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ALANSD · 08-29-2010, 07:42 PM

After restoring three newer (78, 80,82) Airstreams, we found a 1966 Overlander twin we really like. It is dual axle, and has the bunk bed option too.
Quite a nice one owner unit. Needs major clean up and some reupholstery and such, but in general is in great shape.
A couple of questions.
-I can't figure out how to slide out (?) and open the dinette table. It is along side the gaucho on the front by the door. Makes no sense to me, and thought there is an owners manual it does not mention the table.

- The shore power cable is routed out the access door on the back end, so if you use it you can;t close the door. I assume it goes into the storage bumper, but not sure how. I don't see how to run it correctly.

- Lastly... for now, the windows have cranks at the bottom that push them open, but also a higher side mounted crank...what does that do? Looking forward to getting this rig up to where it will shine!

Luckyducks · 08-29-2010, 07:56 PM

Congratulations Alan! Looking forward to seeing your new trailer in person.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-29-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

After restoring three newer (78, 80,82) Airstreams, we found a 1966 Overlander twin we really like. It is dual axle, and has the bunk bed option too.
Quite a nice one owner unit. Needs major clean up and some reupholstery and such, but in general is in great shape.
A couple of questions.
-I can't figure out how to slide out (?) and open the dinette table. It is along side the gaucho on the front by the door. Makes no sense to me, and thought there is an owners manual it does not mention the table.

- The shore power cable is routed out the access door on the back end, so if you use it you can;t close the door. I assume it goes into the storage bumper, but not sure how. I don't see how to run it correctly.

- Lastly... for now, the windows have cranks at the bottom that push them open, but also a higher side mounted crank...what does that do? Looking forward to getting this rig up to where it will shine!

Alan.

As I recall, there is a latch underneath the table that allows it to slide out.

The shore power cable does not go out the one stop center door, but you should see a hole in the floor near the left rear corner, that's for the power cable to drop onto the outside of the trailer. That's how Airstream designed that model year. However, changes could havebeen made by a previous owner.

The bottom operators on the Phillips windows, are "locks only". You must open them first, and then turn the crank that's on the side of the window in order to open and then close it. Lastly, after closing the window, you would again crank the bottom latches so that it closes the windows against the gasket. Check the window gaskets. If they are original, you will find them hardened and cracked, which will leak water. Same for the entrance door.

You should also check the axles out, as per the article in the Airstream Central section of this Forums. Torsion axles do not have an unlimited life.

Andy

Andy

kevin barnes · 08-29-2010, 10:06 PM

On the 66 to 68 the windows glass was curved to match the body lines of the trailer. The cranks at the bottom of your window are actually meant to hold the window closed by pulling in on the clips attached your windows. To open the window you first have to release the window at the bottom with the lower cranks then you can open the window the rest of the way with the upper crank. Basically the lower hardware is used to keep the window closed tight.

ALANSD · 08-30-2010, 12:04 AM

Thanks guys, do you need to unclip the bottom two before turning the side crank handle?
My small side window by the door I have found to be plexiglass. Guess the original must have broken. I will have to replace this one as it does not quite tighten in all the way.
Any ideas on pulling out the folding table?

DesertStream · 08-30-2010, 06:30 AM

To operate the folding table, you should be able to slide the stowed table toward the entry door on a sliding rail/hinge at the top of the folded table. Once the table is past the front edge of the gaucho you should be able to swivel the table up on the top hinge. On the bottom side of the table, you will find a support leg that is folded against the bottom of the table. Pull down on the locking collar near the point where it attaches to the table and the support leg will open. It locks into place when fully opened.

The opened table can be slid back toward the gaucho to a comfortable position. Once the table is up, you should find an additional leaf that is latched in place against the side of the trailer, behind the position of the stowed table.

There will be a latch on the bottom side of the table that can be released to allow the table frame to be extended and the leaf installed.

Enjoy your new trailer!

**Kevin245** · 08-30-2010, 06:34 AM

Congrats Alan. Post more pictures when you can.

Kevin

SilverHoot · 08-30-2010, 06:47 AM

Wow, a 1966 one owner! Great find. How about some more photos?

kposey · 08-30-2010, 07:19 AM

Congratulations! I can't wait to see it. Please, please bring it to Falluminum!!!!!

ALANSD · 08-30-2010, 08:57 AM

Got lots of photos "as found" here. It probably will not be at Falluminum unless something changes or we park across the road. we might not have tires and matresses by then anyway. Other than that it could be used with the old and very orignial green and gold color scheme and a few missing floor tiles.

Alan and Shannon's 1966

MRHottinger · 08-30-2010, 09:56 AM

Congrats on the new find, we knew you would be back in an Airstream soon. We have enjoyed the 1980 we bought from you and look forward to seeing you at the Antsy concert.

ALANSD · 08-30-2010, 10:07 AM

thanks Mike, this one is so much smaller I had a hard time backing it in the driveway!

**Kevin245** · 08-30-2010, 02:15 PM

Alan,

Is that Zipdee's new "Ultra-Thin Invis-a-Line" awning system?

Looks like it has good bones.

Kevin

ALANSD · 08-30-2010, 03:40 PM

Yup a see through job.
It is cool because I can get another vintage style zip dee made as last time. Not expensive and sure looks the part

here is a shot in Ellijay on the way home. The worst body part is the rear banana wrap visible here.

ALANSD · 08-30-2010, 04:16 PM

here are some more pix, now that I figured how to open up the folding table, and shot some of the wall stencils I am removing. Got 3 off so far.There are way too many.
The bathroom door on the bedroom side is very grainy figured oak. Looks nice.

ALANSD · 09-01-2010, 05:55 AM

My 66 Overlander has two battery trays, one on the side access, one at the rear. Are these for 6 volts batteries? They seem smaller. Can I use one 12v instead? I guess I would have to tape up or disconnect the extra wires.
Just getting to work on this nice oldie, need some guidance as i go. Thanks

airstream66 · 09-01-2010, 07:38 AM

She's a beauty. Congrats.
Love those original curtains.

ALANSD · 09-01-2010, 10:18 AM

This came with my 66, but is not mounted. It has a round bargman door lock assembly on it now. It is a pretty cool lock.

Jezibels · 09-01-2010, 12:02 PM

Alan,

1966, it was a very good year....

Im a little biased tho ; )

PS Ya really think we have oak? Ive heard it also could be Ash but I have yet to take a door into a woodworker to ask.

ALANSD · 09-01-2010, 02:46 PM

I have refinished a lot of wood and it looks like oak.... but I also have an ash guitar and the grain is pretty similar.Now that you mention it..could very well be...the swirled grain and all...
I am refinishing it with an oil wood restorer. hope to make it beautiful and not overly shiny. Then the flooring comes next, followed by upholstery, new mattresses and tires. Not gonna hit the road for awhile.