Aluminum addiction

Is there a 12 step program for folks like us, who can't stop at one, two or even three vintage trailers?  If you scroll down to my post of Aug. 19, 2011, you will see a 1947 Aero Flite 19 ft. trailer.  It is now in my possession.  That makes 3 vintage trailers.
Unlike the Boles, it was stripped inside (although all the original parts are stacked up in there) and the stainless steel kitchen is all intact, including an electric fridge.  But, the very, very best part of this cool trailer is that NOT ONE MOUSE ever made its home in it.  And, I do not have to break my back (just my bank account) restoring this baby,  because I will have one of the great trailer restorers do the heavy lifting for me.  Look for this trailer at next year's Pismo rally.

The Mousemobile delivers again

After sinking lower and lower on our 2 settees, which are still upholstered in the original fabric, we decided to call in an expert.  I had gone underneath and pulled out what was left of the original cotton batting, whacked the upholstery with an antique rug beater, blown out with a air compressor every nook and corner, used upholstery cleaner on the fabric and restuffed them with poly batting, but that is what a rookie does.  Obviously, I couldn't do what needed to be done.  I had been reluctant to pull off the 57 yr. old fabric and do it right, but necessity dictated this approach.  I called Guy Bowen, owner of Don's Upholstery in Sonora, CA.  This man knows vintage fabric, and vintage construction.  He rebuilt the settees and, of course, took pix of the ridiculous amount of mouse poop and junk that all my cleaning out and vacuuming couldn't get to.  This man went over and above for us, and the settees are now firm, comfy and best of all, mouse poop free.  The fabric held up nicely, and with care, he put them all back together.  Way to go, Guy.  You are my man!

Can we charge admission?

We are recovered from our rally in Pismo Beach (the 5th annual Trail Along to Pismo) and as usual, it was loads of fun....except we couldn't get around to see many trailers due the constant stream of folks wanting to see our trailer.

Ok, so I know our trailer is unique due to the fact it is all original, inside and out, and in perfect, unrestored condition.  This is why so many folks want to see it.  So, taking a cue from museums and other historical sites, we have decided to get one of those headphone sets that you put on when you come in and the taped narrative will walk the visitors through the whole tour, while I sit outside, on my vintage Eames chair and enjoy a martini.  All I will have to do is ask folks to sign the guest book.  I then can wander around and look at other folks' trailers and look cool in my Chi Chi Rodriquez straw hat.

We had no problems with towing, flats, tires, axles, or any other issues, so that was a plus.  I talked to a few guys in the know, and have decided to try to find a 10 ply (or higher) tire for the trailer.  They aren't easy to find, but I think I'd feel better knowing I had the beefiest tire I can get, especially since I have a single axle.  I did put skid plates under the new leaf springs, so if I have a repeat of the tow, blow, go fiasco, at least it won't shear off anything.

We are signed up for the South Lake Tahoe rally in Sept., so hope to see our aluminati friends there.