1965 22' Safari ?

[Kajtek1]

Hi. Being automotive enthusiast I used to watch an Airstream trailer sitting on my neighbor backyard for about 2 decades. Finally after about 2 years of negotiations I am proud to tell, that the trailer is mine. The main issue in negotiations were books, that the neighbor and his stepdaughter accumulated in the trailer. They were hoping to have time to select them, but finally gave up, so the first restoration job was removing the books. Took 3 pallets, what I estimate is 4-6 tons. Amazingly I was able to inflate the tires and they hold the weight of the trailer and the books on about 1/4 mile drive.
After washing all the vegetation from the siding, turned out the aluminum siding still shines in some areas. It does have few dents and dings, but generally the trailer is in good condition. Deteriorated roof vents cost some leak and sofas damage, but this is minor. After our New Year vacations I'll get on mechanical parts.
The first question (I am sure more will follow) is do those trailers have identification tags? I have old registration slip saying "first registered 1965" but on the side of model names, I have no knowledge what year exactly it is.
Pictures will come.

[yukionna]

Congrats on your purchase!

With regard to your question about tags -- some trailers had them with the trailer model written on them but many don't have the tag. If there is a tag, it is usually located to the left or the right of the entry door. If nothing else, there should at least be a tag, or badge, with the serial number on it. It is through the use of the serial number that the model can be identified.

I hope this helps. If you could post photos and the serial number, we might be able to help you identify the model.

[Kajtek1]

There is "Safari" molded sign on the side, so this is an easy one. Here some pictures of "before" and as well a sticker in the rear bumper are. That looks like CA legal sticker. Notice "Division of housing" and "This mobilehome" on it

[Kajtek1]

[TBRich]

Welcome to the Ariforums! Congratulations on beginning your Airstream journey... Now all you have to do is get it roadworthy so you can begin your journeys IN it! Lots of helpful people and good information to be had here...

Glad you could join in...

Ease on down the road...
TB

[TBRich]

(Love the green stuff growing out from under that plate!)

[GreatPumpkin]

Well, the "safari" plate gives it away as to what you have, but the actual serial number will tell for sure what year it was made (model year) vs what year it was first registered.
The plate in your picture is from the state, there should be another plate similiar to this that will have a serial number on it:

[GreatPumpkin]

Actually, I can see the plate in your first pic, just not close enough to read it. It does appear from the border around it, that you have the "internationl" options.

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by GreatPumpkin

Well, the "safari" plate gives it away as to what you have, but the actual serial number will tell for sure what year it was made (model year) vs what year it was first registered.
The plate in your picture is from the state, there should be another plate similiar to this that will have a serial number on it:

Got it. It is bolted on the side of the trailer. This forum is having strange for me system for attaching the pictures. How can I make them smaller?

[GreatPumpkin]

SI22S5209

S = California built
I = International model
22 = Length
5209 sequential number (also designates twin beds vs double)

This forum is having strange for me system for attaching the pictures. How can I make them smaller?

I use MS Picture Manager and select the "compress" or "resize" option. Most photo software has the means to resize your photos, check under the options.

[Kajtek1]

Thanks for all the help.
Some forums have option of resizing the picture on the site that's why I asked. Will have to work on it in the future.

[Kajtek1]

Now I assume, that sequential number might give me precision manufacturing data?
Where could I find it?

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

Now I assume, that sequential number might give me precision manufacturing data?
Where could I find it?

Try this: 65 Safari

You probably won't find much more thorough info than what's there ~

Shari

[MarkR]

i believe the "5" in 5209 indicates 1965, I don't know that you'll get an actual manufactured date from your numbers.

this site has lots of great info:
Vintage Airstream Photo Archives

[atvmcg]

Originally Posted by TBRich

(Love the green stuff growing out from under that plate!)

yea, usually the parsley garnish is ON the the plate!!

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Try this: 65 Safari

You probably won't find much more thorough info than what's there ~

Shari

Thanks. It doesn't say anywhere what it is, but comparing other years, looks that the "5" digit in my number is the year indication.

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by atvmcg

yea, usually the parsley garnish is ON the the plate!!

I knew leaving the green on the picture will get noticed

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

Thanks. It doesn't say anywhere what it is, but comparing other years, looks that the "5" digit in my number is the year indication.

Yep. That's it...

Shari

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

Thanks. It doesn't say anywhere what it is, but comparing other years, looks that the "5" digit in my number is the year indication.

Also, the "65" in the upper right hand corner of your serial number plate indicates the year made. But I can't figure out the meaning of "190" in the upper left handcorner.

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by 47WeeWind

Also, the "65" in the upper right hand corner of your serial number plate indicates the year made. But I can't figure out the meaning of "190" in the upper left handcorner.

Fred- The 190 is also stamped on the California Dept of Housing tag. The tag looks like the 190 was pre stamped and the trailer serial number was added later by the factory (different impact levels). Maybe this is just a coincidence...