1956?? Airstream HELP

[Wrightstuff6]

Hi I am new to this forum and know nothing about Airstream except that they are cool and I've always wanted one! There is a local auction that ends Monday night and I am considering going after what they have listed as an 18' 1956 Airstream Trailer. I can't seem to find an 18' trailer on line that matches this one from 56 so I can research it. So two questions:
1. What year and model is this (and any other helpful info and/or links)?
2. Hopefully this question is permissible. I realize one would need to see it to get a really good idea but ballpark, what $ range should I safely offer at auction?
Thanks for any help. This would be a fun restoration project.

[Bubba L]

The serial number seems a little off. But it looks identical to an Ohio built 1956 22’ Safari. Google Vintage Airstream picture Archives and it will show the different years, models and serial number spread. Good luck, Bubba

[rmkrum]

Airstream measures from tongue to rear bumper, and the auction house may have just measured body length. Look at Airstreams noted as a couple feet longer...

[Melody Ranch]

First it is not an 18 ft trailer. What you have is, what appears to me as a front galley Safari. You can reference my posts as Red Barn Safari.

[StevieB]

1. This is a 1954-1956 AIRSTREAM SAFARI. The serial Number will determine the year. It is 21' in overall length.
2. What ever $ you are comfortable with.

StevieB

[Wrightstuff6]

Thanks for the great info so far. This will help in researching cram session that I need to do. I'm still not certain what $ number I should throw out there but hopefully more research will advise me.

[InsideOut]

I concur, it's 1956 Safari 22-footer. Looks very similar to ours (minus the addition of the bunk, we had one too, but different). Looks to be in nice original condition.

The VIN number does seem a little high though (O-6433 was the last known "highest VIN number"), but there could have been more and it's a newly discovered late model '56. I would just be careful that the "5" is an original number on the VIN plate and not stamped over. It also should match any paperwork that might come with it.

Check out this "Price vs Condition" website (if you haven't already), it'll help you figure out it's value and some guidelines for repairs.

Good luck if you decide to bid!

Shari

[Wrightstuff6]

Thanks Shari. I went out and looked at it today and that 5 may be a 3. I guess that might make more sense. Do you have a link for that website? Thank you for taking time to help!

[Wrightstuff6]

I did find the "Price vs Condition" part of the website. Extremely helpful. Thank you, Shari! We'all see what happens tomorrow night.
Bert

[Wrightstuff6]

Ok I did it. I won the 1956 Airstream Safari tonight! I have no idea where to begin but it's gonna be fun. Thanks for everyone's help. Anyone know what this weighs?

[Bubba L]

Originally Posted by Wrightstuff6

Ok I did it. I won the 1956 Airstream Safari tonight! I have no idea where to begin but it's gonna be fun. Thanks for everyone's help. Anyone know what this weighs?

Congratulations. Now the thinking and fun begins. When we brought our 55 home I spent the first night chomping at the bit to get started. I didn’t take as many pre-deconstruction pictures and measurements as I should have. Better to have a bunch of documentation and not need it than have too little and wish you had more. Also, from what I could find, the 55 Safari weighed around 2525 lbs. I would think the 56 originally weighed around 2600 or so. Good luck, ask questions of the forum members and keep us posted. Bubba

[Wrightstuff6]

Great first piece of advice. Thanks Bubba

[HighPlainAS]

We were following the auction. We were interested in a couple of other items. But, the Airstream peaked our interest. It looked in really nice shape for the vintage. We hoped you would succeed in adding it to your family! And you did! May you have joy in this lovely lady. Our Tulla brings smiles to our faces. Even when she is waiting to get on the roads...like now. Dreaming of new adventures helps us endure winters like this one.
Again ..best wishes and congrats.!
Carole

[Wrightstuff6]

Thank you, Carole. We are excited for the adventure to come!

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Wrightstuff6

Thanks Shari. I went out and looked at it today and that 5 may be a 3. I guess that might make more sense. Do you have a link for that website? Thank you for taking time to help!

A little late to the party...

Here's the link to the 1956 Safari page and C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

Shari

[Twinkie59]

Call airstream trailer there's a great girl who works in there parts department who deals with historic trailers. How much do you want to pay. I purchased a 59 caravaner for an awesome deal. Money is no object but it depends on why your purchasing it. As a flip or as you will give it away at 80 years old and keep it alive....
It looks like a caravaner could be a falcon though window configuration, I would pay free 99 to 3k personally but I am not everyone else.

[Wrightstuff6]

Well I have been digging into the trailer and things are going better than I expected. Just about everything in there is original except for the refrigerator. After some work The electrical is in good shape but vintage. The gas works with the gaslamp, the stove, oven, and I even got the panel ray wall furnace to work perfectly. I feel fortunate that none of these took much to get going. I don't think this trailer was used a whole lot but that is just a guess. I can tell that the copper waterlines may need to be replaced and I am wondering how to get the water pump working. Can anyone point me to a thread on how this works and is hooked up on a trailer of this vintage? Also, what is the best pad and upholstery on line source? Thanks everyone