Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-13-2015, 11:22 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
dbj216's Avatar

 
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer , Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
Images: 1
Maiden Voyage - The Acid Test

I've been toying with my 66 Trade Wind for nearly two years, mostly during winter afternoons in the rented garage. I enjoy working on these old Airstreams for some weird reason I can't explain. My trailer was typical of most; dirty, smelly, stiff axles, rotted bathroom subfloor, systems and appliances that don't work.

Last weekend my son (69 Globetrotter with the same issues) hooked it up and pulled it to Conifer, Colorado. He camped in it two nights. He reported it all worked good and no parts fell off. He especially appreciated the air conditioner as it was hot and humid in Nebraska. Imagine that!

I have to overhaul the main door hinge (way too loose), hang blinds and curtains, and do some refinishing of the wood cabinets. But the trailer is now proven "travel ready". I'm pleased with that.

Yea, clap, clap, clap! Another vintage Airstream Trade Wind hits the roads.

David
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1505 Home Curb Front.jpg
Views:	128
Size:	263.9 KB
ID:	245412   Click image for larger version

Name:	1508 Twin Mattress 2.jpg
Views:	119
Size:	199.1 KB
ID:	245413  

Click image for larger version

Name:	1507 Fridge Installed.jpg
Views:	120
Size:	262.5 KB
ID:	245414  
dbj216 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 11:30 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
centennialman's Avatar
 
2016 23' International
Centennial , Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,684
Beautiful trailer! Nice job
__________________
Steve "Centennial Man"
centennialman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 02:40 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Slats's Avatar
 
1966 24' Tradewind
Kansas City , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 633
Images: 1
Good job!!
Slats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 03:46 PM   #4
Always learning
 
Lance M's Avatar
 
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
Images: 24
Blog Entries: 2
Send a message via Yahoo to Lance M
Congrats on the milestone!
__________________
Lance

Work is never done, so take time to play!
Lance M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 05:53 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
dbj216's Avatar

 
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer , Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
Images: 1
Oh thank you folks. That's the way! Make an old man feel good. That is the only reason I made the thread.

I am glad it made it without the wheels falling off, or a propane tank, or a holding tank, or a battery, or water all over the floor, etc, etc.

So we can use the Trade Wind for "rocky mountain" adventures. But like Top says: the work is never done, so go play".

David
dbj216 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 06:00 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Hittenstiehl's Avatar
 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
Images: 9
Congrats David we cheer you on just like you cheer so many of us forumites on.
__________________

Hittenstiehl
Hittenstiehl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 06:13 PM   #7
Site Team
 
Hans627's Avatar

 
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
Good job! Looks great and must be very satisfying albeit hard work!
Hans627 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 06:21 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
SteveSueMac's Avatar

 
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W , New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
Beautiful!!
SteveSueMac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 06:37 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,982
Very very nice! It's always an accomplishment when you can FINALLY take her out on the road!

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2015, 07:34 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
mandolindave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,190
Images: 4
David

You did more than a good job. You did a good thing. It's gonna impact a few people big time. But a whole lot of people, for a whole lot of years are gonna get a brief moment of joy, watching it float by.
mandolindave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2015, 10:20 AM   #11
3 Rivet Member
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Livingston , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 152
Beautiful! There's nothing as gorgeous as that shining silver - lots of work and it shows! Thanks for rescuing an oldie!
Seemore2006 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2015, 12:23 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
dbj216's Avatar

 
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer , Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
Images: 1
Thanks again guys. This old Trade Wind is reasonably comfortable, tows nicely, and has all the basic systems one would expect. The shower stall is dang small, and hanging closet space is a premium. I converted the galley closet to a pantry for more food storage.

Yep, the shinny Airstream shell draws a lot of attention. But this one is nice deep down in. It is solid from the tires up. Polishing is time consuming, but only improves the appearance.

Here are some photos the day I brought it home nearly two years ago. I estimate I have over 1000 hours in it. But I'm pretty slow.

David
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1309 Exterior Curb Front.jpg
Views:	93
Size:	489.5 KB
ID:	245464   Click image for larger version

Name:	1309 Gaucho.jpg
Views:	93
Size:	222.9 KB
ID:	245465  

Click image for larger version

Name:	1309 Curb Mattress.jpg
Views:	88
Size:	250.5 KB
ID:	245466  
dbj216 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2015, 01:35 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
funkill's Avatar
 
1973 27' Overlander
Tucson , AZ
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,480
Images: 27
That's another sweet restoration!

Cheers, Laura
funkill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2015, 05:39 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
dbj216's Avatar

 
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer , Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
Images: 1
Thanks Laura. The second one I do (if) would go better just because of the experience I gained. It is not a blue ribbon Airstream by any means. But it is very functional and fun.

David
dbj216 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Acid wash or no acid wash? alan.aliciac 1959-69 Tradewind 10 09-04-2015 10:12 PM
Maiden voyage JLD On The Road... 1 10-19-2006 03:03 AM
Maiden voyage completed Silvertwinkie Our Community 7 04-05-2004 06:04 PM
Maiden Voyage JLD On The Road... 5 02-20-2003 05:57 PM
Maiden Voyage pjtaia On The Road... 3 10-14-2002 08:55 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:16 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.