Post by rattbyte on Apr 21, 2013 12:10:06 GMT -5
Howdy from western Montana!
I have been looking for a 50s-60's Shasta Airflyte (or similar) for about a year now. Found a number of them, but always sold by the time I call (no news to you guys; ). Spent a lot of time researching and watching Mobiltec's great videos on YouTube (I personally will pitch in to purchase an "Oscar" statue for him if you all want help with the honors) and reading Schweetcruisers wise postings (that Kayakher person was shocking).
Need some advice from the folks that have been there. Now don't take offense you true believers, but from what I understand of Shasta build quality in the day: with 3/8 inch plywood floors, typically leaking windows, little to no insulation (after 50 years) and the quality of electrical materials at the time, most ANY trailer will need a pretty complete redo IF one wants a truly reliable and "good for another 50 years" trailer. That means a total frame off restoration in my mind, which is fine (actually preferred by me). I need something that can withstand Montana winters in the mountains and will want to pull the skins off anything I end up with to insulate and seal. I would also prefer a modern/new axle system versus bounce around on 50 year old leaf springs and bearing races.
I am experienced in frame off vintage car and extensive house restoration, so a trailer doesn't spook me. So with that in mind, here are the insider questions I could use your help on:
1. How do you find a good restoration candidate. With a frame off most anything will do, but best candidate would have the tough to find door handles, drawer pulls, etc. all there.
2. The only thing I can't seem to locate are the 6" break skins. Checked out the threads on that and emailed a ton of folks, but no one admits to having them or able to fab in the west.
3. Floors - seems 5/8 marine plywood is in order. Does that mean EVERYTHING comes off? Not sure how the floor is attached to the walls.
4. Modern torsion/rubber axle swap?
5. Insulation: a major motivator for restoration for me. Want to park this at the local Mom & Pop ski area in the winter (no hotels for 30 miles) and use it in the mountains in the summer (still below freezing on some nites). What's the best material that can handle the curves on the front and back ends?
6. Model/Size: been tracking approx 14 foot Airflytes. Seems to be the size I am looking for. What are the dimensions of the rear bed on these? Are there similar models in that rough size neighborhood I should be looking at (i.e: Deluxe or "1500")?
I thank you for your indulgence. I've always found the best way to learn is to listen to people that have been there. Your wisdom will be appreciated.
I have been looking for a 50s-60's Shasta Airflyte (or similar) for about a year now. Found a number of them, but always sold by the time I call (no news to you guys; ). Spent a lot of time researching and watching Mobiltec's great videos on YouTube (I personally will pitch in to purchase an "Oscar" statue for him if you all want help with the honors) and reading Schweetcruisers wise postings (that Kayakher person was shocking).
Need some advice from the folks that have been there. Now don't take offense you true believers, but from what I understand of Shasta build quality in the day: with 3/8 inch plywood floors, typically leaking windows, little to no insulation (after 50 years) and the quality of electrical materials at the time, most ANY trailer will need a pretty complete redo IF one wants a truly reliable and "good for another 50 years" trailer. That means a total frame off restoration in my mind, which is fine (actually preferred by me). I need something that can withstand Montana winters in the mountains and will want to pull the skins off anything I end up with to insulate and seal. I would also prefer a modern/new axle system versus bounce around on 50 year old leaf springs and bearing races.
I am experienced in frame off vintage car and extensive house restoration, so a trailer doesn't spook me. So with that in mind, here are the insider questions I could use your help on:
1. How do you find a good restoration candidate. With a frame off most anything will do, but best candidate would have the tough to find door handles, drawer pulls, etc. all there.
2. The only thing I can't seem to locate are the 6" break skins. Checked out the threads on that and emailed a ton of folks, but no one admits to having them or able to fab in the west.
3. Floors - seems 5/8 marine plywood is in order. Does that mean EVERYTHING comes off? Not sure how the floor is attached to the walls.
4. Modern torsion/rubber axle swap?
5. Insulation: a major motivator for restoration for me. Want to park this at the local Mom & Pop ski area in the winter (no hotels for 30 miles) and use it in the mountains in the summer (still below freezing on some nites). What's the best material that can handle the curves on the front and back ends?
6. Model/Size: been tracking approx 14 foot Airflytes. Seems to be the size I am looking for. What are the dimensions of the rear bed on these? Are there similar models in that rough size neighborhood I should be looking at (i.e: Deluxe or "1500")?
I thank you for your indulgence. I've always found the best way to learn is to listen to people that have been there. Your wisdom will be appreciated.