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afrangos · 07-11-2003, 08:57 AM

Hi everyone.

I'm new to the forum, just having discovered an old airstream on a friend's property. I'm trying to figure out what year it is and anything else relevant about it. The serial number is I300019T, but that doesn't seem to square with the serial number identification systems on the Airstream site (http://www.airstream.com/airstream/p...pre1980vin.pdf). I'm assuming the I is for International, the 30 is for 30 ft, but after that I'm stumped. Is the 00 for 1960? 1970? There's a warranty certificate pasted on the inside of the closet door, but someone ripped most of it out. All that's legible is the serial number and a signature from Andrew J. Charles, President, Airstream Inc..

I've tried to attached a picture (hope it works). I appreciate any help if figuring out what we have here.

Thanks much,
Alex

InsideOut · 07-11-2003, 09:18 AM

Looks like a 60's to me....the door-in-a-door and the "jaulosey" windows are the biggest clues. You may want to check out the Vintage Airstreams Archives. Although the 30' Sovereign is not represented, you will see more similar details to the 60's than the 70's trailers....more photos of yours would help too.

Shari

afrangos · 07-11-2003, 09:31 AM

Thanks for the info Shari. Here is a close up of some emblems.

InsideOut · 07-11-2003, 12:01 PM

Yep, that's a 1960 Sovereign of the Road, 30-footer...do you have any interior pictures?

Shari

Chas · 07-11-2003, 12:27 PM

Looks like Shari takes the prize? I was thinking whatever it is is looks like a lot of work. Are you gonna try to buy it or what?

Sittin' in those weeds look out for the snakes in the bellypan, it's probably got mice and where there's mice there's snakes

Chas

Ken J · 07-11-2003, 12:49 PM

1960 trailers are fairly easy to identify because of that large "Land Yacht" plate that is partially exposed in your picture.

Not too many of those BIG trailers around of that vintage.

Ken J.

53flyingcloud · 07-11-2003, 03:28 PM

Andrew J. Charles, President, Airstream Inc..

Earliest date I've seen on this individual was in the early 50's. Wonder just how long he was President of A/S?
Nice call Shari~
ciao

afrangos · 07-12-2003, 02:30 PM

Thanks all (especially sheri) for the ID help. Here's an interior photo. It's pretty grungy, but there's no water damage or leaks.
(Chas, interesting that you mention mice and snakes. There are plenty of mouse droppings along with a snake skeleton in the shower stall!)
Now comes the hard part, figuring out how much to offer my friend for it. Any ideas, folks?

Alex

j54mark · 07-12-2003, 03:22 PM

"Now comes the hard part, figuring out how much to offer my friend for it. Any ideas, folks?"

I'd start with "give me the title and I wouln't charge you to haul it off", and work - slowly - up from there.

Mark

Ken J · 07-12-2003, 03:26 PM

Alex

Wow looks to me to be a very nice orginal condition trailer. I would put on a resporator and check every along all the edges with an ice pick and look for soft spots. As far as price goes, you may want to check vintageairstream.com price guide - that trailer may be worth a few bucks as is. I would also check underneath and look for any white spots in the belly which would indicate frame rust - when they sit like that its entirely possible for that frame to start rusting. What would be really nice is if you could plug it in and check water and electric. You should then take it to an RV place and check the propane system. Any easy way to check the propane is to light the stove then turn it off. Then 15 min later go back and try to light again - should hold pressure and stay lit for a bit.

Ken J.

InsideOut · 07-12-2003, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Here's an interior photo. It's pretty grungy, but there's no water damage or leaks.

Actually, it looks pretty good to me! I've seen worse in use! Good advice about checking the floor for soft spots & also the resident "creatures"...they could have reeked some unseen havoc that could be costly to repair. Happy negoiating!

Shari

overlander64 · 07-12-2003, 04:22 PM

Greetings Alex!

Welcome to the Forums!

The coach actually appears to be in generally restorable condition that might not require too much other than cleaning and adjustments to have reasonable functionality. The upholstery may be in need of updating, but that seems a part of every Vintage Airstream project. The one thing that I noticed is what I believe to be an outlet for an optional factory patio light - - it was available from the late 1950s through the mid 1960s - - there aren't too many trailers out there that still have this option in-tact. I was very fortunate that mine had the outlet and the corresponding light fixture. The outlet is on the curbside between the double-window and the single-window.

Good luck with your inspections!

Kevin

Ken J · 07-12-2003, 04:35 PM

The good and the bad of mice is that they rarely get into the walls where most of the wiring is. You can count on them getting into the belly area. One of the first order of business is dropping the belly pan and getting the mess and nests that they have made under there. When you restore these trailers it is best to go from the ground up.

Ken J.