[A/S] Re: new owner and member

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings!

Welcome to the world of Vintage Airstreaming and the world of '64 
Overlander ownership.  I have owned my '64 Overlander International 
for nearly nine (9) years, and have known the unit since it was brand 
new as friends of my family owned the trailer and took me on my first 
camping trip in it when it was brand new and I was five years old.

The Hehr windows used in the '64 Airstreams have long since been 
discontinued.  About the only alternative for a complete window 
(frame, operators, etc.) would be from a salvaged unit.  If all you 
need is new glass to be placed in the frame, it is standard window 
glass - - when replacing, it would probably be wise to switch to 
tempered glass for greater safety.  Lexan is another alternative for 
replacing broken glass - - I used this in my front window so that I 
wouldn't need a rock guard as I like the see-through aspect of towing 
without the front window rock guard.  The window operators, at least 
as of 18-months ago were still available through my local Airstream 
dealer (replaced all of mine that demonstrated any wear as a 
precaution).

I had both my water heater and frunace replaced with modern units for 
greater safety and economy.  While many choose to preserve the 
original covers, I found them to be clumsy and unappealing so used 
the fixtures that came with the new water heater and furnace.  If 
your coach is like mine, it likely came with a 10-gallon water 
heater.  You have the option of going back with a 10-gallon unit (be 
prepared as all of my local sources indicated that this was a special 
order) or a 6-gallon unit - - either of which will likely require 
some modification to the opening as both are smaller in dimesnion 
than the original Bowen water heater.  Additional water heater 
options that you might want to consider (I wish that I had) are the 
110-Volt-AC water heater element and electronic ignition.

Airstream's first year for owner's manuals was 1964, so if you didn't 
get one with your Overlander they are available as photo copies of 
the original documents from Secretarial Services via the following:

http://www.airstream.org/FAQ/FAQ_3.html#Manuals

If you are in the Midwest, and you are interested in the professional 
services vendors that I utilized when restoring my '64 Overlander I 
would be happy to share that information.  At the current time, I 
would place my Overlander at about 90% restored/10% refurbished.

Just for curiousity, does your Overlander have the diamond pleated 
ceiling padding in the bedroom area?  Speculation is that it was part 
of the International package as well as being optional on the regular 
Overlander Land Yacht.

Good luck with your Overlander!

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 
(Towcar In-Traning)