Am new here

[flatlander64]

We are new to the airstream community as well as to owning a camping trailer. I picked up a 1960 flying cloud ( as best i can tell) in Sepember of 2021.It was gutted. The ac electrical works, the dc needs some work as well as a new battery. There is nothing inside except for a couple of light fixtures. The entire interior needs to be done. All of the systems will need to be replaced. I would really appreciate some input from someone that has been down this road. Thank you.

[Boondocker]

Welcome to the forums. The search button is your friend, over the years many rigs have been rebuilt and most problems and solutions have been documented. Budget 3X what you think it will take in time and costs. Before you get carried away with redoing the inside, make sure your frame is solid. If not, get it right. Same with the flooring. Check every inch of the floor for rot. I would also take a hose all around and see where your leaks are and fix them before doing anything past where you are now.
My suggestion is to prioritize the operating systems ahead of the interior. Now is the time to upgrade freshwater tanks, add a grey water tank. Think about how you feel about that old wiring. Not sure if was aluminum when your unit was made or not. You might want to rewire now while its easier to do. Old Airstreams are fantastic, but they come at a price. I look forward to hearing about your progress.

[Bubba L]

Welcome and congratulations on your Flying Cloud. As Rodney mentioned, check the chassis and your axle. There are several good renovation threads rebuilding a Flying Cloud. You can go down to the bottom of the page and hit “Sitemap” and go to the Flying Cloud section. By the way, I would be interested in seeing the serial numbers on the plate beside your door. I like to keep track of how many vintage Flying Clouds are still on the road. Post some pictures when time allows and start a renovation thread. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions specific to a vintage FC.

[dbj216]

Welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby from Colorado. It will be well worth the effort to get this old lady back on the road again, all dressed up just the way you want her. Here are a couple links you likely have already read over, but the more you learn about your trailer, the more you will understand what needs to be done.

Literature from Airstream.com"

https://www.airstream.com/owners/document-archive/product/tt/year/1960/

Photos from the vintage Airstream resources:

https://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/1960-flying-cloud-22/

Info from AirForums Knowledge Base on 60-63 Flying Cloud

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f122/


The Flying Cloud is a classic old Airstream model name and is still used today. Airstream trailer bodies last a long time. But the steel frame, axles, plywood subfloor, appliances and the like are standard RV fare and wear out. So there will be a lot of fun work redesigning and building your trailer into a modern travel trailer if that is your intention. Some folks like to restore them to the way they left the factory 62 years ago. This is much more difficult and leaves you with a museum piece that isn't very useable in my view. It's like driving an antique car.

Well anyway. I renovated a 1966 Trade Wind 24' 8 years ago and enjoyed doing it. I spent two winters on the thing. Here is a photo although it looks much different than your 1960 Flying Cloud 22'.

David