New member, proud new owner of vintage 53 cruiser

[paulschattle]

Just recently became the owner of a 53 Cruiser (I think it's a cruiser). My uncle purchased the AS used, around 1964 and it has been in the family ever since. The label by the door says Los Angeles, SN 6237. Right now I'm very happy, but overwhelmed with next steps, the natural order of renovation, etc. A quick walk through indicated the floor was suspect, so that's one of many things to go on the list. My immediate dilemma is how to recover the trailer from a field in Temple, TX to get it back to my property in Copper Canyon, TX (just north of DFW). The AS's been parked for more than 15 years in it's present location and the tires are gone. Would like to get a built up set of wheels/tires to help recover it, but these seem to be hard to find. Right now, I'm in the read everything I can find mode, but would welcome any first step tips, tricks, etc. Having recently retired, I think I found something to fill up any spare moment I may have!

[Janet H]

Welcome to the forum - FUN project!

You are likely right about the model and year. Info and some original pics here: https://vintageairstream.com/photo-a...53-cruiser-25/

Focus on the frame, floor, and running gear first. Save the interior work and polishing for last.

Regarding recovery.... The fastest way to do this is a flatbed. Alternatively, buy some wheels and tires and go SLOW.

[SSquared]

Welcome to AirForums, and congratulations!


If you do decide to tow it home, you will also want to inspect and re-pack the wheel bearings. You should inspect the springs and frame also. I don't know how to "inspect" the springs from that era (they are probably leaf springs) but others on the forum have the know-how.

[Bubba L]

Congratulations and welcome to the Airstream hobby. From Temple to north Dallas isn’t that bad if you prepare for the worst. I would make sure the axle can handle the short trip. If original it would be a spring axle. Concerning the wheels/tires, you may consider giving American Vintage Trailers in Gatesville a call to see if they have some suitable tires or a flatbed. Either way, I would spend some time removing the wheels and checking out the stability of the axle, frame and shell. I would also plan on moving the trailer on a Sunday and stay off I-35. Make sure you secure the door and windows for travel. Anyway, sounds like a great retirement project. You may want to start a renovation thread so we can follow along. Good luck

[dbj216]

Congratulations. You have found a very worthwhile vintage Airstream project. And welcome to these forums. There are many vintage Airstream enthusiast participating here.

I'd probably rent a big flat bed trailer with a winch in front. Tug the trailer out from the trees, and winch it up on the trailer, and tie it down solidly. Reverse when you get it home.

I've seen folks do the "full monte" renovation of these old Airstreams. They gut the trailer, pull the body off the frame, repair the frame and axles as needed, and then replace the subfloor and put the whole thing back together. You can read about these projects here. If you stay up all night and read all these threads, you will learn a lot about your new project.

David

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f229/

[Bearstream01]

Hi Paul
Welcome to the forums and congrats! I love when people keep these vintage Airstreams in the family and restore them. So much history in them! Much luck to you in your journey!

[Shane74]

I’m always more impressed with the vintage Airstreams than I’ll ever be with the newer ones. I love it when they’re shined up to a chrome finish and the interior looks vintage. It doesn’t get cooler than that. That thing is beautiful! I hope you stay motivated in your restoration endeavors…from one Texan to another!!

Oh btw, there is more knowledge here than at any Airstream dealership I believe.

[paulschattle]

Update: Pulled it home last Sunday after a couple of trips to get it ready (packed bearings, greased shackles, etc) and off-loaded as much trash/weight as we could. We ended up getting trailer wheels online that could handle the empty weight (15x5 with the 5.5 bolt pattern). The tire/wheel profile was about 1.5" shorter than the original combo, but didn't put it too low to the ground. The temps will do until we get the axle swapped out eventually. The original drum/hub was something I had never dealt with before: had bolts instead of lugs/studs and also had an alignment pin that had to be knocked off before I could install the temporary wheels. Trying to stab the first bolt to get it started was a royal pain, I could understand the need for the alignment pin.
Had no issues with packing the bearings on either side before attempting to bring it back. The actual drive north had no issues and the AS handled way better than expected.
Before I proceed with the project, does anyone have any recent feedback on the several vintage trailer renovation shops within an hour or two of the greater DFW area? Am considering using someone to help move this along, especially in the frame and axle area. BTW, I did speak with Rodney at American Vintage Trailers and he was very helpful, as were the folks at VTS that he referred me to.

[Bubba L]

Paul, you could give A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, Tx. I’ve met them both and they seem to have a a lot of referrals. Good luck and keep us posted.