KEEPING A CLASSIC ON THE ROAD
There’s nothing more satisfying than keeping a classic on the road – still useable and working as it was originally intended. That’s the case with this camper built in 1959 by the Streamline Trailer Co. in El Monte, California. Dean Davis of Illinois acquired the old gal wanting to make sure she stayed viable. Dean contracted out the heavy lifting to Pioneer Vintage Trailer of Ohio to make the updates he needed. Some things, such as flooring, he and his wife plan on doing themselves to finish out the interior.
ORIGINALLY A PARK MODEL
This aluminum, and more squared off take on an Airstream, was built as a ‘park model’ – made to sit in a park with full hookup. So there were no tanks installed. Dean wanted to take her on the road and actually do some camping so a few things had to be added. There was also some floor rot to be repaired by the entrance door.
Nearly perfect for her age, there were a few exterior issues to be corrected. There was a large dent in the back quarter panel which required replacing and the bumper was bent. The rear bathroom was completely removed, along with the interior skins and belly pan, allowing full access to the dented panel. After gutting out the bathroom, it was found that the back one foot of subfloor needed replaced and this was the perfect time to do it.
He specified to PVT that he wanted the largest gray water tank they could fit in. A very large 60 gal. gray water tank was nestled into the rear between and under the frame. The large size necessitated it being below the belly pan. PVT wrapped the protruding tank in aluminum to protect it. In addition, a 36 gallon fresh and a 15 gallon black water tank were also added.
Button it Up
Next was replacing the crinkled corner panel with new aluminum. After the panel replacement and reinstalling the bathroom, exterior trim pieces were riveted back in place. Ya gotta love those taillights!!
The rear bumper was also put back to like new condition.
1950’S PINK PORCELAIN KITCHEN
Pink appliances were the ‘hot’ thing in the 50’s and that is reflected in this trailer. The porcelain sink and stove match in this very functional kitchen. This Wedgewood-Holly 4 burner gas stove and oven looks in almost new condition. It is still fully functional.
BATHROOM & APPLIANCE UPGRADES
The original standup hot water heater was removed and replace with a new 7 gallon heater. It now resides under one of the new beds that were installed in front of the bathroom. The tall and skinny access door on the curb side is now an escape hatch in case of emergency – a pretty neat idea.
A new porcelain toilet was mounted in place. The countertop, sink and full standup original shower were also reinstalled. Dean plans to really fix up the shower area.
Back in the kitchen, the new fridge with the wood insert panel was stained to match the surrounding wood doors. The pink sink received a faucet upgrade.
BED UPDATES
New built-in twin beds are on either side on your way to the bathroom. This wood was also stained to match the existing wood and the under bed storage compartment doors were outfitted with hardware to match existing latches in the trailer.
Many things were kept as original as possible – like the Coleman furnace, metal cabinets and cupboard doors. To keep the vintage look, the new tank monitor was tucked away behind the sliding door above the sink. And there’s just no substitute for these cool art deco wall sconce lights.
A very happy Dean took delivery of his beautiful Streamline – taking it home to complete the rest of the details that he can finish himself.
Published: October 7, 2019 ~ Updated: December 5, 2022 ~ Author: Staff Writer
