On to the Exterior!

(original post 10/27/2008)

The exterior... mixed emotions about the exterior. When I gave it a quick bath, the paint seems to clean up pretty good, for 43 year old paint... May still need to be re-painted this summer.



The rear bumber is still the original "Aristocrat" bumper, so this will be re-welded back together and painted along with the frame. Most likely silver or black.



The front "Rock Guard" or awning was missing (part of the 2% I mentioned in my last post) All the glass is in very good condition including the lead Jalouise windows, those account for all but the rear, that is the only fixed pane of glass.

Underneath, you can see the frame. Pretty stout frame for this size trailer. Notice the tounge is a constant frame rail all the way to the back bumper. Some trailers like Kit Companions do this a bit differently... and they don't last as well, I think.

Another shot of the front, need a couple 20 lb LP tanks, a bit of new paint and we're set. (until the jack seized...more on that later)

Another fun part of the Aristocrats, the 'branded' step. Again, this will match the frame and bumper, Silver or Black. You are starting to see my theme?

Screen door is intact, needs a rebuild and new screen. The Rectangle tail light will go bye-bye soon enough and be replaced with the period correct round tails.

"you're following an aristocrat" Cute. The small black sticker above the badge says "Tacoma Tailer Co." this didn't go far, I bought it from a lady in Tacoma... hopefully this didn't spend it's whole life in a backyard somewhere, we'll just say it didn't and move on.

Next up, tearing into the interior to replace the floor, and eventually the closet too. The begining of the end... wait until you see what comes next!

Brought the Old Girl Home

(original post 10/27/2008, blog started 3/20/09)

Last week I picked up my new vintage trailer and my first, and I am loving every second of it so far.

It's a 1966 15.5 ft Aristocrat Mainliner, it's in fairly good condition considering it's age! She's about 98% complete and needs a little TLC to be a real beauty!! All three systems work great (LP, 12v & 110v) just needs some paint, polish and personal touch.
The top vent had blown off in a windstorm a couple years ago, and the previous owner instead of replacing the $10.50 part at Camping World, decided to just cover it with a garbage bag and ductape. Well it leaked, big surprise so there is some soft spots on the floor that had to be repaired. This may be a long project!

Well here are the pics, these are all before it was cleaned up and the work began:


This first interior shot shows the bunk folded up out of the way (got geese?). Gotta help but love the wonderful 80's geese wallpaper, and puke baby blue paint... on everything! Guess I will have to paint too? The Appliances will be transformed later, the icebox will be removed and replaced by a 110v Fridge, draperies thrown away and replaced, new formica, new foam for the cushions (and new Vinyl uphulstery) This will not look the same when I'm done with it!!! The Table (aka dinette) like most trailers folds down into a bed. Long and skinny! 83"x42" is the final demensions so that puts it as long as our California King bed (good thing as I'm 6'5"), but as skinny as a full?



There are 3 total beds this exact size. the dinette bed, sofa pull-out bed, and a fold down bunk bed (for the kids?). Here is my son, helping to demonstrate the bunk bed folded down (again, 83"x42")

Watch your head with that bunk down!

Here is the 3rd bed, the sofa pull-out. Again, 83"x42".

(Sofa Mode)

(And Bed Mode, almost.)



Can I possibly explain how bad these smelled? No, it's a blog... these got thrown away and never thought of again... until I found out what oil prices do to foam prices $$$$ (petrolium based).