I highly recommend it.

Dan

Danruehl · 02-11-2013, 11:04 AM

OK. a little numbers are time spent at the back. The numbers are 3202. And the dual spare rack is toast. I'm thinking its atleast $100 to rebuild. The main uprights need to be replaced. Then sandblast, new wheels and tires and I've got $500 invested in spare tires I really don't need. Unless the board tells me it's some awesome piece of Airstreamness, I think it's gone.
Dan

KCN · 02-11-2013, 02:46 PM

Dan -

there are some really good current Overlander projects in the 60's for you to look at - the 63 called Moonraker in particular has been posting a fantastic picture tutorial. Colin Hyde Trailer Works has been generous in photographing and sharing their resto process - it's incredibly helpful. I'm doing a 62 that is very similar to your 59. 65CV has a 59 on here with great pics as well. HiHo also - a 63 - you heard from him, he's awesome. The hinges are either original or the replica - can't tell from the picture but they are correct for the door-within-a-door. Aren't they just massive!?? I had to order new ones for mine for $200 so you are lucky. There are pictures of the lifters for the astrodome - just google "astrodome lifters" then images, that's the quickest way I've found. They have replacements at Inland RV in California.

I'm going to PM you a contact name for parts/fixtures/appliancs.

KCN

66Overlander · 02-11-2013, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danruehl

OK. a little numbers are time spent at the back. The numbers are 3202. And the dual spare rack is toast. I'm thinking its atleast $100 to rebuild. The main uprights need to be replaced. Then sandblast, new wheels and tires and I've got $500 invested in spare tires I really don't need. Unless the board tells me it's some awesome piece of Airstreamness, I think it's gone.
Dan

Hi Dan,
OK. #3202 was assigned to Keith and Irene Arms of South Lyon, MI in the 1959 thru 1964 Directories, no caravans.

I am missing the 1965 Directory, but in the 1966 thru 1969 Directories, #3202 is assigned to Joseph and Sara Straub of Northville, MI, no caravans.

In the 1970 thru 1990 Directories, #3202 is assigned to Robert and Carol Anderson of Emmetsburg, IA, one caravan #171 - Eastern Canada Summer 1987. I stopped checking after about 1995.

My guess is that the Arms bought your 1959 Overlander new in 1959 and immediately joined the club. Then most likely in about 1964 or 1965 they sold it to the Straubs, although I have no proof other than the fact that South Lyon and Northville are not too far apart and are not too far from where you purchased it. I do not believe the Andersons ever owned your Overlander. That's all I can offer. Enjoy your Airstream!

P.S. The rear bumper mounted spare tires are a nice vintage thing, but not really good for the trailer. The practice of adding them was discontinued after about 1963 or so. That much weight back there helps promote rear end separation of the shell from the frame. Since there is no proven caravan history for your Overlander there is probably no issue to removing them. In contrast, since my 1962 22' Safari had a rear bumper mounted spare when it was on the 1963-64 Around the World Caravan as can be seen in many period photos, I am maintaining that feature as I restore my trailer.

Danruehl · 02-14-2013, 01:53 PM

Can someone tell me what this is? I'm assuming it's a sewer pipe cap but surprised it has a garden hose attachment. Also, since I wont need it, and assume it's made of unattainium, anyone know what they go for?
And does anyone have a pic of what the fridge is supposed to look like? Mine was painted poorly.
Thanks,
Dan
oh, yeah, ordered wheels (thanks UWE) Tires, a couper rebuild kit and a new step.

Two more days of cleaning/deconstruction and I'm ready for the welder. C'mon axles...

DavidsonOverlander · 02-14-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danruehl

Can someone tell me what this is? I'm assuming it's a sewer pipe cap but surprised it has a garden hose attachment.

The hose connection would be for draining the grey water. It would allow a hose to be used to have it drain onto the ground but away from the trailer. You can still buy sewer caps like that, but made of plastic and intended to fit the modern style of connector.

65CV · 02-16-2013, 11:17 AM

Dan,

Just had the chance to read your thread for the first time -- Congratulations on a '59 Overlander -- great choice!

I echo toastie's recommendation to pull the walls, reinsulate and rewire. I think the Vegas odds on finding stuff inside the walls are strongly against your hopes. Part of ours liked like an oversized ant farm, made by mice instead of ants. I think you'll find the convenience of new wiring essential. It will most likely remove much of that "vintage airstream smell". Finally, if there is mouse urine in the walls, you need to neutralize it or it will literally rot your walls.

I didn't see an answer to your question about end caps. Yes, they are fiberglass. If you do take them down, see my thread for a warning about marking hidden rivets. It will save you a good bit of swearing when it is time to reinstall them.

I saved most parts from our trailer in a box in case someone needed them. When we get home in early March, I'll see if I have a pair of spare Hehr Vent lifters for you.

I look forward to following this thread.

John

enived2 · 02-16-2013, 03:47 PM

I highly recomend calling steve at vintage trailer supply for anything they have that you might need. They are reasonable and are very helpfull. The only problem is that they dont have allot of Airstream specific stuff. Inland does but there service is terrible.

DavidsonOverlander · 02-16-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enived2

Inland does but there service is terrible.

I've never had poor service from Inland RV. Vintage Trailer Supply have made a couple of order errors over the years, but they were quick to fix the problem both times.

I wouldn't hesitate to order from either source.

Danruehl · 02-17-2013, 04:35 PM

already ordered from vintage. Need a new step and a coupler rebuild kit. Need to figure out the grey tank and get that ordered too. I'd like to get something bigger and cheaper than the vintage unit but may end up there anyway. Need to get the floor open & see what I have. Can anyone point me to a mid bath layout on an overlander??

Danruehl · 02-17-2013, 05:41 PM

Hey, we drive thru Milton on our way to Barrie! Love your country, hate your beer prices!!

DavidsonOverlander · 02-17-2013, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danruehl

Hey, we drive thru Milton on our way to Barrie! Love your country, hate your beer prices!!

And we spend a lot of time in Michigan because my wife's family lives in Midland. Love your country, and your gas prices!

Danruehl · 02-17-2013, 09:41 PM

Really? My wife is from Midland too!

65CV · 02-18-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danruehl

.... Can anyone point me to a mid bath layout on an overlander??

Dan,

This sketch is approximate and you will see the reasons why we rejected a rear queen layout. I did this when the Overlander was still at the original owner's, so I don't know which measurements are exact and which are wrong.

Window placement was a big problem. In the end, we're very glad we stuck with the rear bath -- the stand up shower is great!

John

Danruehl · 02-21-2013, 11:53 AM

Did you move the shower? Because as is, there's no way I'm standing up in there!

RivetedRoost · 02-21-2013, 09:18 PM

We're right there with ya, Dan. We have a '60 Overlander, 26-ft. We're not doing shell-off, although we would if our funds were unlimited. I also purchased "Restoring a Dream" and have found it extremely helpful. You can follow along with our journey at The Riveted Roost. Best wishes and we'll chime in with help whenever we can. If you have any Airstream rallies in your area with seminars on vintage models, definitely go and soak up all the info you can. We just returned from the Florida State Rally with tons of info, tips and contacts.

Best,
Kelly & Justin Beard