This auction is for a fabulous Vintage Silver Streak
travel trailer. 47 years old and still travelling...a testiment to the
integrity of the Silver Streak. I believe this model is a Jet, but I
have been unable to verify. I have researched extensively, and cannot
find another Silver Streak of this style. Tom Patterson has a very in
depth web site on vintage silver streaks (google it to see), but not
one photo similar to this gem.
I purchased this trailer (no kidding) from a little old
lady. She had affectionately named it "Silver Fox". She had owned it
for 10 years and her grandson would tow it for her so she would have a
place to stay in during family camping trips. After her husbands death,
she parked it under a tree where it sat for 5 years until I found it. I
have owned it now for 3 years. It needed some attention after being
neglected for 5 years.
After I got it home, a thorough cleaning was in order.
The "eyebrow" flashing was missing over the door, which had let some
water leak into the trailer. This had damaged a 3' x 3' section of
flooring directly in front of the door. I removed the original tile
from the entire floor, replaced a 4' x 4' section of the original
damaged floor, and then covered the entire floor with 3/4" plywood. I
fabricated a new 'eybrow flashing" which I believe is really close to
the original to prevent any leakage in the future. The leakage also
damaged the wall directly inside the door. I removed the wall and
reskinned it with 1/4" oak plywood which matches the interior nicely.
The original upholstery was turquoise and was very stiff for its age.
the booth seats and the couch were taken to a professional upholstery
shop, where $45.00/yard red leatherette was very nicely applied. While
the interior upholstery was being redone, the ceiling was cleaned and
given a new coat of white paint. the wall of the tub and shower were
covered in white epoxy tub paint, which came out very smooth. All the
woodwork other than the replaced wall mentioned earlier is original.
The floor was covered with one piece of checkered vinyl. My wife sewed
the matching curtains. The replaced wall also originaly contained a
propane furnace. This was removed along with the vent duct through the
roof, which was sealed and covered with an aluminum patch, riveted to
match the original construction. The intake vent for the furnace was
covered in similar fashion. The original propane hot water heater has
been replaced with a 3 gallon electric. The original propane
refridgerator was removed and a new stainless steel front model put in
its place with a matching microwave oven above it. The original propane
tanks were also removed. The gas line is cut at the front of the
trailer, and I mounted an aluminum storage box on the tongue. All the
gas lines are still there, I just didn't want to trust them. The booth
table and the kitchen countertop both still have the wonderful old gold
chip white formica tops with the chrome trim. The entire trailer has
the wonderful old light fixtures and there is even a propane globe
light which I have not tried. the booth table folds down and the booth
seats lay out to make 1 bed. The couch pulls out to make a full size
bed. The bathroom, which has a sliding door for privacy, has the gold
chip white formica top and chrome trim, with a pink comode and sink in
the vanity. A roof vent with the original wonderfan, which works, vents
the steam from the shower. The double kitchen sink, has an insert to
cover 1 sink, and there is a pull out cutting board. The fresh water
storage tank had a leak, which was repaired by removing the tank and
welding a patch over the hole. I have not used it camping, as I always
connect a hose for the water. There is a cute little electric airpump
under the couch to pressurize the tank, but I have not used it. Cabinet
storage above the couch and the kitchen area with magnetic holds to
keep them open and latchable when closed...all original. New Old Stock
30 amp main breaker and 2 new 15 amp breakers were installed. All water
systems work, including the waste storage tank. We have taken this
trailer on at least 30, 400 mile round trip excursions and 1, 1000 mile
round trip without any problems. This is a 4 season trailer, and the
original Aluminum Underbelly is intact. We have sufficiently heated the
trailer with 2 small "milk house" plug in electric heaters which are
included in the auction. A previous owner must have had an accident
with it on the drivers side. The aluminum near the bottom behind the
wheel was damaged and repaired with screws instead of rivets. Look at
the pictures. The left spring on the single axle is missing 1 spring in
the leaf spring, which gives the trailer a slight list when towing.
This would be an easy fix, but I didn't fix it since it causes no
problems towing the unit and the lean is very slight. I installed
entirely new hubs on the the axle and installed new 10 ply Trailer King
tires. Other than this skin damage, and rock dents on the lift up
awning on the front, there are no issues with the skin of the trailer.
New lenses have been installed on the unique bullet tailights. The view
from the booth at the front of the trailer is enhanced by a large
window, which has a lift up aluminum awning. The awning has rock dents
but works fine. Although some of the original equipment has been
removed, this trailer still has the vintage look and feel of the
original. Everything has been tastefully done, and it gets attention
everywhere I take it. The skin of the trailer has a coating on it from
the factory, which was applied to these trailers starting in the early
60's. I belive it is called glass wax. Underneath the coating, this
trailer looks like a mirror. I removed the "Silver Fox" sticker the
previous owner had applied, and was amazed at how shiny it was
undernath the coating. This coating can be removed to reveal the
finish, but it was more work than I wanted to attempt. The roof vent in
the front was removed to install a new roof mount air conditioner. No
cutting was performed to install the air conditioner, and cn be
converted back to the original vent easily. I have keys to all the
external compartments, but do not have a door key. All windows,
complete with original cranks, operate correctly and the rear glass is
frosted for privacy in the bathroom. The pull out entry steps need
attention, but still work. The handle next to the door has an inset
light in it. I have alot of the original pamphlets that came with the
trailer that go with it. I love this trailer. We use it on trips to
Little Sahara in Oklahoma on 4 wheeler excursions. I have a rack for my
truck which lets me haul the quads in the truck and pull the
trailer simultaneously with 1 rig. I recently purchased a boat,
and this requires 2 vehicles to get the boat and the camper to the
lake. Gas prices are forcing me to sell this to get a fifth wheel
trailer to allow me to pull the boat and camper with 1 rig. If I could
pull both with 1 truck, I wouldn't even think about selling this
trailer. I have tried, as you can see from the hitch welded to the rear
bunper of the camper, but the single axle does not promote tandem
pulling very well. Overall, it is very comfortable, asthetically
pleasing and just a wonderful old vintage beauty. Ready to camp in
right now! Would look great behind your Vintage Hot Rod! It tracks
wonderfully and is not cumbersome to pull. I would have no reservations
pulling this trailer anywhere. I will not disclose the reserve, however
it is less than the buy it now, so BID AWAY and GOOD LUCK. Someone will
have a wonderful vintage beauty of their own!
This auction includes:
-
1961 Silver Streak Travel Trailer
-
4 leveling jacks
-
Linens for all beds
-
New roof mount airconditioner
-
2 portable electric heaters
-
New 4 way and 2 ton floor jack
-
25# pressure reducer for water connection
-
All external hoses for fresh water connection and waste dumping
I'f you're looking at this auction, I'm sure you've
seen similar trailers on television and know what these can be worth.
As stated earlier, I've yet to see another one of this particular
model. I invite you to look yourself. I believe this is a truly rare
survivor, and I seriously doubt you will find this model in this
condition anywhere. If you want something truly unique, truly vintage
and truly original, this is it. I have been as truthful and thorough as
I can in the description. Call me if you have further questions. I will
be camping in the trailer the week of this auction, as a farewell to
our camper (another 300 mile round trip), so I will not be able to
respond to email.
This trailer is sold as is, where is. I
will deliver within 200 miles of my home for $0.75 / mile, otherwise
it is for pick up, or you can arrange delivery. I will require a
$500 non refundable deposit within 5 days of end of auction in the form
of a cashiers check or money order. Balance will be due within 10
days of end of auction in the form of a cashiers check, money order or
cash. Failure to meet balance requirements within 10 days of end of
auction will result in forfiet of deposit and relisting of
item. Trailer must be picked up within 3 weeks of end of auction.
I reserve the right to end this auction early, as I have it listed
locally.
