When did AS convert to plastic ceiling endcaps?

[ronstory]

Hi--

I saw one of the new CCD Aluminum interiors at the Vernonia AS rally last weekend aand really like the look. I've read the sticky about the all the hard work required to strip them back to a nice shiny surface... but then remember that in the 60's or early 70's AS introduced new one-piece plastic end-caps.

I been searching the forum and can't seem to find a thread that answers this question. I'd like to konw when the interior ceiling end caps converted from painted or vinyl coated aluminum segement to the one piece plastic / fiberglass pieces.

Does anyone know the year or years AS did the change over?

Thanks,
Ron

[47WeeWind]

Hi Ron:

Roughly, in the early 1960s. That change is not noted in sales literature, so has to be determined by inspecting late 1950s and early 1960s Airstreams. Owners of those era trailers can perhaps pinpoint it better for you.

[InsideOut]

Our '64 GlobeTrotter has plastic endcaps, but a friends '65 Caravel has metal endcaps. Our front has the molded in shelf unit...theirs has no shelf in front.

I think the larger models changed over first...

Shari

[Uberphotos]

My '68 Safari also has the plastic endcap with the molded shelf unit.

[flyfshr]

My '59 has both endcaps of aluminum but I've seen other '59 models with plastic. I believe the Ohio plant switched over before the California plant did.

Brad
FF

[ronstory]

All--

Thanhs for the quick replies and it seems I'll have to get pictures or check it my self in in the pre 65ish models.

Thanks again,
Ron

[IndyAnne]

Ron, Thanks for raising this question.

I'd like to know, also, if these interior end caps are structurally necessary, or are they cosmetic?

I'm thinking about replacing the rear fiberglass eventually with aluminum as part of relocating the rear bath and converting to a bedroom. The one-piece design is nice and clean, but I like the look of the panels outside repeated inside. I don't need the trailer to imitate a home, but to be something else, a retreat and playful space.

Thanks,
Anne

[ronstory]

From what I've read form the experts on the forums, the end-caps add stiffness to the structure. I would consider the endcaps like plywood under the siding of house. The studs and joist carry the load... the plywood adds the rigidity.

You can definitely make and all alumnum replacements, and serval folks have threads on that effort. Your will need to use a fair number of panel (like the 50s style AS) to get the curve correct.