#3 - Interior "Before" Photos

Step Inside


This is not garbage; its parts (except that orange cooler).


Peeling Paint, Ripped Curtains, Faux Brick


Looking Out the Front Window


Sconces, Probably Circa 1960s


A Shower...With Curtain Included


It Came With Linens


A Bird Nest in an Overhead Bin


Just a Few of the Dozens of Wasp Nests...These in Overhead Vent Screens


New Mahagony Cabinet Faces Circa 1970


Lovely Curtains


Hideaway Toilet in Rear of Trailer

#2 - Exterior "Before" Photos

Street Side Windows Broken & Bent


Half a Jalousie Window


Missing Curb Side Utility Door & Serious Bulge Above Tire


Extensive Floor Rot Hidden By Belly Pan


Dent and Riveted Street Side Tear


Broken Door Lock & 1960s-Style Grab Handle


Front Window & Broken Green Rock Guard


Rear End & Duct Tape


Dent in Front Top & Odd Awning Storage Box


Back Top Dent


I Dare You To Step Inside...

#1 - How It All Started

It started back in August when I got an email from a guy with an Airstream to sell...

Hi Steve, I am a friend of Gerry's. I have a 1956 Caravanner that needs total restoration. He told me you might be interested in it. Let me know if you are and if so, how much something like this is worth. - Cliff

No photos were attached.

I wasn't actually looking for a trailer; I was "between Airstreams" and kind of liking it. My company, Vintage Trailer Supply was growing and the last thing I had time or money for was a restoration project. On the other hand, I was getting ribbed by my friends who wondered why the guy with the vintage trailer parts business hadn't owned a working camper in more than a year.

I had always wanted a '56, and a 22-foot Caravanner was just the right size for me and my wife, Michele.

I asked for photos...