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Old 08-27-2005, 07:03 PM   #1
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I took the BIG PLUNGE - 1964 Safari

After much looking I finally found an Airstream to call my own. It is a 1964 Safari. I found it on Craigslist up in Portland on Tuesday (8/17) and was up there buying it the next afternoon.

My big mistake was trying to tow the trailer without load leveling or sway control. I was all over the freeway. Needless to say I didn't get much further than a mile or two. I was fortunate enough the next moring to stumble across Van Specialties in Lake Oswego. They got my load leveling hitch properly installed and also added sway control (how did people ever tow these without it??). I also had them perform the requisite wheel, tire, and brake inspections, as well as a repack on the bearings. While I was at it I updated the breakaway switch, installed new tow chains, and had them replace the plug for the lighting and brakes. A few new bulbs on the running lights and I was good to go. I cannot speak highly enough about the helpfulness of Litch and his crew at Van Specialties (how I wish they were down here in Silicon Valley).

I am currently undoing some major sins the PO had done to the interior, but the good news is that the outer skin seems amazingly straight and blemish free for a 41 year old trailer. The biggest challenge seems to be that my wife and kids want to go camping right away, but I've got things I need/want to do to the trailer first.

Happy Travels

-Todd

By the way, if you're wondering, the picture of the trailer in tow was taken at a rest stop on the north side of Mount Shasta.
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Old 08-27-2005, 07:07 PM   #2
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Congrats! She really looks good. You might want to check into installing one of these for security.

http://www.suburbanautogroup.com/videos/4.htm
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Old 08-27-2005, 07:08 PM   #3
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I Love The Trunk Monkey!!!! He's The Greatest!!!!
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Old 08-27-2005, 07:21 PM   #4
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Nice find ! Good thing I didn't see it on CL. whew ! enjoy !


Chris
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Old 08-27-2005, 09:57 PM   #5
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Great Trailer . . . and I love your Land Cruiser, how did it do over the Siskiyou Pass?

(and Tin Hut, thanks for the 5 minutes of laughter watching Trunk Monkey commercials)
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Old 08-27-2005, 10:02 PM   #6
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Welcome

Todd-
Congrats on finding what looks like a great vintage Safari!! There are a bunch of others in Silicon Valley, and you're welcome to try and join us in Pismo Beach for outing in early October.. (search here for Nor Cal Pismo to see messages..)

The dealer in Los Banos is a long drive, but does good work and can help with fixups if needed... There are several other "restorer's" in the area as well (Check progress of Ingrid and her total restoration in Alameda..)

John McG
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Old 08-28-2005, 12:03 AM   #7
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Thanks for the accolades. Although let me tell you that it looks better in the pictures than in person - but give me a little time

The Land Cruiser did fine on the flats and mild hills, but those two passes coming back into California were a challenge. Lets just say that I was crawling up some of those long grades with the big rigs. My biggest fear was the downhill sides, but with the fully functioning trailer brakes and my newly installed brake controller, they were no sweat.

I appreciate this forum and its vast knowlege and look forward to putting it to good use on my trailer.

Happy Travels!!!

-Todd

One last question: Has anyone out there ever towed an Airstream with a late 60's to early 70's Oldsmobile Cutlass - My plan is to put my 69' into service and go for the whole retro look.
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Old 11-12-2006, 02:23 PM   #8
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1964 22' Safari
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We found one this spring. The rigth size with all we need . Ours had some restoration of the plumbing, electricity and gaz plus airconditioning . We try it this summer.

JPS
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Old 11-12-2006, 02:27 PM   #9
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A warm welcome and congratulations too.
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Old 11-12-2006, 03:02 PM   #10
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Very nice find! Can't wait for more pics!
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Old 09-30-2007, 11:49 AM   #11
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1964 22' Safari
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Congrats! We've had ours since last fall and have become very attached to it. Planning new floors and interior for this winter.

Dave n Suzanne
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