1962 overlander

[cretehead]

Did the 62 have both black and gray tanks, and are the axles welded? I'm looking at one and trying to put cost together. Thanks, I hope this works out.

[Jim & Susan]

The factory didn't install the gray tanks until '73, and that year it was option. Not sure what you mean about the axles being welded. To the frame?

Jim

[dbj216]

Hi: You can bet the 62 Overlander will have all sorts of plumbing issues to sort out. You can install new gray and black tanks "while your at it".

I understand 62 was the first year of the dura torque axles. The very early trailers were build with the axles welded to the frame. If so, there is considerably more work to change the axles. But welds can be blown out with a plasma torch and then a proper axle mounting plate welded onto the frame. Big, big project, but doable. I might add, easier with the shell off and the rotted old subfloor in the dumpster.

Here is a photo of a 59 Overlander I was considering some years ago. This trailer had a lot of needs too. I thought you might find it interesting.

David

[66Overlander]

Duratorque axles became standard equipment on all 1961 Airstreams. I have heard that at least some were welded in place for California built trailers into early 1962. Not certain if Ohio also welded them in place in 1961 and possibly very early 1962, but the axle on our 1962 Safari was bolted in and it was in the first 25% of the Safaris built in Ohio that model year.

As previously noted a 1962 Airstream will not have a gray tank. The black tank will be above the floor directly below the toilet and will only hold perhaps 10 gallons at most.

[cretehead]

So what does that mean, the shower and kitchen sink drain into the black tank? And it's only 10 gal?

[64airstream]

crete,

Actually, the gray water typically bypasses the black tank and goes directly to the dump outlet. Airstream reportedly sold a cover that the drain hose hooked to. You dug a hole, put the cover over it, so nobody fell or tripped into the hole, and hooked up the dump hose. (You kept the black tank valve closed, of course.) Some clubs even had cover decorating contests... The EPA and many others would frown on such an activity now. The alternative to installing a gray water tank is to carry a "Blue Boy" wheeled portable tank. They take up a lot of room in the trailer or pickup, but work fine.

Good luck and enjoy your project,

Roy and Marie