Tradewind And The Wind

[dbj216]

You have a "new" old trailer. Someone is going to get a beautiful vintage trailer with the work already done expertly. Warning, this trailer will not be "affordable", it is for the discerning traveler who wants a piece of history with modern features. Think of the attention it will draw at an Airstream rally.

You are very wise to upgrade the old axle, less the old axle shake your new trailer apart. I see more and more people installing Dexter axles, not the Axis. I understood getting the specifications right for a Dexter axle was a challenge as everything had to be exact. I might try the Dexter next time I need to replace an axle, or two, or three.

Don't you just love installing a new belly pan on your back. Maybe your shoulder is sore like mine was from drilling a couple hundred holes for rivets. A belly pan man I ain't.

Yes, we love to see your pictures.

David

[goransons]

Belly pan shoulder, yes, and a kink in my neck. Almost done, going to finish in the morning. Thanks for the compliments. I hope to find it a good home. Gas lines start tomorrow. I'm excited to wrap it up!

[goransons]

Two steps forward one back! Got all the gas lines in this morning. Water heater working, stove and oven work, refrigerator works but the furnace is dead. Repaired the gas valve but the cast iron burner is rotted out. I'm going to leave the chimney and build a small oak cover for where it should be and install a wave catalytic heater. Not the period look I wanted but Since I'm selling it I don't want a temperamental appliance I can't work the bugs out of. On order but I can get the other things wrapped up and polish while I wait for the heater to arrive.

[dbj216]

My son has a Wave 8000 btu catalytic heater in his Globetrotter. It works darn good. He likes the fact it is great for boondocking, no DC power consumed, and very efficient (like 95%) with propane. They are not so great in Minnesota winters, but perfectly fine in more temperate climates.

You are wise to get rid of the old furnace. They can be hazardous to your health. I prefer a newer, modern one.

Almost done!

David

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by goransons

Since my last post we've installed a new dexter axle, which was interesting for sure. In 1962 I've heard that Airstream considered the torsion axle to be a "forever" axle so it was welded in. No axle plate at all, just pressed against the frame and welded until the factory ran out of welding rod or the dinner bell rang.

Interesting. I assume you have a California built 1962 Tradewind. My Ohio built 1962 Safari had it's axle bolted in. I had only previously heard that some 1961 Airstreams had the axle welded in, and maybe from California only (can't remember the source of that info, so can't double check to be sure). I wonder if yours was a very early 1962 model?

[goransons]

Sorry the updates have been few and far between. We've been working hard finishing up Windy the last few weeks. Megan is just finishing up sewing curtains and you'll find it posted in the next couple days over on the classifieds. Here's pictures so far. We look forward to wrapping up this one and getting to work on the Wally Byam 55 Cruiser and the Cadillac.


Here's exterior shots

[goransons]

Interior Shots part 1

[dbj216]

Windy is looking great. It will be hard to let it go after all the blood, sweat, tears, and dollars. It's worth a lot.

But the 55 awaits.

Hey, have Megan sew up a set of curtains for my Trade Wind while she's at it.

David

[goransons]

Megan's curtains are done, just a few hooks at the fabric store to hang the bathroom curtain tomorrow.

[markdoane]

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

[TouringDan]

Really beautiful work! The new owner will be really fortunate to get to camp and enjoy this spectacular Airstream.

Dan