My New 1962 Overlander Project

[BarryIowa]

My wife was in Denver at a wedding but we could not be derailed from our maiden voyage. The boys and I (plus Lola, our dog) had a great time in Jester Park in Iowa. It isn't far from home - probably a good idea for a first camp out. As you can see from the missing propane tanks, we had electricity but little else in the way of amenities. I have aluminum tanks with gauges purchased but my lines are bad and I don't want to replace them until I deal with the floors. Lots of people stopped by to take a gander. My brother Brad, a fellow Airstreamer, says to get used to it. It's all part of the fun.

Now, back to work polishing. Good times.

[flyfshr]

The memories of this inaugural camping trip will be ingrained in all of your memories that will last a lifetime. I'll bet everyone had a great time doing nothing at all. Good show.

My word, those kids are getting big.

Brad
FF

[BarryIowa]

Indeed. They are eating me out of house and 2nd home

[utee94]

Man that is one nice-looking rig. Overlanders rule!

Glad to hear you had a good time, they will just keep on getting better no doubt.

-Marcus

[BarryIowa]

I do, however, apologize to all of you "Airstream" crackheads. I am truly sorry for not supplying any crack "updates" for you. I had an awesome call the other day. The neighbors of the original owner of my Airstream kept my email address and promised to contact me if any other items showed up. To my amazement, the original paperwork in mimiograph format complete in 60's colors of paper was found. I went and picked it up right away - there were articles on how to clean your new Airstream, the Dometic Fridge, gopher holes, the whole nine yards.

[BarryIowa]

Hi all,
I'm sorry about the "crack" comment in my previous post. I can tell from the lack of responses that it didn't sit well. I really do appreciate all of the help I have been given from friends on this site. I can't wait for spring to come around so I can get back to work!

Cheers,
Barry

[Frank's Trailer Works]

it must not have the same crack effects on you as it does us crack heads... keep working, beat winter at it's own game. Defy it by working on your trailer.

[utee94]

No kidding, I certainly didn't take offense. Not even Frank offends me, and that's saying something!

Keep it up, looking forward to more updates on your progress.

Any plans for a brother-brother Airstream get-together in the future?

[BarryIowa]

If I keep making progress and gas stays kind of low - you bet! Brad, how about we meet in the mountains in Colorado? It's about in the middle.

I heard second hand of a former Air Stream dealer in Missouri that has tons of left over parts. I need new torsion axles and this friend told me he would get me some more details - I'll share what I learn. This friend was a Winnebego traveling sales rep for 25 years.

[flyfshr]

That would probably be Colaw's in Missouri. I've heard of it but can't remember where it is. Colorado would be great. I could get in some trout fishing. We still have two other brothers to get into vintage Airstreaming though.

Brad
FF

[Jim & Susan]

Here ya go, boys: COLAW RV PARTS & SALVAGE | WE HAVE YOUR PART!

I've purchased several used items from them and am very happy with thier service and pricing. Nice folks, easy to deal with.

So what's holding up the other 2 brothers?

Jim

[flyfshr]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

...So what's holding up the other 2 brothers?

Jim

The correct dosage and exposure to aluminitus at proper intervals.

Brad
FF

[BarryIowa]

I've started looking into replacing my old, stiff and sagging axles. Inland RV quoted me $1500 for a pair of loaded axles including hubs, bearings, brakes, lug nuts and shock mounts. Does this sound about right?

[Lumatic]

Here's a photo of my 62 Ambassador. Haven't started the work yet. It went around the world on the 63-64 caravan. I'll follow yur progress with baited breath.

[LHall]

Originally Posted by 62-Lander

I've started looking into replacing my old, stiff and sagging axles. Inland RV quoted me $1500 for a pair of loaded axles including hubs, bearings, brakes, lug nuts and shock mounts. Does this sound about right?

Yes, that sounds right. That is what we paid for ours a couple of years ago. Does that include the freight? I think the frieght was around $150 since we had residential delivery and required a truck with a lift gate. It is cheaper if you can have them delivered to a commercial address. That was the single best improvement we have made to our trailer. I would recommend that you order them with the 35 degree down angle which will raise your trailer about 4 inches giving you nice clearance. It makes using the portable grey tank much easier as it fits right under the rear of the trailer.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I just changed mine out. Bought them from GSM. $1160 with shipping. Fully loaded and powder coated. I do recommend you ask for the brackets to be un-drilled, or not pre-drilled. That way you can put your own holes where you want them. None of the holes will line up weather you buy the Axis from GSM or Henchen from Inland on the 1962. Axis also come with the shock mount all ready welded on.

I specified that I not go up with the new axles. I prefer the classic low rider look. When sitting level, the wheel well line is right at the top of the rim. This will allow the axle experts to tell me I need new axles every time they look.

[gnored]

Neat! I have one just like it. Mine's been hurt in different ways, but I couldn't wait to get everything fixed. I just moved in, moved to West Texas, and I ain't lookin back!

I'm enjoying your pictures.

Gary

[BarryIowa]

Hey Frank,
Once again, thanks for the advice. You axles look fantastic! And they are even power coated. Those axles should outlive us all!

Dexter also has axles and I have located a local shop that will do the work. I'm going to take the AS over to the shop so they can take all of the measurements. The Dexter axles only cost about $300 per axle plus shipping and another $300 to do the install so the whole thing should cost around $1000. Big upgrade for safety, ride and peace of mind.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

That is an excellent price. I had expected the job to go a little smoother, but in the end it came out very well. If I had been offered $300 installed I would have jumped all over it.

There are a few 62 Overlanders out there. The Overlander must have been very popular in 1962, or maybe they were just made well and lasted. Regardless, we should all have a 1962 Overlander rally somewhere.

[BarryIowa]

Hey Gary,
Welcome to the club! I look forward to see pictures of your progress. This really is a fun hobby and icing on the cake is being able to camp and travel all the while improving the trailer. Or if you're living it in full time, the progress is even more important.