cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Apr 28, 2014 14:15:27 GMT -8
So, first a big thanks to everyone for all the info here, but more importantly the encouragement. My husband thinks I'm crazy, and is kind of eyeing my project as a hunting blind if I give up, so I'm extra motivated to go the distance. ;)Since the old girl wasn't anywhere near original, and the parts that were original weren't special or attractive, I have decided to just make her look and smell good and pull safely. I decided to go wth birch plywood instead of the original white vinyl covered Masonite for the ceiling and front and rear panels. I am working on the front first. The roof is detached and sitting above the frame on wood blocks. I replaced any funky ceiling joists and put foam insulation between them. I have pulled the front off and am replacing all the front framing. I added some solid framing at the top where the roof curves. There wasn't much left holding the front window in, but it wasn't the roof that caused the problem, it was the three front running lights. When I pulled off the paneling on the inside, I could see daylight coming in where the lights weren't sealed. Water just poured in. They are nowhere near any framing. I'm wondering if they should have wood framing behind them. I could easily add it now. I think this trailer might be a Wildcat, but now I'm not quite sure. The title was for a 14 ft Vanbrook trailer, not an 18ft travel trailer or camper. Sec. of State said it probably didn't belong to the camper. The framing is 1 and 1/4 by 1 and 5/8th. I have heard the Wildcats were 2x2s. I'm also pretty sure the skin is not all original. I can't find a vin anywhere. Cheri           |
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soup
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Post by soup on Apr 28, 2014 14:54:00 GMT -8
Looks like your doing a good job! Well the rest of the pix just disappeared. I saw them, then I only saw one after you made the second post. |
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yas
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by yas on Apr 28, 2014 18:35:39 GMT -8
All the pictures are showing now.
Good job Cheri, saving that one from becoming a hunting blind!
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pam
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Post by pam on May 18, 2014 19:56:04 GMT -8
 Hi Cheri, You mentioned that you had not found the VIN yet. I am also working on a mid-60's Wildcat (13') and just recently found the elusive VIN. I'd suggest that you buy a wire brush attachment for your drill and try removing as much rust and build-up fro the front part of the tongue on the passengers side. That is where I found mine. Wow! You really are ambitious and motivated to save this from becoming a hunting habitat. You are farther along than I am but I know exactly what you mean by one step forward and two steps back! The birch is going to look wonderful. Let me know if you have any luck finding the VIN # Pam |
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cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Jun 23, 2014 16:45:26 GMT -8
Hi Pam,
Thanks for the tip. I found some numbers on the top either side of the jack, right behind the coupler. Is that where yours were? The first two digits are 17 which matches the length of the trailer. That is followed by four more numbers. The numbers on the other side look like they are the model of the hitch. I'm bummed that I have still not found any letters that would help identify the trailers make. It's hard to imagine that the previous owners could remove every trace of her true identity.
Cheri
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soup
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Post by soup on Jun 23, 2014 17:20:04 GMT -8
Check this out.
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cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Jun 23, 2014 17:36:09 GMT -8
Hi,
I have wire brushed the areas in the picture, but found nothing. The numbers on the top are a different font than the hitch numbers, and are on the opposite side. I'm wondering if they are a model number.
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Post by vikx on Jun 23, 2014 21:14:47 GMT -8
The #s on the opposite side could very well be the VIN. Also, Aljo stamped the VIN in the front circle, right on the coupler A frame.. So it could be there.
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cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Jun 24, 2014 11:38:00 GMT -8
So, I looked on the registration and the number I found on the top of the frame in the area where the VN is not supposed to be is indeed the vehicle number on the registration.
Here is "the rest of the story". When we bought this trailer it was advertised as a 14 ft Vanbrook. Well it is actually 17ft long and when I went to register the trailer at the Sec. of State, the lady said that the title wasn't for a "coach" just a regular trailer. So, I went home and tried to find info on Vanbrooks. I found nothing, but I did find pictures of Wildcats and brochures that look almost identical to my trailer. I decided that the title must not actually belong to the trailer. Now, I know that the title does belong to this trailer, and it is a Vanbrook. I did find a reference to Vanbrook travel trailers for sale in the want ads of an illinois newspaper from 1967, so I know there was a company.
This is sort of bitter sweet. I now know what the camper is, but I feel so... alone. It was kind of fun to think of her as a Wildcat.
Is there anyone out there with any info on Vanbrook travel trailers.
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pam
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Post by pam on Jun 25, 2014 17:50:43 GMT -8
Check this out.
I must have an oddball because the only numbers I can find are exactly where they are not supposed to be. I feel fortunate that I can still read part of the decal. My camper closely resembles the floor plan in the old advertisements but might be off va year or two. I'll do some research and see if I can dig anything up on Vanbrooks.
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Post by vikx on Jun 25, 2014 22:22:58 GMT -8
Soup, great diagram. Can you edit it to say "rarely" in this area??
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soup
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Post by soup on Jun 26, 2014 0:50:54 GMT -8
[/p] I must have an oddball because the only numbers I can find are exactly where they are not supposed to be. I feel fortunate that I can still read part of the decal. My camper closely resembles the floor plan in the old advertisements but might be off va year or two. I'll do some research and see if I can dig anything up on Vanbrooks.
[/quote][/quote][/p]
Must be an oddball then since I have never seen a vin number stamped on the actual hitch/jack potion of the tongue. One trailer I purchased, someone had actually titled it with the hitch patent number!
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soup
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Post by soup on Jun 26, 2014 0:53:49 GMT -8
Soup, great diagram. Can you edit it to say "rarely" in this area?? I'll just quit posting this pic. It's rooted in photobucket and if I replace it will disappear everywhere else I've used it. Go figure, 1 trailer out of like who knows how many! 
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