The title of this blog.and this post refers to not only my interest in Airstream trailers, but a trailer that I own. It is a 1952 Airstream Cruisette, which holds the distinction of being the smallest production Airstream ever produced. Its a mere 15' long. Its been in my family since around 1967, and passed through only a few hands since. My grandfather purchased it used from a trailer dealer in Sylvania, Ohio. My parents obtained it when he was no longer interested in using it. I grew up camping in this trailer. My wife and I received it from my parents in 2002 after it had lain fallow since 1985 when my folks bought a newer, larger trailer.
We've used it a few times, however, it is in need of extensive refurbishing. Our long range plan is make it structurally sound, discreetly add as many modern features as possible while maintaining the integrity of its late Art Deco design. Not surprisingly money and time are my main limiters, so it may be a slow process. I'll add to the blog as progress is made.
31 comments:
Nice trailer! Can't wait to see the progress! I have recently acquired one of these little beauties-LOTS of work to do on this one, though- and have fallen love with it. I have been doing some research on them and have found, as you may already know, that not only were they the smallest production model made, but were only made in california for two years (1951-52), with a grand total of 75 produced. The early '51 models had 15 end cap panels that were single skin-no insulation! There is a great site called vitageairstream.com that has some good info and photos of some other cruisettes that may be helpful with you restoration. I have been playing around looking for as many as I can find still out there in "for sale" ads, blogs, airstream sites, etc. So far I have found about 16, and was wondering what the serial number of yours was (located next to front door)To add to the list? It is a four digit #, starting with 80. Good luck on the project, and thanks.
Thanks for noticing. I'm going to post some updates of whats been done as time permits. The s/n is 8050. I've also been gathering data on other Cruisette from similar sources.
Well....
I own Cruisette 8048. The title labels it a 1951. I purchased it on July 28, 1975 and still have the Bill of Sale stating it to be a 1951 Airsteam Travel Trailer, though I do not have a copy of the original title, which was turned in to MVA. Is my Cruisette the last built or next to last built in 1951 since your 8050 is labeled a 1952?
David, Thanks for visiting. You may very well have the last or next to last 1951. My "database" of Cruisettes shows serial# 8037 as a 1951 model and #8057 as a 1952. I have read that model year numbers could sometimes be assigned based on date of original titling by a state BMV. My guess is that Crusittes were built as one continuous run straddling 2 model years. I'd love to hear more about your 8048 and would love to see any pix. Tim
Tim, I just "stopped by" to have a gander at your progress, and am I glad I did! David has just added his serial # to the list I am also compiling of cruisettes still out there. So far, I have found 23 of the 76 made, many of which I was able to obtain photo's of, and subsequently send in to the Airstream Photo Archive page. http://vintageairstream.com/archives/index.html.
I'd love to swap serial numbers with you Tim, just to see if we can add to each others' list! As far as I've seen, the numbers were consecutive. We'll just have to wait 'til 8049 shows up to see if David has the distinction of being the last one made in '51, or if yours was the FIRST one made in '52! Mine (#8008) was the last one made with a 15 segment endcap. David, I'd also love to see some photo's of your cruisette, and you should send some to the archive, for all to see. Here's the site where you can see mine on the restoration page- http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/memories/restorations/51cruisette/gallery.html As you will see, she was quite a mess when I got her. The site is also a great wealth of airstream history, with a lot of family photo's and stories from Peewee Schwamborn- Wally Byam's first cousin. It's a lot of fun to visit, as is your blog, Tim. Great to see you getting out in her, and look forward to seeing more! Jason
Jason,
Thanks for stopping back. I'm impressed with the progress you've made. Window fabrication...Wow! Feel free to send an email to Rifle52light@yahoo.com. I'd also be interested in comparing lists of known Cruisettes. Tim
Hello!
I have been searching for a cruisette for years now...
almost had one that went from vancouver to CA...
I'm on the east coast...would you sell this one?
I'm looking for a gutted shell even... a dream really.
not to restore and flip... but but restore and keep.
Oh yeah... joeyjohn67@gmail
any leads on a cruisette
seriously... I have a dream!
the one i missed by a week or so had a single layer front and back skin... the 51
still haunts me.
please let me know!
Hi Joey,
Thanks for the interest and offer, but our Cruisette is unequivocally not for sale.
Finding one in the east may be a challenge. I've been corresponding with another Cruisette owner and between us have identified about 1/3 of the Cruisettes produced. Of those only 2-3 are anywhere but the far west coast of the U.S.
Serial # 8048 just sold on Ebay about 3 weeks ago (in Maryland)for around $4.5K. Two others have traded hands within the past year that I'm aware of. Be prepared to pay at least $5K for a gutted shell and a correct, complete trailer in survivor condition will likely brush $20K. Watch Ebay, Tin Can Tourists & Airforums classifieds. "Airstream Guy" has had or brokered 2 that I know of in the past decade. My advice is to watch those and other sources continuously. 8048 was on and off the market in about 48 hours. You can find one but you'll need to be tenacious and quick. Best of luck, Tim
hello tim
thanks for getting back to me.
i am a film maker and musician that travels a lot.
I comb through eBay, tin can tourists and the airstream forum.
Gutted shell... oh God yes!
i can't believe i missed one on eBay?
in Maryland?
PLEASE... if you see or hear about any... east west... let me know!!!
the 51 is my dream, with the single sided ends... but a 52 or a wee wind would work for my dream project!
my other email is joey@joeyjohn.com
thanks so much
joey
I'm starting to restore my 51 Cruisette SN 8059. Hope to be finished by spring. I live in Victoria,BC.
It is obvious why the interior paint peeled off...they never used a primer on the aluminium! I'm doing mine in epoxy primer and then will 'zolotone' with Apollo Gray which is very close to the original 'roxotone' used in 1951. Will post pictures when I figure out how. Mine is a 1951 SN8059.
Cruise2,
Good luck on your restoration! I also am in the middle of restoring mine. It can be a lot of work, but very rewarding. I have also been collaborating with Tim on a census of Cruisettes, to find out how many of the original 76 made are still out there, and yours is a new addition to the list! I'd LOVE to see some photos of your little gem, so if you have a site, or would like to email, please let us know, as I know Tim would be interested as well. So far there are 27 confirmed, including yours, with one or two still pending confirmation. I will tell you this about your cruisette; According to your serial number, it is a 1952 model. The title may say differently, but we have confirmed That serial 8048 is 1951, and Tim's unit, 8050, is 1952. All numbers after that would also be 1952. Just an FYI. Again, good luck on the resto, and if you like, I can give you a link to the restoration site mine is on, and would be happy to lend any info that might be helpful to you on yours. Have fun!
Thanks for your comments 'trailerguy' How do I send you some pictures? Also, I was under the belief that if it had end caps that were only a single layer of aluminium then it was a 1951. Mine definetly has the single end caps. I look forward to sharing photos...although some people would think I'm crazy for taking on such a big project. I've restored about 8 Airstreams over the years. This is likely my last and will be our 'keeper'.
Cruise2, Thanks for visiting. I'm Tim the owner of the blog and I appreciate your additions. I'll echo Jason that I'd love to see some photos of 8059. If you'd like you can email them to: rifle52light@yahoo.com and I'll make sure tralierguy168 gets them. I could also host them here in a blog post for you if you'd like. I'd love to hear more about your experiences with the Zolotone as you proceed with your resto. My trailer, 8050 is experiencing the same peeling. I'd always been under the impression that Zolotine is "sticky" enough that primer is not essential, but I'm very interested to see your results. At some point soon 8050 will need the same treatment. Thanks also for the info about the end caps. Jason has filled you in about the model year break. The inner skin on the end caps seems to have happened even later in the production run. 8069 and 8075 do have it, and 8058 and 8057, just below yours do not. 8063 and 8065 are out there, but I've not seen any interior pix or gotten info from the owners. There is a trailer that may be Cruisette 8054 which has inner skin on the endcaps, but its still an open question as to exactly what the trailer really is.
I hope this info is helpful and please keep us updated on the progrees of your restoration.
I am seriously considering having a new aluminium frame made for my Cruisette. The existing belly pan serves little use. It is non existant in the axel area and is not tight fitting at front and back allowing vermin and weather to get in. Any thoughts other than it not being original?
Just talked to a nice gentleman outside of Atlanta that owns (and is selling) 8001 s/n
TELL ME you got pictures!!!! Add another one to the count, Tim!
Barb, welcome to my blog and thanks a million for the heads-up about 8001! I was able to find an ad with photos. Thanks for helping with the unofficial Cruisette Census and stop back any time. Tim
Hi Tim and Everyone,
I am new to this blog. Recently bought the 8001 from Bobby in Atlanta. I drove her from Georgia to Austin, Texas with no problems. I have owned several airstreams, but I love this trailer. Can't wait to fix what needs fixin. By the way any help on replacing the front windows would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Paul
Hi Paul, congratulations on your Cruisette! Glad to hear you got it home in one piece. Please feel free to email me at rifle52light@yahoo.com . I'd be happy to share info that I've got and can connect you with another Cruisette owner who has done some window fabrication. Thanks for stopping by.
Hello, I am in MN and my late father in law has a 1951 cruisette. The original title states 1951, but it's number is 8055. I have been reading you blog for information on this trailer. We need to sell it and I am just trying to find out fore info.
Thank you to everyone.
Hi again, I just wrote about the 1951(?) that we have. If anyone would have info that would help please e mail me at: gigirust@aim.com We are taking photos in the next couple of days to advertise it for sale.
Thank you
Hello again, I thought I would see if anyone out there would happen to know much about a 1962 Globe trotter. We also have one of these. This trailer has been fully restored, polished and is very nice.
Thank you
Hi Gerri Ann,
Thanks for stopping by. I'll contact your email address to help answer your questions
Hello All,
Just wanted to add to the family of Cruisette Owners. I am the proud owner of a 1952 Cruisette. It is number 8074. I have been wondering how many of these little beauties may still be around. I understand that there were only 75 ever made. I have begun the large task of restoring my little "SPUD".
Trailerguy, do you know if you have mine counted in the 16 you had found as of 2008?
Hello Spud. Between Tim and myself, we have together catalogued 35 Cruisettes. 31 have been confirmed by serial number and 4 we have photos of through ads and such, that do not match any photo's we have, but could not get a seial number on. One of these was completely wrecked. Of all of these so far, yours, at least as far as serial numbers go, is not on the list. So welcome! We would love to see some photos of your trailer and either add it as a new member to the list, or to possibly solve one of our "mystery" units. My email is jlabounty@oiica.com. Tim mat or may not have seen this yet, but I will email him with copies of the photo's and the info. Thanks, and looking (literally!) forward to seeing photos of your little gem! Jason
Hello All,
I have just acquired 1951 Cruisette #8023, if you didn't already have registered. It is solid but needs a restoration.
Hi, I just found your blog postings. About 2 yrs ago I finished rebuilding Cruisette 8029, it belongs to my sister in law and it lives in Petoskey Mi. I lifted the shell and installed a new floor, and rebuilt everything from there up. I even paneled the end caps with the same design shape as the outside. I added new refer, cold water, tank, and toilet with holding tank. Also added a new 3 burner cooktop with hood and exhaust fan. Also microwave, and small pantry. I had to rebuild one window frame. I discovered aluminum J channel is made for aircraft. The new window looks just like the old. I am glad to see this blog. I didn't know there were as many of these around. Terry.
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