1947 Deanette

[Hooch52]

Hi folks!! Welcome from west central MN, where a plot of the average temperature over a year looks like my EKG!! I stumbled across an article a few years back that talked about post-WWII times. A small snippet within that article talked about small aircraft part suppliers, and how some used up their post-war materials to build teardrop trailers and kits.
Purely by accident, about a year later, I was cruising craigslist and lo and behold, found a fellow about 50 miles from me (a quick hop for us folks out here) who was selling his 1947 Deanette. I had just become widowed, and was looking around for something to keep me occupied, and the rest is history. What a beautiful piece of Americana!!!
I haven't done a thing to it so far, because I love the look as is, and can't bring myself to put any holes or cutouts in it. But...the rear end contains a dry storage, a "cooler", and a 7 gal. water tank with a regular hose spigot at the bottom, peeking out. The guy I bought it from had also found a pair of fenders from, I believe, a '47 Ford pickup to swap for the origina, blocky ones.
I'll be insulating and finishing off the interior at some point (I've since become disabled, but I still get around). Take a look at this critter, enjoy, and please feel free to comment. Suggestions are welcome, such as...do I pull all the original stuff out of the rear and "modernize", just insulate and finish the interior as a plain Jane...I have a Solus combo A/C, dehumidifier, and heater that I'd REALLY like to incorporate. Stuff like that...

--Bill

[Rlowell]

Hello Bill,
That looks real nice from here...If it ain't broke don't fix it.

As you look around in here you will find lots of solutions to any problem you may have relating to teardrops.

have you taken her out camping yet? How did she do for you?

Rod

[the other side]

Really nice looking to me!!!

[mezmo]

Welcome to the forum!

Since your Deanette looks to be in great shape, and is
not very common, I'd vote for keeping it as original as
possible. It looks like a great survivor. Of course, it's
your call, but a well preserved specimen that can still be
used as it was intended is more impressive than a
"modernized" one I think.

In the final analysis just do what best fits your needs.
It's hard to argue with doing that.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

P.S. 'Love that small pillow-level window!

[M C Toyer]

Bill - Great find, what a gem and beautiful classic shape.

Nonetheless the 47 Ford PU fenders would certainly be an improvement if they can be made to fit - they mimic the overall shape of the trailer.



I'm not a purist - my home is 120 years but has indoor plumbing, air conditioning, and modern appliances.

You should be able to update the galley area without any impact at all on the exterior. A modern ice chest and portable water container would be more efficient and take less space permitting adding a propane cook stove and microwave, if you expect to have 110 AC access. If that is the case you might be able to fit the air conditioner between the galley and sleeping area.

As for updating the interior a lot can be done with paneling, fabric or carpeting on the walls, perhaps FRP on the ceiling, and vinyl or laminited flooring, and some battery opeated LED lights.

Norm/mezmo wrote: 'Love that small pillow-level window' but isn't that actually a static vent? - you might be able to change that to a fan portal. Is there a door on the other side or a window there?

Good luck and happy camping,

M C

[lee senn]

Bill What a fantastic find. I am envious. My thought would be to maintain as much of the vintage characteristics as possible while making if personal to you and functional for your uses. That said I would definitely go for the Ford fenders. Lee