New member 1965 overlander

[JSTOTT]

Hello,

I apologize, I introduced myself as I asked a question under the repairs section instead of doing it the correct way. Let me try this again.

My husband, Russ, and I just purchased our first airstream this past week. It is a total fixer upper. We found it on craigslist. It is a 1965 Overlander International twin bed layout. It has broken windows, stuff growing on the roof, skeletons of small vermin inside, bugs, rotting wood, etc. You get the picture, kinda gross right now. Russ drove 14 hours to pick it up and drove home the following day. We only dropped a small piece of the belly pan and Russ strapped up the toilet before it completely fell out the back. . But... it towed straight and easy in spite of four very old rotting tires.
We just fixed up a small 15' Serro Scotty camper this year, used it a bunch, and decided it was just too small for our growing family. We set our heart on an airstream and sold our Scotty. We have two boys, 12 and 14, and four large dogs (3 deaf and 1 hearing).
Russ and I love projects and are already enjoying working on our new airstream. After a good wash to remove the vegetation on the roof, it already looks tons better! Yesterday we started removing the interior and got all out except the bathroom. Most of it is good for templates only as all the wood is rotted. The floor is in surprisingly good condition but we will have to replace some of it too. The frame appears solid except a rusted area near the door steps which will have to be repaired/welded.
We are starting on the windows (hence my window question in the repairs section) and have a few minor repairs to do of the skin. Luckily our neighbor worked on airplanes for years and has most of the supplies needed. More importantly, he has offered to help us with repairs.
I am sure we will have tons of questions as we move along.
Jenn and Russ

[Kevin245]

Welcome Jenn and Russ,

Sounds like you have taken on a "Project". There is plenty of infomation here to help you with questions that may arise while you go through the rebuilding process. Don't hesitate to ask questions when needed and plan to join us for a rally or two if you can.

Once the frame and floor work is completed it's not uncommon for members with "Restorations in Progress" to bring there trailers with them to use as mobile tents. We had a member at Springstream last year that stayed in an area motel and brought a couple of his tail lights and vent covers to the rally.

Best if luck,

Kevin

[Ronald D]

Jenn and Russ,

It's good to have another '65 Overlander reporting here. Mine was in about the same shape you describe when I got it last May. Biggest problem was leaks, windows, (gaskets and seals from VTS and Inland) and especially the tailights. Use Vulkem for most sealing and listen especially to Andy from Inland, he knows as much about Airstreams as anyone here. I had to do a lot of things twice because I thought I knew something and then listened to Andy and did it right the second time. I could have saved a lot of time by paying attention. I'm changing mine from rear bath to queen rear and center bath, what are your plans? Good luck, lots of good information here on the forums.

Ron

[JSTOTT]

Thanks Kevin for the welcome. Russ is already talking about taking it out as soon as the floor is done! We like the idea of a mobile tent.
Jennifer

[JSTOTT]

Hi Ron, fellow 1965 Overlander!
We will definitely take all advice. Thanks for the suggestions. Have to admit we used Vulkem liberally with our Scotty prior to this trailer.
I think we are keeping the layout similar. Our rear bath will stay where it is, we may raise the twin beds to accommodate dog kennels underneath, will line up the sink directly under the window (used to sit just to the right because of shelving and a heater), and may change the other side of the kitchen (not sure how/what yet). We are also tossing around the idea of going all electric and placing a generator where the propane tanks used to be. We seldom camp where there isn't electric. We are not restoring to original so there is a great deal of flexibility. Not even sure of a "style" yet but I keep looking for ideas.
Please send us any suggestions you have.
Jennifer