Re: [a/s] A mini poll about the classics

[Dare2BDULL@xxxxxxx]

<<questions of those of you who own or have had experience with the pre-1969 
Airstreams. 
    1. Is the insulation used back then as good as that in use today?>>
We have a 1966 Overlander 26 foot we've owned since December
Today the temperature was 80+ and the trailer was cool inside (we're under 
some trees but not in full shade) without any fans.  It does seem to heat 
well, too -- we have no furnace but an electric heater (recessed) and a 
catalytic which we barely used because electricity is free where we are 
parked so why use the propane?

    <<2. When refurbishing is necessary, do you try to choose fabrics and 
materials that will replicate the period of your trailer as closely as 
possible?>>
I can't answer that as everything still is original in ours, but we will be 
working on that very soon (unless we decide to sell it to get a bigger one --)

    <<3. Have you added a grey tank or are you using a portable?>>
we're hooked up so that isn't an issue yet.
    <<4. Those of you who use your trailer often, do you keep it polished?>>
Ours is not polished and the clearcoat is not in the best condition.  We are 
going to strip it and re-wax it at this point.  Someday, I would really like 
to have Jim Weston's gang polish it to a mirror finish.

    <<5. I've heard that the utilities connections are in a different 
location 
than those on newer trailers.  If so, how do you deal with hooking up?>>
It does appear to be a bit of a tighter fit for the electric plug so we may 
look at extending that somehow.  The sewer and water of course just get a 
longer hose.
But most places it's fine.
    <<6. How are the units from the 50s and 60s holding up?  Are the cabinets 
still in place?  Are roof leaks common?
>>
No roof leaks for us.  The cabinets are great.  Although, one of them is 
pushed out of shape from the bottom from someone putting too much in there! 
and the one where the water heater is placed is bowed slightly outward 
probably from the warmt? or a previous leak (only guessing).

The only other thing I would say is the seals around the windows (black 
rubber) are needing replacement and I'm not sure how we'll do that.  Any 
sugestions for me?

<<    That's enough for now.  Your answers may help me change a few of my 
pre-existing negative ideas, and lead me to consider the older units.  
    Thanks, Phyllis>>

Crystal
and Silver Belle
ps we bought purple and white Christmas lights to somehow decorate our area.  
Any ideas how to mount them since we don't yet have an awning?  We do have an 
awning metal strip.