Norwalk, Ca built airstream

[njf]

Hello. I am new to the forum. My wife is alway buying old stuff to use for her business. Drives me nuts having all the old junk laying around...haha. A couple years ago she purchased an old little airstream. This past week she wanted me to make it into a mini traveling store. I packed the bearings with grease and spent today polishing it. When I saw the VIN number (4117) I thought dang this thing must be pretty old. I am wondering if anyone can tell me the year and model of the airstream based on the VIN number. I think the title says 1959? I have attached a picture of the vin tag and trailer. Thank you for your help

Neil

[Hittenstiehl]

Beauty! Is there another tag by chance.

[wkerfoot]

Unfortunately the VIN does not fit anything here: http://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/ But look further, maybe you can locate something. The overall length from bumper to ball might help narrow it down.


Bill

Originally Posted by njf

Hello. I am new to the forum. My wife is alway buying old stuff to use for her business. Drives me nuts having all the old junk laying around...haha. A couple years ago she purchased an old little airstream. This past week she wanted me to make it into a mini traveling store. I packed the bearings with grease and spent today polishing it. When I saw the VIN number (4117) I thought dang this thing must be pretty old. I am wondering if anyone can tell me the year and model of the airstream based on the VIN number. I think the title says 1959? I have attached a picture of the vin tag and trailer. Thank you for your help

Neil

[njf]

No other tags or stamps on it. Bumper to ball length is 18 feet.

Thank you
Neil

[wkerfoot]

Most likely a late 1958 California 18 footer. A remarkable survivor, pictures of the inside?



Bill

Originally Posted by njf

No other tags or stamps on it. Bumper to ball length is 18 feet.

Thank you
Neil

[njf]

Not much to see on the inside. A prior owner gutted it.

It is surprising to me that a 1958 trailer is in Alaska. I wonder when it came up the Alcan.

[wkerfoot]

Too bad about the inside, the outside looks good. Any history on the title in Alaska as to when it was issued.


Bill

Originally Posted by njf

Not much to see on the inside. A prior owner gutted it.

It is surprising to me that a 1958 trailer is in Alaska. I wonder when it came up the Alcan.

[66Overlander]

4117 decodes as a 1958 Airstream 18' Traveler built in California. This trailer was built in April 1958 according to Airstream production records.

[Sport 16 STL]

Great looking trailer. It would be fun to know it's story. What years were airstreams built in CA?

[Trowbridge]

Beautiful trailer! Your wife should be allowed to collect to her heart's content!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL

Great looking trailer. It would be fun to know it's story. What years were airstreams built in CA?

Airstream began in California in 1931 or 1932. They finally opened an eastern pant in Jackson Center in late 1952 for the 1953 model year and they operated plants in both states until 1979 when they finally closed their last California Plant. The California plant moved several times and was at times in Los Angles (several different addresses over the years), Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and Cerritos (starting 1968). I don't have all of the addresses and move dates figured out to give you more details, though at one point during the mid-1950s I believe they operated Los Angeles and Norwalk plants simultaneously. Also, Norwalk became Santa Fe Springs in the late 1950s or very early 1960s when they moved the city lines with the plant not physically moving.

[njf]

Thank you everyone for all the information!

[amollere]

We have a ‘62 California Globetrotter. It’s in “Off site” storage or I’d look at the name of the town it was made in (Santa Fe Springs maybe??). We are 3rd. Owners & bought it from couple in Bristle, VA, where I’m sure they purchased it too (used it for a “lake house” and did not camp.l

[L.A. Phil]

Norwalk and Sante Fe Springs are both the plant on Firestone Blvd. SFS was unincorporated county area and was serviced by the Norwalk post office. When SFS was incorporated they changed the address city only. Same factory.

Later they moved to Cerritos...