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Monza · 07-22-2017, 11:12 AM

Collectively as a group we should fix and simplify the ordering of axles so we are not hostage to the 'axle' experts on the east coast and west coast and their terrrible customer service. It can be daunting to order by yourself locally from non airstream axle dealers.

There should be a spread sheet or some sticky post with the Airstream years, sizes and weights and all the axles specs. From there anyone could go to the local or closest distributor of Dexter axles and order with confidence.

How many more years and dozens upon dozens of threads on axle ordering and debates on where and how to order axles should we deal with before it's fixed?

All the knowledge is here, let's get some thing going. I'm sure there is someone who reads this saying yes I could do that easily...

jballauer · 07-24-2017, 02:59 PM

Hey, Monza:

Great thread! I too am renovating a 1972 Tradewind, though mine was the rear-twin version. I'm keen to see what you are doing.

I began my shell-off demo in 2013, but only recently found the time to really gain some progress. Currently, I'm through with frame reinforcements, POR-15 treatment, and sub-floor reinstallation. I will be ordering my axles from Rockwell American, which has a store just around the corner from me in Texas. I should have the shell back on it by the end of this week.

I haven't made a build-thread for mine, but I might have to soon, since I've taken thousands of pictures of everything.

Nice choice of new appliances you've chosen for yours...I will do something similar with the AC/DC refrigerator, though I am leaning to the Isotherm Cruise 200, which I think might be kinda unique and cool.

I have considered converting mine to rear-bed and central bath, though the windows are causing a little difficulty there...so I might just do something like your original layout. Are you planning any big changes in that regard?

Good luck...and thanks for documenting your build!

jay
1972 25' Tradewind
Grapevine, TX

hbf442 · 07-25-2017, 07:47 AM

Very cool "play by play" commentary. I'm not sure I'll be doing the full monty resto, but I have very similar obstacles to overcome. I'll be following.

hbf442 · 07-25-2017, 12:01 PM

You did a heck of a job on that ankle! Are those pop rivets?? LOL!!

Monza · 07-25-2017, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jballauer

Hey, Monza:

Great thread! I too am renovating a 1972 Tradewind, though mine was the rear-twin version. I'm keen to see what you are doing.

I began my shell-off demo in 2013, but only recently found the time to really gain some progress. Currently, I'm through with frame reinforcements, POR-15 treatment, and sub-floor reinstallation. I will be ordering my axles from Rockwell American, which has a store just around the corner from me in Texas. I should have the shell back on it by the end of this week.

I haven't made a build-thread for mine, but I might have to soon, since I've taken thousands of pictures of everything.

Nice choice of new appliances you've chosen for yours...I will do something similar with the AC/DC refrigerator, though I am leaning to the Isotherm Cruise 200, which I think might be kinda unique and cool.

I have considered converting mine to rear-bed and central bath, though the windows are causing a little difficulty there...so I might just do something like your original layout. Are you planning any big changes in that regard?

Good luck...and thanks for documenting your build!

jay
1972 25' Tradewind
Grapevine, TX

Hey Jay

That fridge your looking at is super nice as well. Mine looks really well build and is a nice looking unit, I'd suggest you look at them as well.

Your ahead of me on your build for sure, you should start a thread and document it for sure. I'm keen to get my frame work going, my welder refuses to help me until I'm out of my cast.

I'm changing to a mid bath, queen in the rear, and a table gaucho/ sleeping unit up front. I'll try and get my floor plan more presentable and post it. I've already bought some fancy marine telescoping post for the gaucho. The windows with my plan don't really pose a problem, I'll have window in the bathroom which is fine.

Good luck with you build and thanks for visiting mine. Soon- hopefully I can get updating again. Might tackle the windows while I'm handicapped, we'll see...

Monza · 07-25-2017, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbf442

Very cool "play by play" commentary. I'm not sure I'll be doing the full monty resto, but I have very similar obstacles to overcome. I'll be following.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbf442

You did a heck of a job on that ankle! Are those pop rivets?? LOL!!

Hey hbf442

Thanks for the comments. I guess they do make stainless pop rivets... ha.

I can't imagine not doing a full Monty on my '72 after seeing all the grossness in the walls and belly pan. I'm sure I'll have a few belly pan surprises still waiting for me.

I checked out your thread and that's a good looking Airstream, good luck fixing her up! Keep us all updated with what you do.

Monza · 06-21-2018, 10:52 PM

Popping the top off. Please excuse the ghetto gantries.

The rear had a little rust

surprising thing is the floor held the rotted rear up, with not much sag. When I cut that hanger bolt it was a different story.

Monza · 06-21-2018, 10:58 PM

Off with the wood and off to the sand blaster...

Monza · 06-21-2018, 11:03 PM

Chop off the rusty bits, weld on some better bits.

Monza · 06-21-2018, 11:08 PM

Had some out riggers made up, happy with how they worked out.

Monza · 06-21-2018, 11:17 PM

Made up some lifts for 3” of extra clearance. Dropped the old axles and replaced them with the new ones. This all went surprising well, as with every project took longer then expected. Lots of extra height now for back country adventures and boondocking.

Monza · 06-21-2018, 11:27 PM

A couple more pics of the home made lifts. Got this design and idea from:
https://youtu.be/Wl_6XtCP3ec

Bought some Por15 today and hopefully I’ll get to that soon.
Thanks for checking out the updates. Going tent camping now...

Monza · 06-22-2018, 08:35 AM

Sorry, my pics are all orientated wonky, that's a pain to look at.
I remembered the fix for that after posting... it was late.

Monza · 06-25-2018, 09:24 PM

It’s confirmed I know what the worst job on a full monty is- POR 15 coating the frame, extra special is a super hot day.

nshirley59 · 07-04-2018, 11:13 AM

I don't know if you are willing to "part-out" your Dometic fridge. I have a "73 Tradewind with the original Dometic gas/electic model RM 67 fridge. I need the three knobs located at the bottom of the fridge for the thermostat, igniter, and pilot. These knobs have rods that reach and connect to the rear of the unit.

If anyone has any information for where I can find these parts I would be very appreciative. I cannot test the units systems until I have these.

Monza · 07-04-2018, 11:57 AM

My Fridge was gone awhile ago, sold it locally, sorry.

Good luck on your quest...

Monza · 07-04-2018, 12:08 PM

Actually, I know a worse job, waiting too long to do the second coat, having to wet sand the F'n frame and then doing a second coat. It does look good though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monza

It’s confirmed I know what the worst job on a full monty is- POR 15 coating the frame, extra special is a super hot day.

DiHrdBowTi · 10-03-2018, 10:06 AM

Hey Monza great build thread! Are you adding a gray water tank? if so where are you locating it?

hbf442 · 05-03-2019, 10:48 AM

Hey Monza,

Did you take any pictures from inside your TW after you popped the top off? I'm curious how you framed it.

Monza · 07-24-2019, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiHrdBowTi

Hey Monza great build thread! Are you adding a gray water tank? if so where are you locating it?

Sorry, really late reply. I'm adding a greywater, I'm going to add all my tank as close to the axles as possible, maybe one in between.

Sorry for being vague, I have figured it out exactly.