VIN And Trailer ID help

[Mitch Nelson]

Hey everyone. First post. Just got my hands on a trailer in rough shape. It's already gutted, thanks to someone else who couldn't begin the reno. I'm handy and have done a fair amount of research and am looking forward to this project.


To get started, I need help identifying what I got. There is no VIN tag near the door, but there is a stamped tag on the left rear bumper with some information from the California Division of Housing. The trailer is no longer in California and has been in the woods unused for many many years. The guy who I bought from had no title and claimed it was a 1965 32 ft Sovereign. There is no way that's true as the shell is only about 24' long. The plate on the back says M-68 S-125 339.

Anyone have a guess as to what this is?

[wkerfoot]

Mitch,


A few pictures would help. Also look here: http://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/


Bill

Originally Posted by Mitch Nelson

Hey everyone. First post. Just got my hands on a trailer in rough shape. It's already gutted, thanks to someone else who couldn't begin the reno. I'm handy and have done a fair amount of research and am looking forward to this project.


To get started, I need help identifying what I got. There is no VIN tag near the door, but there is a stamped tag on the left rear bumper with some information from the California Division of Housing. The trailer is no longer in California and has been in the woods unused for many many years. The guy who I bought from had no title and claimed it was a 1965 32 ft Sovereign. There is no way that's true as the shell is only about 24' long. The plate on the back says M-68 S-125 339.

Anyone have a guess as to what this is?

[Hittenstiehl]

Is there a small plate by the door with a short number?

The housing tags don't help with identification.

Airstreams measure from ball to bumper.

[Mitch Nelson]

Can't find the plate next to the door. I've read that the might be something stamped on the trailer but I can't find that either...

Here is a photo. I'm not near it right now but I have this photo. Hopefully helps. I checked the vintage pictures and can't find something similar. It has curved windows that wrap around the corners in the front

[ROBERT CROSS]

I'm no x-spurt but I don't believe you have an AS. Maybe.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Mitch Nelson]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I'm no x-spurt but I don't believe you have an AS. Maybe.

Bob
🇺🇸

Really? What is the reasoning?

[richard5933]

Looks a lot more like a Silver Streak

https://www.thevintagesatgalwaydowns...-silver-streak

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Mitch Nelson

Really? What is the reasoning?

Airstreams have always looked like Airstreams except recently with the Basecamp and a few years back with the Squarestream.
Even the AS motorhomes look Airstream'y.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Mitch Nelson]

Originally Posted by richard5933

Looks a lot more like a Silver Streak

https://www.thevintagesatgalwaydowns...-silver-streak

Welp... looks like you are right. A 67 Silver Streak Atlas!

Thanks for the help. I will still need to try to find the VIN and all but looks like I got duped by the seller.

That's OK because I'm still excited for this project. And I have now read a few forums on it!

[Hittenstiehl]

Agreed. Definitely still a great vintage trailer.

Maybe the seller didn't know or was equally duped, unless he was shady.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

From the look of it, I'd bet step one is to pull the shell and get a look at the frame before you replace the floor.

Good luck !!!!

Bob

[Mitch Nelson]

Yep! Seller was interesting... to say the least. But I'm not worried. Got it still cheap and I don't have to do demo.

I was however looking forward to the mirror polish. Anyone have experience with stripping the anodization? I read a few posts of people using drain cleaner.

Yep, won't be this year as I live in Wisconsin and this fall is busy for me, but I'm already working on figuring out a gantry lift to remove shell. Going to clean up/ repair frame and seal first. Might mess with axles as it currently sits really low.

Then a matter of repairing panels on the shell and getting my sub floor all figured out. I haven't taken it apart yet, but does it use similar style c clips to attach shell to frame/ subfloor?

[Hittenstiehl]

Silver Streak has an active Facebook group.

[richard5933]

I've run across people who assume all shiny/aluminum travel trailers are Airstreams, just like all clear cellophane tape is Scotch tape.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I suspect that as this moves along, you probably will get much better "trailer specific" info on the Facebook group mentioned above.

Bob

[InsideOut]

Yep, it's a Silver Streak. Biggest "first clue: is the more square endcaps (which give you more storage potential in upper cabinets). Many think they were built-better than Airstreams with heavier frames. As you mentioned, the aluminum type is a different alloy & anodized which makes polishing a bit more work - but they are beautiful once it's done!

Shari