'68 Out of Retirement!

[Splinter]

Hello from Youngstown, Ohio!!! Just bought a 1968 Trade Wind from a private owner. Took us 3 trips to his house just to sit down and talk him into selling. Trailer had been parked for 15 years, unused. It was like giving up one of his children. Have spent the last 2 weeks cleaning, and cleaning some more. Lots of work ahead. Have already purchased new tires, battery and tested electricity. All are working. Next step is new brakes and shocks. Axle seems ok but not sure how to tell for sure. After that we need to figure out how to lock and unlock everything. Came without keys. Has the original propane tanks. Dealer says they still can be filled. Our to-do list keeps growing. I think we found the right place to get our questions answered. Keeping our fingers crossed, The Holmes Family.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Splinter

Hello from Youngstown, Ohio!!! Just bought a 1968 Trade Wind from a private owner. Took us 3 trips to his house just to sit down and talk him into selling. Trailer had been parked for 15 years, unused. It was like giving up one of his children. Have spent the last 2 weeks cleaning, and cleaning some more. Lots of work ahead. Have already purchased new tires, battery and tested electricity. All are working. Next step is new brakes and shocks. Axle seems ok but not sure how to tell for sure. After that we need to figure out how to lock and unlock everything. Came without keys. Has the original propane tanks. Dealer says they still can be filled. Our to-do list keeps growing. I think we found the right place to get our questions answered. Keeping our fingers crossed, The Holmes Family.

You can check the axles out yourself, by reading an article that's in the Airstream Central parts of this Forums.

The nest step is making sure the trailer is waterproof.

More than likely, all the exterior gaskets will need replacing.

Andy

[Kevin245]

Welcome Splinter,

Congratulations on your new AS. Post some pictures when you're able, and join us for a rally or two.

Kevin

[purman]

I'm guessing you will need new axles. They are 41 years old. the rubber in them will be shot after sitting for 15 years.

And if you travel with them it can do damage to the trailer. I know, mine has taken some hard hits and broke stuff because of bad axles...

Welcome and ask away, everyone has insights on different things...

[Splinter]

Thank you. I need to find all the info I can about the axles. No nothing at this point! Trying to make safe is my first priority.

[overlander64]

Greetings Splinter!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!

Originally Posted by Splinter

Thank you. I need to find all the info I can about the axles. No nothing at this point! Trying to make safe is my first priority.

A good place to get started with information on your coach's Henschen DuraTorque Axles is an article written by Andy, the owner of Inland RV.

THE DURA-TORQUE AXLE

Good luck with your coach!

Kevin