FOUND!! Wally Byam's '55 Cruiser - 1956 European Caravan trailer

[rmkrum]

I would rightfully suspect that pretty much all victims of Aluminiumitis are a bit “dotty” as the Brits put it

But hey, sanity is overrated. Around my household, “normal” is just a setting on the clothes dryer....

[tallytwo1994]

Originally Posted by goransons

Thanks guys. We will have it on display in Salem, likely without water and gas systems done. We plan to camp in it for the vintage rally in August on the Oregon coast, that gives me a 6 weeks to finish up and test systems and shake downs on it.

We sold our 51 SS Clipper, our 65 Overlander, 49 SS Clipper, and 65 Streamline Duke to take on this one. It is certainly more than I ever imagined doing.

We appreciate the ideas and the compliments but it just wouldn’t feel right to charge admission.

But, as Paula also suggested, do consider a donation jar. You have done such a wonderful job on this trailer but you’ve also paid the piper for many of those parts.

August has to be better somewhere than it is in Tallahassee. This one time, I sure wish I was closer to the west coast.

Carol

[goransons]

We’ll mull it over. Who knows what rules they have too. We’ve never been to an international.

Today I made tons more sawdust.

The beds needed base mounding and a board to hold the mattress in place.



The covers to hide the kitchen water lines also were made today. I’ll get pictures up once they are in place.

I finished the poly on the 6 doors, those will go on tomorrow.

I also finished the marker lights and started the bike rack install. I’d have finished but my work bench hit my box of stainless mounting hardware. I finally found it but called it a day.





I hope to get everything mounted up in the morning and start on the front couch.

We found a portable typewriter from the era for the second shelf.

I need to pull tires so I can get the rim blasted and painted.

[goransons]

I thought I’d get the drawer slides done but didn’t even start them. I did get all the doors mounted and the latches on. Most of the morning was cleaning hardware. I thought I’d get them in, finish the drawers and swap the tires, if I had about 6 more hours to work on it I’d have it done. After work tomorrow I can get back at.

Bathroom wardrobe doors




Kitchen doors




I forgot the table picture.

The little stuff takes so much time...

If anyone has 4 twist latches I’m on the hunt for some.

[tallytwo1994]

Originally Posted by goransons

The little stuff takes so much time...

If anyone has 4 twist latches I’m on the hunt for some.

Scott,

Do you have a current list of the things you are still looking for? Perhaps some of us can help find those items. If you don’t mind posting it, that is. Truth be told, I don’t know what latch you need so if there are photos or something to help identify it, let me know.

Carol

[goransons]

Sure! thankfully the list is rather short.

H20 original lock cylinder (not the VTS replacement)
50's era long spout kitchen faucet.
4 (or more, some are pretty toast) oddie latches and catches - white or black knob, chrome/nickel finish
2 of the fiberglass chairs (Eames, perhaps Herman Miller) for the dining area. I figure those are a more local thing, I just haven't come across them yet.
I'm still looking for one more sconce shade that has the right plastic insert.

Thanks for keeping an eye out!

[tallytwo1994]

Originally Posted by goransons

Sure! thankfully the list is rather short.

H20 original lock cylinder (not the VTS replacement)
50's era long spout kitchen faucet.
4 (or more, some are pretty toast) oddie latches and catches - white or black knob, chrome/nickel finish
2 of the fiberglass chairs (Eames, perhaps Herman Miller) for the dining area. I figure those are a more local thing, I just haven't come across them yet.
I'm still looking for one more sconce shade that has the right plastic insert.

Thanks for keeping an eye out!

All I’m finding are the knobs! Nothing to go with them.

[57Vintage]

Scott I've got two lock cylinders without keys that I believe are originals. I'll take them into a locksmith and see if he can make keys for at least one.

Did the latch assembly work out OK otherwise?

[goransons]

I think the inside unit is working correctly. It’s got a much stronger spring and significantly tighter pivots. I need to settle up with you on it! Thanks for checking on the lock. I also have a possible lead on a NOS lock cylinder but haven't seen it yet.

[goransons]

The next saga. The axles in general are in great shape. Out of an abundance of caution I replaced all the bearings and seals, as well as the wheel studs and lug nuts (some looked stretched/bent).

The issue is I need to find a source for the brake adjustment spring. One broken this one is pretty rusty.



I’m having problem finding a spring with both hooks facing the same way. 4” long

Here’s it back on the ground. Back axle is done for now. I pulled the parking brake hydraulics out. I’ll update that this summer. This always only had one axle of brakes on the road.

Here’s the rear wheel back together

[57Vintage]

In your photo the hooked ends face out instead of in towards the coils. Does that make a difference? Would the other style work?

[GMFL]

Is this close
https://www.rvautoparts.com/046-018-...iABEgIvDPD_BwE

[goransons]

Gmfl it won’t work with the hooks facing different directions. We tried that one. I think I found one that will work through vintage camper.com.

http://www.vintagecampers.com/viewpart.php?partID=2338


I’m hoping it will work

[goransons]

I did get decals on. The reproduction Mexico decal and the caravan decals. Most of my day was axle work.

[goransons]

School’s out for summer!

I started summer off by finishing the street side drawer slides and reassembling the bed.

Tomorrow I’m finishing up the wheels, my brake springs arrived.



I’m hoping to also finish up the living room couch frame. It won’t have cushions in Salem, sorry folks. Between the amount of work left and the cost that will have to wait.

I started installing the Zenith radio this afternoon, I’m waiting on an adaptor for the external antenna. I miss radio shack.

I also received some vintage aluminum tumblers we bought that match what they used. They are Italian made Heller brand





Working from the back to the front finishing little jobs. Please know it won’t have running water or gas by Salem. That will have to wait until July.

[rowiebowie]

Great work, as usual. Thanks for the update.

[Bubba L]

Scott, you’re almost there. Things are really falling into place. Hopefully we’ll finish our 55 and make it up the west coast in 2019 to see your project. Good luck and keep it up, Bubba

[chrisetmike]

I am amazed by your attention to details. I have been following along with your progress.

[goransons]

I’ll have pictures with curtains tomorrow but I’ve reached a stopping point so we can start packing for Salem.

I still have gas and water lines to run, wheel well trim, some cabinet trim, the front couch cushions, finishing up the lid over the fridge vent and the spice rack etc. I’m just burned out with it and need a break!



Spice rack started, need to do the Formica and trim on it, paint the fridge door and install the filler strip to the right of the fridge. Those all will wait. I’m happy how the rack turned out


I have a few chips to repair but hours of scrubbing and degreasing and the Preway looks better. It sticks out just like Helen’s front kitchen with Krefft.



The tool pile is getting smaller.

[rowiebowie]

Bravo.