Built by Vintage Base Camp in Crestwood, Kentucky, this 1963 Airstream Overlander was the fifth client to walk through our doors. It has been a labor of love for us and for the client. This project was completed in phases over the course of five years.
For it’s first phase, we did a full gut and shell-off restoration of the frame, added new axles and mounted new fresh, gray and black-water tanks for the new layout. A new sub-floor was installed and then we reattached the shell. Once she was all put back together we dove into the window restorations with brass screens, we added new fans, and AC, and buttoned her up to the weather. She was now off to storage. The next time she came back to us, we started on the insulation, wiring, and all new aluminum skins on the inside.
Off she went again! Finally, she was polished and went back home to her owner for the next phase.
After she returned to us, we jumped right in to the next and final stage for this project – the full build out! Our techs got busy securely adhering 4’x8’ sheets of .032 thick gorgeous hickory veneer to a ⅛ substrate on a large curved jig engineered by Jay, our lead woodworker. The inventiveness of creating this jig was that it allowed the wood to bend so that it could be bonded to the curved aluminum interior skin. They definitely won some awards for their ingenuity in making this happen! Once all the interior walls had their new wood finishes, we put in the new flooring, and started the build out. Our master woodworker started fleshing out the design and dreams of the clients, including a twin bed layout that converts to a king, custom cabinetry in the kitchen to maximize the space for storage, and a dinette that converts to a twin bed in the front. Last but not least, the gas fireplace has a spot carved out for it as well!
After the build out, we removed all the cabinetry for lacquer finishing. The interior wood paneling was clear lacquered to bring out the depth of the grain and give it a little shine, and then all the cabinetry was reinstalled. The 1948-49 GM Frigidaire refrigerator was sourced from a 24’ Spartanette and the 1950s’ Princess oven was found on Facebook marketplace in Indianapolis. Each of the appliances were disassembled and restored to tip-top working order.
Next the final touches would help complete the clients’ vision of an Adirondack hunting lodge. The curtains have a Scandinavian floral pattern and are paired with denim bench cushions. Everything came together to make this the perfect trailer to be taken out west for hunting trips. After years, it becomes bittersweet to see the trailer and the clients, leave the shop. But don’t worry, visitation rights have been built into my contract!
**Special thanks to my parents for lending us all the accouterments for the staging items that help give it that finished look.
Behind The Scenes…
