We just bought a lovely holiday lot in Harrison Hot Springs, BC with a 1964 Silver Streak that's been parked at the site for 24 years!

We were planning on "throwing it away" following the anticipated purchase of a much newer model RV, but I have to say that as a result of two SEVERE cleanings (inside), she has REALLY grown on me!

She does need some TLC, and we would like to fix her up a little ourselves, but as we are "RV Rookies", we have no idea where to start.

~there are a few, small soft spots in the corners on the floor, and the carpet needs replacing (am I correct in my understanding that the floor is built right on the frame?)...

~there is a mild musty odour...

~the unit doesn't appear to have leaks, but as we live in a fairly damp climate, some of the wooden wall panelling has seen better days (moldy and some break-down)

Aside from the couches, and the oven (which has been replaced with a four burner stove-top), everything seems to be original. Given her age, she is in fairly good nick.

Are there online sites you would suggest for "RV do-it-yourselfers", or should we "leave it to the professionals" - which I fear may cause my husband to send her on her way and opt for a newer model RV. Any and all help would be HUGELY appreciated.

CHEERS!

Richelle

PS...the outside is in great shape (is this model anodized?). What do you recommend for polishing the outside (I read the discussion on this and it went in several different directions).

Thanks again - great site!!!!!!!!!

By Richelle on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 10:46 pm:

PS...I haven't seen anything on 1964 models (ours is a 26' trailer model). Does anyone have information that may be helpful? THANKS!

By Jim Grammer on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 10:59 am:

Richelle - We are relative newcomers to SS ownership ourselves, and have just enjoyed a 10 day road trip in our '66 Sabre 17. I'm of the opinion that ANY SS is worth saving, even if it means passing it along to another enthusiast. SS's are very unique units, far rarer than Airstreams.

Structural issues like the floor should probably be addressed first. You're correct, the floor is laid on the frame. The hitch is that the body is then installed onto the floor, sandwiching the floor. The extreme repair for extensive floor damage is to take the body off the frame and replace the floor. Sections of floor can be replaced with the body on. Note that you will need to remove interior aluminum panels to access the body to floor fasteners. For 'smallish' areas, some folks report good success with wood rot repair products from the marine industry.

By 'interior wood panels', I assume you're referring to the cabinetry. A little woodworking talent will go a long ways in this area, there's nothing very complicated going on. A basic home handyman approach is what's needed for the various trailer systems(plumbing, gas, electric, etc). Ours now has working 12V / 110 electrics(mostly) and a new propane setup. Fresh water is next, then the toilet.

A great many Airstream related issues also apply to the SS, so the Airstream area of this site and the other Airstream resto sites are great resources. For example, you'll want to read the threads here about Olympic rivets, and get familiar with Vulkem.

I believe that all SS trailers were anodized. Polishing of the ano finish simply isn't possible without stripping the ano. No fun on a 26' trailer! I have gotten used to the idea of having a silver trailer that's not shiny ;) Different folks here have recommended various surface treatments for the ano finish, including WD40. There is one advocate for an acid based pressure wash here, others think that this is a bad idea.

I have located what I believe to be 1965 and 1966 SS color sales brochures. The '65 in particular should be very close to your '64. As time permits I need to scan these and forward to Tom for inclusion here.

By Carol Blew on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 10:43 pm:

Our 1964 SS Sabre was damaged this week in an auto accident. It is a small one (17' i think)..anyway, we are hoping to save it. Would be interested in ALL information, expecially the sales brochures you mention. Thanks, Carol B., Klamath Falls, Oregon

By Robert Warnstaff on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 06:24 pm:

Dear Jim
We are new to the SS club. My wife and I inherited a 64 SS Sabre 17foot model and like it very much. I am currently looking for any information on these little jems. We would be interested in the sales brochure that you advertised back in Aug 02
My name is Robert Warnstaff and my current address is 28 Hart Rd Oroville Wa. 98844

By George Sprankle on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:04 am:

Richelle, I own 2 SS's one is a 1950 22ft. Clipper, and the other is a 1974 27ft. Continental. For your floor repair, I recommend that you first strip out all carpet, floor tile etc and get down to the bare wood. Then simply cut out the bad spots. then you can glue and screw overlapping plywood stripsaround the edge of the cutout area, next you glue and screw a piece of plywood in the cutout. It's not at all hard to do, really. If the damage is extensive, the simplest way of fixing it is to simply cover the entire floor with 1/2 inch plywood.
George, Glendale, Arizona

By George Sprankle on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:06 am:

Richelle, All Silverstreaks were anodized (except for some early Clippers) DO NOT POLISH IT.
The anidozing protects the aluminum.
George

By Al Grayson on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 11:20 am:

Anodizing is Aluminum Oxide, the stuff used to make abrasive ("sand-") paper. It is the same material as sapphire and ruby, extremely hard, next to diamond.
It is microscopically porous, which is why dye takes well, but also is why it can be discolored. It should after cleaning be waxed to reduce staining.
The musty odor may go away if you use the trailer. Any trailer will get musty smelling if it is not lived in and is stored outdoors. The floor rot may not be from leaks. Water condensation runs down out of the walls onto the floor.
If one is replacing the entire floor, body off, there is strong wafer board that is totally unlike particle board underlayment. I have a car trailer that was borrowed. The borrower installed a full floor over new 2 x 6's, and walls. The weather resistant sheet has been out in the weather in Tennessee, then in Oregon, sometimes with water standing in the front corners, for about 10 years. Piles of rotting leaves have lain in it for months at a time. There is no rot. Some discoloration. The wettest areas seem to have swelled a little in spots.
Ask at building supplies for such a sheet material. The fellow who borrowed my trailer and put this in said it was more expensive than plywood, but sounds like it is worth the difference.

By joe robinson on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:01 pm:

HI: I'm Joe from Phoenix and I just bought a SS and have been playing around with the outside finish. I have tried every type of polish and compounds and the best thing I have found so far was from ace hardware called stainless steel magic. It seems to bring back the satin sheen to the trailer. Spray it on and use a piece of scotchbrite and go with the grain and polish dry.

By Kary ONeill on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 06:52 pm:

Hello: I am a new 1964 17 ft. Silver Streak owner. Does anyone know how much they weigh empty? I have a 6 cylinder Ford Ranger automatic, and want to know if it would be ok to pull the trailer with.I need to purchase a hitch. My trailer is in pristine condition with all the original "stuff" inside. It has a new water heater and the refrigerator has been restored. The body is in excellent condition with no leaks and has always been a California trailer. What do you think it is worth? I can send pictures. Thanks.