Purchasing a '66 26' Overlander

[Kline1966]

Wow, thanks for the info on the fridge! I'll go plug it back in to test it out!

[Del Gurney]

Congrats Kline1966:
I just got a "65 Overlander" like yours. but Pre-gutted mostly.
It had been used as a hay storage wagon for about 17years.
I'm going to go for the shell off and decide what to do about
an interior as that process evolves.
One thing I learned from other owners who did majors on theirs
is that the tank sizes are small compared to later models so I'm
going for bigger tanks first.
Good luck

[ALANSD]

be sure the trailer is relatively level or the fridge will not cool.

[Kline1966]

Today I picked up almost an entire interior from another 66 Overlander International! It is in better condition than mine, and my plan is to keep the best parts from both interiors to piece together a great interior! Also included with the interior was a rebuilt furnace, water tank, working fridge, oven, bathroom sink, toilet, pretty much the whole interior! There were a few pieces that had some water damage, but most was in great condition.
Looking forward to getting started on this project!

[KAYAKAMPERS]

How lucky!! We were lucky as our '66 International interior is in great shape. By the way, if you have any extra Byam Hooks from that interior you won't need, I'd be happy to buy them from you! Chris

[ALANSD]

so what's a BYAM HOOK?

[Kline1966]

I'm sure I'm going to have some extra pieces and parts left, and I will make everything available to the forum family.

[ALANSD]

that is great. Pieces are hard to find.

[Kline1966]

I'm making some progress! I think I've got a real good start on getting the AS all sealed up. I have been able to replace 4 broken windows that had plexiglass in them, the astro and solar dome sky lights, fridge vent cover and three vent pipe covers! Most of the projects went well thanks to the wealth of knowledge on this forum!

My next project is to install a new air conditioner with a heat pump option so I can continue to work as the temps drop. I got a good look at the old Armstrong unit when i was working on all the vents, and it looks like it had been worked on before, and there was no freon in the system, and the motor was locked up. I know many on here encourage fixing these systems, but given the age and what it was going to cost to possibly fix it, it was a little less money to get the new unit, and 2 years of warranty! I went with a 15k Gree unit and their internal control panel both pieces for around $450 shipped free!

I've also been playing around a little with the cabinets to see what the best way to refresh their finish. I think I've settled on tung oil, and then covering it with gloss polyurethane. It provides a really deep shine, and gives the look I was after. Once I get the ac on, I'm going to focus on replacing the cabinets and replace any pieces that have damage or don't look good. I will post some pics once I get some done.

[Kline1966]

Just a quick update for those that have followed along. We took "Wanda" on her first long road trip in the last 20+ years! We went camping in NY up towards Rochester NY at a small campground called Timberline Lake Campground, and had a great time. The trailer isn't quite done, but it is close enough to enjoy a little. It pulled great and we didn't have too many surprises, and all of us really enjoyed it!

To recap, below is what has been accomplished so far on Wanda:
- New AC/Heat pump
- New plumbing and fixtures (pex throughout) also added an outside faucet in the
storage compartment
- New (used) DSI Atwood 9 gal water heater works on 120 or LP. Re-used old Bowen
cover so looks like original
- all cabinets refreshed with tung oil
- water tank cleaned and sanitized
- new complete axles
- new safety chains
- new safety disconnect for brakes
- new countertops
- recovered table and leaf with matching laminate from countertop (grey boomerang)
- recovered table top in bedroom with same laminate
- roll up blinds over all windows
- rear brace under black tank welded in
- fixed rear storage compartment lower cover and lid
- quick coat of paint on bumper, exposed frame and hitch
- new regulator, pig tails, LP tanks, and LP tank rack
- replaced fridge with working Dometic RM66 which is the correct vintage
- replaced wood front on fridge to match trailer interior
- replaced cracked bathroom sink with donor sink
- painted bathroom sink, tub, and toilet surround with enamel kit (white)
- polished up sink, oven, and cook top
- new window gasket on all windows
- sealed sealed, and still sealing trying to fix all the water leaks!!!
- water pump replaced with vintage diaphragm pump as current pump was cracked
- I'm sure I am missing a few items, but that is the majority of it!

Next step is to drop off the cushions to get new cushions made up for both the front gaucho and rear couch / bed. We are going with a grey color with blue piping around the edges which will look nice with our countertops. Wood laminate flooring is also on the short list to get installed, but I want to make certain I've got all the leaks fixed first!

[ALANSD]

what, no photos?

[Kline1966]

Sorry no pics yet. I'd like to get it all done before I post pics. I'm very happy how with how it is turning out so far though!

[ChuckZ]

Originally Posted by Kline1966

Just a quick update for those that have followed along. We took "Wanda" on her first long road trip in the last 20+ years! We went camping in NY up towards Rochester NY at a small campground called Timberline Lake Campground, and had a great time. The trailer isn't quite done, but it is close enough to enjoy a little. It pulled great and we didn't have too many surprises, and all of us really enjoyed it!

To recap, below is what has been accomplished so far on Wanda:
- New AC/Heat pump
- New plumbing and fixtures (pex throughout) also added an outside faucet in the
storage compartment
- New (used) DSI Atwood 9 gal water heater works on 120 or LP. Re-used old Bowen
cover so looks like original
- all cabinets refreshed with tung oil
- water tank cleaned and sanitized
- new complete axles
- new safety chains
- new safety disconnect for brakes
- new countertops
- recovered table and leaf with matching laminate from countertop (grey boomerang)
- recovered table top in bedroom with same laminate
- roll up blinds over all windows
- rear brace under black tank welded in
- fixed rear storage compartment lower cover and lid
- quick coat of paint on bumper, exposed frame and hitch
- new regulator, pig tails, LP tanks, and LP tank rack
- replaced fridge with working Dometic RM66 which is the correct vintage
- replaced wood front on fridge to match trailer interior
- replaced cracked bathroom sink with donor sink
- painted bathroom sink, tub, and toilet surround with enamel kit (white)
- polished up sink, oven, and cook top
- new window gasket on all windows
- sealed sealed, and still sealing trying to fix all the water leaks!!!
- water pump replaced with vintage diaphragm pump as current pump was cracked
- I'm sure I am missing a few items, but that is the majority of it!

Next step is to drop off the cushions to get new cushions made up for both the front gaucho and rear couch / bed. We are going with a grey color with blue piping around the edges which will look nice with our countertops. Wood laminate flooring is also on the short list to get installed, but I want to make certain I've got all the leaks fixed first!

You list that you replaced your bathroom sink. How did you get the old sink out? For the life of me I can't figure out how to get it out and no one else seems to be able to tell me how either. You hold the secret.

Chuck

[dbj216]

I had a hard time getting my old ABS molded sink out of my 66 Trade Wind. I had significant bathroom floor rot under the toilet and my fiberglass tub and sink were in lousy shape. I didn't care for the sink over tub design, although novel and efficient use of space. I was planning a total rebuild of the bathroom.

As I recall there were "hidden rivets" holding the sink to the fiberglass end cap. Look for some pop rivets under the sink and along the fiberglass end cap. Also, the drains in the sink and bath were corroded tight so mine would not budge. I ended up cutting the ABS drain pipes.

David

[Kline1966]

I don't believe there is a way of removing the sink without destroying it. You can't get to the back rivets without destroying the top, unless you remove the outer skin. I cut along the back wall, and broke the sink out, then drilled out the old rivets. I was lucky enough to have purchased another sink out of a 66, and used this for our bath.

[ALANSD]

Byam hook? Still no reply to that one

[KAYAKAMPERS]

Wow, that was a while back I asked that one. I picked up some Russian made Byam hooks at the Airstream store in Ohio when I was coming back from the Michigan T.C.T. Caravan last Summer. I don't know if they have any more, I can't seem to find them on their store site. We'll be going to Indiana and Ohio T.C.T events this Summer and could see if they are available if you want if we go by Airstream again.

[ALANSD]

sorry I don't know what a Byam hook is. I checked the Airstream store online. not there.
We have some way cool Flamingo towel hooks in the bathroom now though.

[rsjmcg]

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-275.htm

Byam Hook source w/ pic

[ChuckZ]

Originally Posted by rsjmcg

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-275.htm

Byam Hook source w/ pic

I have one in my bathroom. Kinda wondered what it was. Thanks for the info.

Now if you could just tell me how to reconnect all 4 of my plumbing connection that have come off to the sink and shower you'd be my hero.