New Tradewind owner

Tin Hut · 08-18-2003, 05:52 PM

Just agreed on a '67 Tradewind. Although I have to drive from TX to VA to get it in a few weeks I'm excited. A couple of questions though. This one has the couch instead of booth. How easy is it to convert to a booth setup....anyone tried?

Lastly, the door is bent and does not seal well. I may need a new door. Any ideas where I can find a replacement door that will fit a 1967 Tradewind? Thank you very much for the help.
Jim

thenewkid64 · 08-18-2003, 06:05 PM

I do not know about the couch to booth conversion, there is a water tank under the couch.

As for the door, if it will close then you should be able to persuade it to close properly. The exterior skin has to be removed and the door carfully bent back into proper shape with muscle power and possible stratigic placement of a 2X4. Once the door is correct then you re-rivet the interior skin back on with new holes and rivets.

Some vintages had cast door frames, if this is the case then bending will not work. If the frame on yours is extruded then you will be able to fix it yourself. Replacements will be hard to come by.

InsideOut · 08-18-2003, 06:39 PM

We took out the couch in the front of our GlobeTrotter and replaced it with a dinette/booth.

I believe the TradeWind has 2 more feet up in front of the door than our GT. If the water tank is up front and there is the extra room, a u-shaped booth may be a good solution. To see our dinette, check out our webpage for some progress photos of this project.

Shari

Tin Hut · 08-18-2003, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. The seller tells me that the door blew open and caused it to straighten. He has been informed that the door needs to be welded. Was told to have the frame tack welded to the trailer door jam and then have the rest of the door (skin?) welded or riveted to the frame to insure the proper shape. Then the tack weld is freed and theoretically the door will then be shaped properly again. Our fall back is to find a trailer being used for parts and secure a whole new door.

Ken J · 08-18-2003, 06:56 PM

Jim

If its the same Tradewind that I think it is, it is one beautiful trailer!

Wecome to the list.

To my way of thinking if the wind can flatten it, muscle can bring it back. Had that happen on my 59 and Charlie Burke etal at American RV in Boise fixed it - however, you may not want to watch someone do it - as mentioned it involves 2x4, muscle and two or three big guys. Good news is it should be fixable.

Ken J.

Tin Hut · 08-18-2003, 07:24 PM

Sounds like a party. Do you have specifics on the technique? The owner now uses clamps and thru bolts to keep it together. He seems very knowledgeable and feels welding is called for.