Build Thread: 1957 Flying Cloud

[CamperFan01]

I picked this up a little over 2 weeks ago and have begun, well some would say not so sane journey into the unknown of redoing a vintage Airstream. I know I’m in good company!

So far I’ve removed the floor and found a few outriggers needing removed and replaced (and some huge animal nest). I’ve not done much welding, but have all the equipment, so I guess I’ll figure it out soon enough with the outriggers. I’ve updated the look of the wheels, not exactly period correct but still a nice look. I’ve also polished a couple sections just to see what it might look like.

[Bubba L]

Glad you’ve started a renovation thread. I was in the same boat as to when I started the 55 FC. I had some outriggers that were rusted beyond repair. If I remember I cut some new ones out of steel purlins. I had a couple of welding machines but was only capable of tack welding small things. So, I tack welded the frame crossmembers, outriggers, torsion axle weld plates and towed the frame to a welder a few miles from here. He was certified and welded everything up with fillet welds. So far so good. Keep the progress and pictures noted on your thread. I’m always ready to learn something new. Good luck and it’s looking good.

[Disco Stu]

Very nice, best of luck with the build.

[Aerowood]

I will be watching this thread

[Dingo Girl]

That is a heck of a nest!
Post lots of pictures, ask lots of questions.
That will be a lovely camper when it's done.
Have fun with your new hobby.

[CamperFan01]

Replaced 4 outriggers today. My welding boat the best, but it’s strong! The person I bought the outriggers from on eBay sent gussets as well.they are made out of 1/8” steel so they will be stronger metal too.

[CamperFan01]

Originally Posted by CamperFan01

Replaced 4 outriggers today. My welding boat the best, but it’s strong! The person I bought the outriggers from on eBay sent gussets as well.they are made out of 1/8” steel so they will be stronger metal too.

Added pics:

[klanemfsu]

Originally Posted by CamperFan01

I picked this up a little over 2 weeks ago and have begun, well some would say not so sane journey into the unknown of redoing a vintage Airstream. I know I’m in good company!

So far I’ve removed the floor and found a few outriggers needing removed and replaced (and some huge animal nest). I’ve not done much welding, but have all the equipment, so I guess I’ll figure it out soon enough with the outriggers. I’ve updated the look of the wheels, not exactly period correct but still a nice look. I’ve also polished a couple sections just to see what it might look like.

What product did you use to polish that section?

[steinVT]

Welcome to the community. Like most of us here, I started with little Airstream specific knowledge. But with the community's help I now have a great little trailer. Don't be afraid to ask anything.

Tip: At one point my Safari was in the same shape as yours. Look closely at your frame rails. When I did mine I found the A-frame was buckled. That and other problems necessitated a building a new frame. Yours really looks pretty good. It's a big job, but so worth it in the end. Good Luck - Mark

[CamperFan01]

Originally Posted by klanemfsu

What product did you use to polish that section?

Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish and a DA

[CamperFan01]

More polishing!

[CamperFan01]

Got the frame completed with all outriggers replaced and the whole frame painted. I also took one window apart and cleaned it to see what I’m up against. Still haven’t removed any window frames from the camper yet. Today I ordered replacement tempered tinted glass for all the windows. Once that comes in, I’ll start removing the windows/frames from the shell, cleaning and polishing them, replacing the glass and all weather strip.hoping to be done with all windows within a few weeks. I’m also going to be sealing the roof too.

I also re-riveted the belly pan.

Once that is all done I will raise the shell and put the floor in.

I’ve ordered replacement aluminum for one side and the front…. I might order more, depending on how that goes.

Project is moving along!

[Bubba L]

You’re making good progress. Keep the updates and pictures coming. Good luck and have fun.

[CamperFan01]

Originally Posted by Bubba L

You’re making good progress. Keep the updates and pictures coming. Good luck and have fun.

Thanks, do you know where to source a piece for the back emergency window? The channel piece that the window opener (torque arm) mounts too is missing. I bought a piece of 3/4” aluminum channel from Lowes and will attempt to make my own, but it would be nice if I could find an original without having to buy a $500 used window, lol.

[Bubba L]

Looks like VTS has the vertical channel piece for Hehr Standard windows. See what you think. Good luck