Dinette dimensions for 1950's Safari?

[fiftysafari]

My '55 Safari was "remodeled" at some point and the original dinette was removed.

Now that I am renovating my vintage Safari I plan to restore with the original layout.

Does anyone have the dimensions of the original dinette for a 1955 Safari?

My Safari will appreciate your help!!!

[fiftysafari]

Anyone have dimensions for 1950's Safari dinette?

[rideair]

Which layout do you have (a front kitchen model?) with the side dinette?

I'm about 3 hours south in the Shenandoah Valley with a very original 1956 Front Kitchen model.

[Bubba L]

Paul, I had some recent correspondence with fiftysafari discussing his quest for dimensions. I’ll let him respond, but it is an Ohio built front kitchen with front street-side bath. The dinette assembly is beneath the bank of street-side windows. I’m sure he’ll let you know. Thanks for the help.

[rideair]

Bubba,

Sounds like a plan, he's welcome to come down and take as many pictures, drawings, measurements, etc.... Mine is also a Ohio Built model, with a few updates that no one would ever think is not original, additional lighting, black tank, etc...

You and I must think a like on trailers, 1956 Front Kitchen, 1966 Overlander (also had a 66 Safari) though I did go out and get a 1996 34' Front Kitchen as well. Something about that FK layout that I just like.

Hope all is well,

[fiftysafari]

Originally Posted by rideair

Sounds like a plan, he's welcome to come down and take as many pictures, drawings, measurements, etc.... Mine is also a Ohio Built model, with a few updates that no one would ever think is not original, additional lighting, black tank, etc...

That is a tempting offer to visit and see your 1956 very original Airstream. Thanks.
I have an Ohio built 1955 Safari that originally had a front kitchen and a dinette under the panoramic windows.
It was redone at some point, maybe the 60's or 70's. The front kitchen and dinette were removed so I don't have the width dimension for the dinette bench.

What I most want to know is the width of the seat bench from the windows.

Thanks!

[rideair]

Table Top, 25" 7/8 x 38" 1/8 (out-edge) Not including mounting bracket to wall
Bench Seat Bottom 24" 5/8 x 39" 1/4 (out edge)

Good Luck,

[66Overlander]

All 1954 to 1957 front kitchen Safaris were built in Ohio, other than maybe a custom or two in California.

1954 and 1955 Safaris were for the most part identical (it was a "no option" model). 1956 Safaris were a bit different and were a normal model with some options. The very few 1957s were like 1956s.

1954-55 had a slightly smaller dry bath with the dinette slightly forward of the position in 1956-57 which had a slightly larger wet bath. Other than that minor position difference I am not sure if the 1954-55 and 1956-57 dinette dimensions were identical or not. They should at least be pretty similar.

[Bubba L]

Good information Joe. I’m waiting for some information from a guy in Tucson that has a pretty much original 55 Safari. Maybe between Mr. Waddell, the guy in Tucson and your valuable information, fiftysafari can get what he needs. Thanks

[fiftysafari]

Thanks guys, very helpful info!

I must admit my Safari will not be "exactly" as original...but pretty darn close.
There were a few mods built in that I will stick with.
The fridge was moved from the front kitchen to where the closet would be. A hinged vent door was added to the side of the Safari with two vent stacks for the heat from the ammonia refrigeration system, a very nice set up that I will stick with. So no closet...
A fold down bunk was installed over the passenger side bed that I will also keep.

Other than that I am moving the rear bathroom back to the front.
A long kitchen counter was installed under the panoramic windows. That weird setup is now gone and the kitchen will be replaced in the front.
The bed area, that was moved to the front will go back to the rear.
And of course a dinette (which was completely removed) will be replaced.
My Safari will be happy again!

[rideair]

The layout almost sounds like a Flying Cloud with extra windows installed, not saying it is, but sounds like it. Do you know if those changes were made at the factory?

http://vintageairstream.com/photo-ar...ying-cloud-22/

Maybe started down the line, then was change after the serial number had already been placed on the trailer.

Interesting,

[fiftysafari]

Originally Posted by rideair

The layout almost sounds like a Flying Cloud with extra windows installed, not saying it is, but sounds like it. Do you know if those changes were made at the factory?

http://vintageairstream.com/photo-ar...ying-cloud-22/

Maybe started down the line, then was change after the serial number had already been placed on the trailer.

Interesting,

My 1955 Safari was substantially remodeled at some point from the original Ohio layout.
Here are a few pictures of the redo...not the best pics...

Sketch of modification layout (flush toilet in back of Safari)


counter & fridge


bunks


toilet at rear of trailer


ceiling vents & lights


added double vent stack and louvre for fridge


As you can see ...no dinette and a long counter under the windows.

I could see from marks on the panels that there was originally a front kitchen/bath and dinette layout.

Here is the giant hole they cut into the belly pan for the toilet...which was left wide open to water and critter invasion

[fiftysafari]

1955 Safari Serial Number Plate

[Bubba L]

According to that number and taking the vintage Airstreams photo gallery with a grain of salt, it would fall under the 1954 Safaris. Joe P may weigh in.

[rideair]

Looks like you and I have the same year of trailer issue. My 56FK is clearly a 56FK based on the serial number, though the first state of sale, base the year on the year it was sold, so it's titled as a 57 Airstream.

Based on your serial number it appears yours is a 1954, though again, could be wrong.
http://vintageairstream.com/photo-ar...954-safari-22/

I'm sure you'll get it how you want it, just all takes time and research.
The fun of having a vintage!

[fiftysafari]

Originally Posted by rideair

Looks like you and I have the same year of trailer issue. My 56FK is clearly a 56FK based on the serial number, though the first state of sale, base the year on the year it was sold, so it's titled as a 57 Airstream.

Based on your serial number it appears yours is a 1954, though again, could be wrong.
http://vintageairstream.com/photo-ar...954-safari-22/

I'm sure you'll get it how you want it, just all takes time and research.
The fun of having a vintage!

Okay, Thanks Paul & Bubba...looks like I have a 1954 Safari...2 years my junior hahaha

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by fiftysafari

1955 Safari Serial Number Plate



Attachment 403659

O6092 was built October 25, 1954. Could be a late 1954 or an early 1955 as we really don't know when Airsteam considered their model year changeover to occur back then, though it definitely was not as early as they do now.

[fiftysafari]

Thanks to Joe for providing me with some history about my Safari.

Here is a picture of what remains of a number that was stenciled onto my Safari. Perhaps a registry # - but not the large number seen on some vintage Airstreams.
This seems to be what is left of a possible #756.