Found My Dream Airstream - 1966 20' Globtrotter

[groovzilla]

All,

I've owned several Airstreams over the years and have cleaned them up or made small repairs only to sell them after. I just sold my 1965 24' tradewind which I thought I would keep but decided to sell 2 weeks ago only to then find my dream Airstream.

My wifes not much of a camper(loves hotels!)but I know this new little beauty will change her mind.
I always think I will keep the next trailer I've found but it always turns out that the Airstreams I have located are too big - It seems that most sizes available lately are 24'-26' or bigger and anything smaller are priced way too high these days especially those that have been "hack-job" restored.

After much searching I found a 1966 20' Globetrotter that is in mostly original condition. It was a Christmas gift to myself

Some items will need tending to like removing A/C unit currently installed in rear window, and 2 curved windows need replacing. Fortunately all the window hardware is intact including the rear window where the A/C is installed.
Floors are solid and shell is very nice. A few scrapes on the lower exterior street side skin but not bad at all. Toilet was removed and porta potty installed. shower pan was removed also. I'll be re-configuring bathroom and adding a shower pan. Also have to remove ugly orange vinyl 12" tiles on floor and replace with that nice Armstrong 12" commercial tile.

I had 2 new tires installed and also the spare and had the bearings checked over. The bearings will be re-greased and new bearing caps installed prior to the 1300 mile tow back home to Seattle.

So nice to finally locate and purchase an Airstream I will keep for years to come.

Regards to all!

[StevieB]

Congrats!

[Janet H]

Nice find! The skin looks like it's in great shape as well.

[Rucksta]

Cool

[dbj216]

Really cool!

I've not seen a 66 Globetrotter before. Both you and I had/have the Trade Winds. Mine is a 66. You are right, there seems to be more Safaris and above than the shorter trailers. And you are right, the shorter trailers are more in demand, 'cause they're so cute! Maybe now your wife will enjoy the Airstream. My wife sticks to her 34 Limited and hasn't shown much interest in the Trade Wind. Too old fashioned and not comfortable enough. Ya, but! It's better than the old tent! I think it is a perfect State Park trailer.

My son has a 69 Globetrotter and likes it. And I like working on it, I think?

Now you have another project.

David

[groovzilla]

i guess your wife proves again size matters

[groovzilla]

Originally Posted by Janet H

Nice find! The skin looks like it's in great shape as well.

couple of scrapes on street side by the front lower compartment door - small stuff. i think the compartment door is somewhat tweeked but i'll do a little straightening.

all in all its a nice one.

[Makinwaves]

I have a similar Globetrotter, a '65. Just returned from 3700 mile trip from Michael to Florida and NC on return. Just right size for towing, backing, turning. Interior large enough for comfortable camping. Mine is 85% original -side couch was removed and replaced with dinette. I repain't Ed the wheels white, replaced the axle cause it was dead, and did some floor repair under shower pan - what a pain. Expect to pull to AZ in a few weeks for more warm Temps.
Enjoy your new dream!

[groovzilla]

great looking 20' airstream!! sounds like you get good use out of it. enjoy and be safe.

happy holidays to all!!

[ke6gkv]

Great trailer:l have owned a 63, two 70's and loved them. Great all around trailer for 1 or 2 people

[Hittenstiehl]

Makinwaves, enjoyed your picture. We have a 61 GT
(19 footer) and have wondered about turning that second couch into a dinette. Our model has the couches against the front and curbside by door.

[SilverHoot]

That's a beauty!

[lostn50s]

She looks sweet, congrats!

[groovzilla]

thanks everyone - very excited to get the trailer. now just a waiting game until it arrives.
coming to seattle from chicago and should be here about january 3-4th

trailer will need some interior work like plumbing and sorting out electrical - previous owner installed only cold water side PEX pipe and did a subpar install. he also removed the shower pan.
floors are solid but need to remove the ugly brown linoleum flooring/etc

it will be fun to sort it out.

**i also like that dinette setup in the above photos - thinking about converting mine perhaps. we really like having a place to sit and play scrabble or drink coffee.

[dbj216]

Now you did it. You started a dinette versus gaucho debate! We're going to add 20 posts to your thread advising on the best way to go.

My son's 69 GT was converted from the original dinette to a "U" shaped dinette with a pedestal table. He wanted lots of room for scrabble, and he wanted a big, comfortable bed to crash in after losing at scrabble. Sleeping is side to side, not front to back. We put folding leaves on it so the table can be big, or small. And it lowers to a "coffee table" height.

Now my wife wants the same thing in my Trade Wind. I'm a gaucho fan. I spend 30 minutes eating, and 3 hours reading in the evening. I find dinettes not as comfortable for reading and relaxing. And I find the gaucho much more comfortable for a nap or a night.

David