My 1960 California Tradewind 'Park Model'

[sbrianericks]

I just picked this up last weekend in southern Mississippi at a garage sale! This will be my third camper and second Airstream, I lost steam on a 1973 Argosy renovation this past year when someone offered me enough money to get out of it...

I'd been hoping to find a 60s era Tradewind, but most of them were well out of my price range. I was counting on finding something that needed a lot of work, and this one seemed to fit the bill on all counts. It had been sitting for several years as a storage unit underneath a shed. It had 120 MRE meals, an exercise bike, three walkers, a wheelchair, 4 "THE CLUB"s still in their original packaging, a replacement Bargman 99, an 8 track player, and in a stack of other papers...the title!

It took about 4 hours total to get it from its resting place safely, but the shell seems to be in good shape, and the interior was intact, albeit disgusting. Original zolatone, hardwood cabinets (mahogany?) all present and accounted for, even the electric works.

I do have some questions about this particular model. Does anyone else's Tradewind have a raised bathroom floor? Mine sits on rails that sit on the frame rails. I know it's a California trailer (24D-0380), and it is a "Park" model in that it has no black tank, just a straight pipe to the ground. I am a little concerned about what the raised platform might mean for taking the shell off, if I end up needing to do that. Would rather not.

The aluminum freshwater tank is still there as well, I pressurized it with a bike pump and it still works! Floor is very solid, with the exception of the area near the door and about 2 inches in the back wall of the bathroom. the asbestos tiles are glued down with 53 year old tar that has no interest in coming up, so I'm not sure how to proceed on the floor other than to replace all the plywood. Insulation is dry and no mouse trails yet, which is unbelievable given how active they were in the living space.

Trying to figure out how far down to go with this one before I build it back. The frame has got some rust, but nothing catastrophic. It tows very well, though I need new rims and tires at the very least. Interested in hearing from other folks that have been able to keep their original leaf-sprung axles, or if its best just to start all over again.

Thanks for the well spring of wisdom these boards give to amateurs like me trying to build an affordable (ish) camper for my family...
Brian

[sbrianericks]

So I haven't posted any updates since our purchase, but we have made some progress. Replaced the subfloor in the front half of the trailer ahead of the wheelwells, and have at least removed it from the bathroom area. The floor was holding all the bad smell, so that single change has made a HUGE difference in the quality of life around here!




And then when I get frustrated with actual repair projects, I go outside and polish for awhile, or re-paint the emblems, like I did the other night.



Also bought new tires and wheels to replace the 20 year old rubber on split rim combo that the trailer came with. Need to repack the bearings and have someone look at the springs. They seem fine, but I'd like an expert opinion before I go any distance on them.

This trailer was originally all 110, with the exception of two small overhead lights and the air compressor to pressurize the water tank, so I'm trying to replace all the wiring while keeping the original light fixtures. Also bought some cork flooring to sit on the new subfloor.

The plan is to try and get to "aluminum tent" stage within the next few weeks. We'll see.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for all the collected wisdom on the website.
Brian

[dougandlori]

Quite a project! I admire your challenge.

[TouringDan]

Brian

Looks like you found a good Tradewind.

The work that you are doing looks terrific. Keep it up.

We ended up getting a Curve Porta Potty for our 66 Tradewind. This allows us to us our black tank as a gray water tank. This works quite well for us.

Dan

[flyfshr]

Wow Brian that's quite an undertaking and it looks like you're doing a great job. My bathroom has that same small step up and everyone that I've seen has this same thing. I've added your info to the Early TradeWind Registry and would like to know if there's a date stamp on your ID tag by the door so I can add that as well.

Let me know if you have any questions, I may be able to help you out. Congrats.

Brad
FF

[sbrianericks]

Originally Posted by flyfshr

Wow Brian that's quite an undertaking and it looks like you're doing a great job. My bathroom has that same small step up and everyone that I've seen has this same thing. I've added your info to the Early TradeWind Registry and would like to know if there's a date stamp on your ID tag by the door so I can add that as well. Let me know if you have any questions, I may be able to help you out. Congrats. Brad FF

Brad--she was born on 12/59. Thanks for asking!

[sbrianericks]

Here are a few update pics. Floor is done, wiring done, new insulation, and I decided to paint. Almost went with Zolatone, found a local dealer who would sell me some leftover silver gray at cost, but too intimidated to try it. Ended up going with Simply White Benjamin Moore "Aura" paint. Unbelievable product. Did the whole trailer with one gallon, even though I bought two. Clung well to the Zolatone.

Floor is clearance cork from Lumber Liquidators. We are out camping for the first time this weekend in our new aluminum tent!

[2vets]

Hey Your Tradewind looks fantastic. Keep up the great work. All you have now is the fun stuff to do! I love the cork floor

[NJtoNC]

looks great! really nice work!

[Jake72311]

I believe I have found a 1960 trade wind, but have trouble trying to look up the serial number the serial number is 240234t also how do you break it down to know if it us California or Ohio thank you

[flyfshr]

Welcome to the Early TradeWind club Jake. You have a 1960 OH built TradeWind. The serial number breaks down like this:

24 - 24 foot model making it a TradeWind
0 - last digit of the model year = 1960
234 - the number of your TradeWind off the assembly line
T - twin bed arrangement

OH used this format of numbers and if it was a CA built unit, your number would be 24T-234 with a date stamp in the lower right corner of the ID tag by the entry door. Each factory did things slightly different. I'll be your commode is on the curbside unlike mine where its on the streetside. There were other slight variances too.

Now how about some pictures? We all LOVE pictures.

BTW - I've added your TW info to the registry. Thanks.

Brad
FF

[Jake72311]

I don't have any of the inside yet, just got it Sunday, most of everything appears to be in it though condition unknown till I get in there and do some cleaning out

[Jake72311]

Other side

[flyfshr]

Looks good Jake. Best of luck and please keep us posted. Exciting times ahead.

Brad
FF

[RUNNENDAN]

Do you still have any of the boomerang formica you would be interested in selling?

[sbrianericks]

They still sell the grey boomerang formica. Even Lowe's can get it for you.
Shop Formica Brand Laminate 36-in x 12-ft Charcoal Boomerang-Matte Laminate Countertop Sheet at Lowes.com

[sbrianericks]

Here's a quick update on the Tradewind. Got the plumbing in, though I'm having some trouble with the original Grohe marine faucet in the bathroom and some tiny leaks. Bathroom surfaces refinished with tile paint, new countertop, furniture stripped down and sanded to bare mahogany and then recoated in Danish Oil, dinette structure built, and table pedestal on order. Also built my son a mahogany bunk bed to match! I am beginning to see the light...

[flyfshr]

That looks awesome Brian. Nice work. Hey, a word of advise. Put a layer of sheet aluminum between the stove and the interior of the galley cabinet to keep the items under the sink safe and cool. I did this and it really cuts down on the heat under there and now's the time to do it with it out of the trailer.

Brad
FF

[sbrianericks]

Thanks, Brad--great idea!

[amysemmens]

Hi, would love to hear how your tradewind is coming along! I just purchased the same model for import to Melbourne, Australia so would love to see what you've done with yours
Amy


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