1965 Shasta Airflyte interior wood

Hello and Welcome,

While I would like to be positive and proven wrong, your trailer sounds like the PO was a flipper. If they painted it on the outside and on the inside every nook and cranny, it matches the profile of a flipper. They buy a trailer in poor condition and dress it up with paint and not much else. Major repairs are avoided. They typically paint on the outside and on the inside. The paint on the outside makes it look all nice and pretty - making it attractive to a buyer. The paint on the inside usually hides water damage which can indicate wood rot. You commented that the paint job inside was poor. I wonder if it was to cover up something? The poor paint job tells me it was rushed and no care was put into it. Flippers often times charge thousands of dollars over what they paid for it before they move it along with minimal work.

I could be wrong.

Do you know anything of the history of the trailer? Pix would really help especially of the interior. We have folks on the board like hawks and can see the details that would indicate water damage. The link for how to post pix is here: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/7276/add-photos-hosted-flickr-tutoria

Vintage trailers are like a can of worms... That's one reason they call rounded 50's models CANned hams, IMHO. 

As for original wood used for the paneling, I will let the Shasta experts handle that one.

Rod

Thanks everyone for for the great info. The PO used it as a business, not sure what type. 🤷

We've been inside when it's raining and there is no evidence of any water damage/running except for a tiny corner in the front, but it is very dry, even in the rain. Looks like it is very old damage. I will work on getting some pics up.

Since it's already painted, it might be better to leave it. The interior really looks good. I actually like white better than the 60s faux panels. The hinges and handles can be stripped and cleaned or re-painted in a contrasting color.

When you see a little leak, there is often a lot of damage in behind it. Check the edge trim putty to be sure it is still soft and sealing. Water tends to leak inside the wall and runs down rather than show on interior spaces. If the panels are bubbling, it is a very bad sign.

I recommend lifting the skins to check for lower rot. Most re-painted interiors cover previous water marks.

To lift skins, you first loosen the front/rear metal at the fold over. Remove the edge trim/J rail and you will see lots of small nails and possibly staples. Straighten the fold and carefully lift the front and rear metal away from the siding. The siding is attached at the bottom with nails and staples. Once you remove the nails, the metal should slip down and off the trailer. (windows, doors and other thru the metal items will need to be removed as well)

One way to tell if the bottom wood is compromised is with an icepick. Poke into the wood to see if it is soft or crumbling. Many times, you can use just your hand to find bad wood. Also, a soft and discolored floor indicates you have rot below.