For Sale $800

[muddy_hollow]

That's the sign that I saw while rubber necking down a back road near my house the other week. The owner wasn't home but I called the number several times and he was leaving on vacation, so left me the keys in the mailbox. Once he got back, we settled on the price and I pulled it home today. It's a 1956 Airstream Caravanner 22'.

The interior is very original. I've attached a couple pictures, but with the exception of the fridge the rest is orig. It looks as if at one point the PO replaced the floor and from the vantage points I have above the belly skin the frame looks in very good shape with the exception of the A frame and where the frame rails stick out to the bumpers, which look pretty rough. I had thought that I would need to get the fram redone but after closer inspection it looks better than expected.

The trailer has the original water tank, pump, heater, fan, toilet, and fuse box.

The bonus on this was that the owner had owned Airstreams in the past and asked me if I wanted any old parts. We proceeded to the shed and he pulled out the original humprey gas lamp for the trailer AND a 50s airstream aluminum tire cover "Perfect Towing Airstream".

The serial number is 9090 which would make it number 89 for 1956 and for being 50 years old, the old girl is in pretty good shape.

So, now the big question.... what have others done to their 50s trailers to add in tanks and a shower. The wife loves it but would like to have a little more than just a black water tank.....

Thanks!

Doug

[68 Overlander]

Good find! There's just not that many 50 something units in better condition unless they have been restored. Nice.

[GO Bob]

I'm jelous. Looks like a great rig at a steel. I'm always looking for a jewel like that.

[asta2]

I'm positively green-eyed - congrats and enjoy applying the elbow grease.

[Mel]

Wow - congrats on that find. No way I could have passed that one up either! Have fun -

[BeBop]

WOWEEE!!!

Quite a find, and appears to be in excellent shape for its' age. More pictures, please! If I had the acreage, I would have more than one right now.

Is the skin in good shape?

I like the interior... especially the radius bathroom opening, and those pre-CCD, CCD overhead cabinets...just add translucent plexiglass, and there you have it.

From what I understand, adding tankage, with a little frame modification, is doable. Use the search function, and if that doesn't work, consult a marine supply company. As I own a number of boats, I know you can adapt almost anything for gray/black tanks. As a backup solution, you could always use something like an Incinolet for the commode.

Congratulations Doug! Keep us updated!

[muddy_hollow]

The skin is in great shape with the exception of a brush by mark on the street side. Other than that it's all there. The vents are in need of some re-sealing but overall it's in great shape. Some PO loved her and put some time in keeping her in good shape.

There is black water tank there now but I have no idea how big it is. I am considering removing it and flattening out the bathroom to add in a shower/wet bath and a marine toilet with a macerator. I was thinking of adding tanks under the bed since there is space. Use macerators and pump them out when needed vs. gravity systems. What do you think?

I'll post some more pictures this week.

[muddy_hollow]

When did Airstream start insulating with fiberglass under the floor?

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by muddy_hollow

When did Airstream start insulating with fiberglass under the floor?

At least in 1954, as my Liner had insulation under the floor.

Bill

[muddy_hollow]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

At least in 1954, as my Liner had insulation under the floor.

Bill

The missing insulation and the better areas of the floor lead me to believe that this rig was partially renovated. It is in fantastic shape and I am guessing that sometime in the late 70s, early 80s this was redone. Time to find the PO - PO....

In any event, I'm going to do the full Monty and do a frame off restoration to it. Next summer should be fun

Doug

[Foiled Again]

But they are positively PEA GREEN with ENVY now. Wow! What a great find! I agree with others, more pictures. Please!

I'm not even a restorer, but for one like that... and at that price...Yeah Baby!

Paula

[moosetags]

What a neat Airstream!We also would like to see more pictures of the outside.

[klattu]

How can you sleep at night?

Go back and give that guy some money...you stole it!

[muddy_hollow]

Originally Posted by moosetags

What a neat Airstream!We also would like to see more pictures of the outside.

I put some more pictures on my blog.

Now that I have the interiour out, I have a better understanding of the amount of work to be done. TONS.

Re: Sleeping... just fine.

[bedfords]

Good for You! I don’t buy anything unless it’s a deal. Enjoy every minute of it.

Joe

[vajeep]

Thanks for the blog site! It brings me great joy to see a Vintage that has a new owner!!!

Keep those photos comming!!!

Abe

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by muddy_hollow

There is black water tank there now but I have no idea how big it is.

The black tank should be ten gallons. Enough for a weekend "out", as long as you are careful.