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Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 11:01 AM

We just bought a 54 Cruiser. Needs some work but overall in very good shape. Adventure #2 begins!!!!!
Pictures currently at http://www.archnevada.com/54cruiser/.

We will have to redo the kitchen, etc... but this looks like it will be a blast. We are already talking about a gray/black water tank retrofit if that can be done.

The interesting part is the WBCCI number - #128. We have been told that the trailer was used while Dave McCoy was building Mammoth Ski Resort so we suspect that he may have been the original owner of this unit. But we are still looking.

Foiled Again · 10-03-2006, 11:05 AM

Sent you some good Karma. Hope you enjoy your project - and I hope you've got a big barn to work in!

Paula

Mel · 10-03-2006, 11:13 AM

That is soooo cool. Just love the whale tail! Good luck with your project - looking forward to your updates!

InsideOut · 10-03-2006, 11:24 AM

A 3-digit WBCCI number indicates the member is/was an International Officer today. If it is indeed the original number from the 50's the trailer/member may have participated in one of Wally's caravans. Ohhh, if only they could talk!

Regardless, looks like a fun project ~

Shari

SierraBreeze · 10-03-2006, 11:35 AM

Neat Airstream. According to the 1st WBCCI directory I got from Pee Wee in 1955 WBCCI # 128 in belonged to Ben and Alta Holets of Cedar Rapids and they went on the 1955 Mexico West Coast Winter Caravan. Mike might have more info.

Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 11:47 AM

The info we've gotten from Mike Orchard, is that #128 was for Ronald and Marye Elyn Holets of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His records indicated that it was on a Mexico Caravan in 1962!

The serial number is 642-6 and is located on a single plaque under the street-side window.

Never the less, we're excited to have a real Wally trailer!

47WeeWind · 10-03-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SierraBreeze

Neat Airstream. According to the 1st WBCCI directory I got from Pee Wee in 1955 WBCCI # 128 in belonged to Ben and Alta Holets of Cedar Rapids and they went on the 1955 Mexico West Coast Winter Caravan. Mike might have more info.

Hey Buttercup:

Sweeeet Cruiser!! That's one very nice vintage Airstream with its great original fixtures and features. I particularly like the white glass wall light with the single twist switch in the base. I can't recall seeing another like it ... creamy smooth.

My 1960 Caravanners Directory shows Ben and Alta still owned the trailer in 1960, and it had only gone on the 1955 West Coast winter Mexican Caravan up to that time. As Mike notes, the trailer was transferred within the next two years to family members who warmed up the wheel bearing grease.

Congratulations! and welcome back to the 50s.

CaptainJones · 10-03-2006, 01:03 PM

That is such a nice project trailer. I wish you well and hope to see it down the road some day. To me there is something magical about the 50's trailers. I often wonder where mine has been.

Greg

safari57 · 10-03-2006, 03:07 PM

Neat trailer. Love the looks of the 50's. It's in about the same shape as mine was when I found it and with a few months of nights and weekends it came together very nicely. It's nice that you have been able to already track down some history - mine will forever be anonymous unless I can become an aluminum whisperer, and given my hearing is not that great it's doubtful that is ever going to happen. I may have to drag it to an international meet just to have someone with those skills give me the history.
We'll be watching for progress pictures.
Barry

Buttercup · 10-03-2006, 04:52 PM

Thanks Mike, Shari, Dianne and Fred for the great info. Thaks to the rest of you for the warm wishes and thanks to Paula for the karma.

Our biggest thanks goes to 65GT (Leo) for giving us the heads-up on this one. We might be the serrogates for him on this one, too

!

We just walked in from bringing her (him?) home. Wow, I really can't believe it. After it was parked I walked to the other side and put my hand on the front panels and whispered "your home." I know how geeky this sounds, but I have to say, like Greg (CaptainJones) mentioned, there is something special about the 50s trailers. I sort of knew this, but it didn't hit me until the we actually owned one. She is a piece of history. I can feel it.

I was so nervous whether we were doing the right thing or not by buying another trailer. But now that I look back outside and down the driveway at that 'beautiful, sort-of-shiny' wonder sitting there, I'm sooooo very happy.

We walked through it again and started a mental list of items and projects.
I think we'll start with the 2 windows that need hardware and glass... no, maybe we should begin with new hubs, tires and shiny moon hub caps, or maybe we should wash it...maybe electrical...gas...plumbing...polish...upholstery. ..window coverings...flooring...re-finish wood...clean hardware... .... ........

... ...

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kimber

InsideOut · 10-03-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65GT

I think I'd slap a red 128 right back on it -- you've got a real historical item there and I'm sure you'll build that history over time. You definitely found a REAL Wally trailer in this one!

Except, #128 is an active number/member assigned to a Spouse of a Deceased International Past President. Might not be good form ~

Shari

Sugarfoot · 10-03-2006, 07:26 PM

Fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed that slide show. You have a real piece of history there. Yeah, I'd want to keep "128" too. Could it not be put on an Airstream historical register sort of thing? There must be an acceptable way.

scottanlily · 10-03-2006, 08:06 PM

Great trailer buttercup ,our 60 also went on that 62 mexico caravan ,as
the owner ,was on his way down when he made a stop to get his Ogden
water purifier fixed ,as it was new ,but had a leak ,He had a letter from the
president of the company ,which is really customer service.I agree on the
feel of the coach ,as I have done the same thing .I am putting the original
byam letters back on for historical value and signifigance as 65GT has said .
decided when I bought the trailer 3 years ago ,I may do them in a blue to
imply historical value ,use the red (if I ever get them, been 6 months and 110
dollars so far nothing)to cover those when doing a ralley .The historical
signifigance that comes with these trailers should be preserved if possible .
its cool to know its been on a caravan and been somewhere .

Scott

CaddyGrn · 10-03-2006, 08:39 PM

Most excellent! We will be watching to see how it transforms!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

Buttercup · 10-04-2006, 10:39 AM

I agree that the historical value should be preserved. We'll do our best at that. Restore as much as possible and renovate with a 54ish look where needed.

The red numbers were the one thing that I was most fascinated with when we bought Buttercup, our 77 Overlander. I was amazed that they had such historical value and sentiment. They instantly transformed me back in time to a friendlier place -- maybe not in true reality, but in my mind, does that make sense? They did imply commoraderie and true love of adventure. With Buttercup it was imperitave that we got her original numbers back to help her continue her journey. We were successful in that. She wears them proudly today.

The red numbers are not license identification. They are not a legality. They are put there for friendly identification amongst members. And they are very curious to non-members that we come across.

I realize with the new 54 that this will not be possible due to the unfortunate rules that the WBCCI has embraced over the years. No disrespect intended, but it is impossible for trailers of history to continue their journeys as their original 'names' or identifications. Somewhere along the road the powers that be lost that vision I think. Perhaps someday the history of the WBCCI will be returned to the Airstreams and they will be able to continue. I see and hear of more and more people who are interested in carrying on with their trailer's original history and id #. (Heck, they've created a whole trend in home renovation with shows like 'if Walls Could Talk.')

The blue number or other color number is a great idea. Doesn't seem to me that it would impede on anything current, but it would definitely represent and honor the historic value.

Perhaps the current owners of the 3 digit numbers could preface or follow their numbers with a P or I or T for Trustee, for instance. History could be preserved with this simple adjustment.

For now, the 54 (waiting for some more info before the name comes...) will be the ghost of the ORIGINAL #128. The TRUE 128, if you will. Her numbers will be faint but proudly worn and displayed as they were the day she first dawned them and for as long as they will last. They are so recognizable, even after 52 years. They really stand out. Almost as if she's yelling, 'hey, I'm 128 and I have a great history!'

Kimber

3Ms75Argosy · 10-04-2006, 12:29 PM

I like it! How about outlined RED numbers. This whole number thing is a bit outrageous - how often would you be confused with another person at a rally just because of a number? What are the chances of running into another 128?

I say wear them with pride.

I really like your 50' trailer - can't wait to read about the restoration.
Marc

Buttercup · 10-05-2006, 12:40 AM

Just playing around but that plaque doesn't exactly fit the space on the back. But that doesn't mean that the sizes didn't vary as time went on. Still, we may just make one up ourselves and stick it on anyway!!!

funchucky1 · 10-05-2006, 05:01 AM

My '56 had a Wally Byam's Caravan sticker...I'll try to post a photo here.

It's now just a ghost of its former self.
-Chuck

**moosetags** · 10-05-2006, 05:39 AM

Really neat; love the pictures. Hope to see her on the road soon.

Buttercup · 10-05-2006, 05:45 AM

Ideas abound and they all involve removing a lot of parts. There has to be an easier way to install gray, black & potable tanks than those I have read about here on the forums. Maybe easier but I bet not better! Some of the work reported here is amazing and only encourages me to get into something that I may be ill equipped to finish myself.