Visit our Popular Forums

Racnreno · 12-13-2012, 09:51 AM

UPDATES..and why this is getting harder.
If you read through my original thread, you have an idea of where I'm at with this project. Now the decision process is getting really tough.

After some moderate cleanup (inside & out) I've started to really bond with the old thing. Here's what I found..

All the lighting fixtures are original and they all work.
The floor appears to be solid throughout. No stand-out soft spots. Yes the carpet tiles will need to be removed to verify.
The exterior skin will clean up no problem. In fact, it looks a ton better after washing it twice.
Front and rear acrylic (plexi) windows are perfect due to the neat cover my uncle put on.
Frig 110V and propane works! on both!
Stove..yep works like new.
I know that my uncle added the cabinet over the front window and removed the dinnet/divan. He had a 70's vintage day bed in the front which I removed.
I believe the frig and the oven/cooktop were installed in the early sixties by an Airstream dealer or at a minimum a very qualified technician. The install is perfect and clean as hell. If the frig had been available in 49 I'd swear it was original! Same with the oven/cooktop.
All the windows and roof vents are original and work.

Here's the big question...Is it possible that the plastic (corrugated) bulkheads fore and aft of the twin beds are original? I've heard NO and I heard "it's possible"! I guess these were sometimes finished by the dealer to customer requirement. Using my investigative skills, I have concluded that they most likely are, in-fact original. The fit and finish match other elements within the trailer exactly. Even the color and finish of the surrounding wood match the drawers in the front! (SEE PICS). The lighting placement looks original as well. Everyone, including a few so-called-experts thinks it could just be original.

So, Whats the problem???? If it is truly original, I might not want to modify anything. That said, I will not end up actually using for camping.

If it's ABSOLUTELY been modified, it will be much easier to strip it and remodel.

Come on peeps...what ya think.

Racnreno · 12-13-2012, 09:59 AM

More interiors shots..note the wood and finish...

Oh and yes, I know the original heater was removed.

Thanks
Racnreno

Racnreno · 12-13-2012, 10:07 AM

Bare with me....few more pics

I found the original registration. I think my great uncle purchased the Liner from this person. When? I have no idea.

I don't know what to do here! HELP. I'd hate to ruin something this pristine and yet want to make it more usable.

Racnreno

Sunland, Ca.

desertair27 · 12-13-2012, 11:46 AM

Wow is all I can say!!! I can't help on any of your questions but you sure have a beautiful trailer.
Why not keep it the way it is? Looks great to me.

dznf0g · 12-13-2012, 01:10 PM

I would go original. It's way to nice to modify IMO.

idroba · 12-13-2012, 01:17 PM

I kinda doubt that the plastic bulkheads are original. However the interior is so nice that I would not modify it too much, if you can live with it. It is a beautiful, rare unit.

desertair27 · 12-13-2012, 02:08 PM

Could the white plastic bulkhead be covering a wood bulkhead? I can sure envision a wood bulkhead that matches the existing wood.

Racnreno · 12-13-2012, 02:11 PM

My initial thought was that...hey, '49, plastic no way. But, after looking closely at the wood surround at the curtains, it is obvious that they were milled, finished and installed at the same time as the drawer face at the front, lower cabinet which I know is original. Check out the pics to see what I mean.