Just bought a 1968 TradeWind! I am excited and have been looking for a while now. I had a commitment for another trailer, (1959 Caravanner) that fell through, but got a good deal on this one. I don't have a tow vehicle as of now, but I am more concerned about makin' her purty right now. It has a dead battery, and I haven't had it hooked up to a seven prong either, so I am not sure what works and what doesn't yet. I am getting a battery tommorrow, so I will keep the fingers crossed. If anyone in the denver/boulder colorado area with a seven prong would like to help me out with just hooking her up to see if all the towing lights work and checking out a cool Airstream, let me know. I would like some input on what I should keep, get rid of, clearcoat removal, polishing, and just be able to pick someone's brain. Thanks everyone, I look forward to talking to all of you and working on my new baby! -Derek
Hey Derek...Congratulations and welcome to the forum...lots of good info here and lots of fine folks to advise and give moral support as you get into your rennovation project...and I'm sure someone in your area will chime in to help you out...
TB, thanks for the support. I am having lots of fun going through the trailer and figuring everything out. It looks like everyone on the site is really good about helping each other out. It makes it seem a little less overwhelming to have answers if I need them. Hopefully, someone will help me out around here, but I know I have this site, and that is of some comfort.
Hello driggster....I have had my 68 tradewind for about 2 months.....lots of questions still float through my mind when I am trying to sleep. Just as I get one thing figured out ...it leads to another. One thing I THINK I know, is the univolt has to go. Until then, the problems will keep cropping up. The first month, I just cleaned and cleaned. This beauty has seen better days. I am on my own with this, so it will take me awhile. I have had fun though...and we are building a weird relationship. I catch myself talking to her!!! welcome newcomer from another newcomer. deb or 68dreamer
Thanks everyone. I am looking forward to discovering all the hidden potential this thing has. My girlfriend is feeling a little neglected at the moment. She calls it my new girlfriend. Is this normal? I will try to put pictures on-line soon. -D
Steve, what do you mean about the 66-68 years are unique? And, Deb, what is the univolt, and what did you replace it with? Thanks again, and hopefully everything will come together.
I love my 68 Trade Wind, I bet you are going to love yours too! Get some pics up soon so we can all enjoy yours. I think the boulder area is pretty active AS wise, so be sure and tap that resourse.
Here is the link to the tread about mine 68 Trade Wind - Woohoooo I Got One!
There are a couple other trade wind restorations you can read about as well
Hey D....I just bought an Intelipower to replace the univolt. I'm not sure I understand enough about the univolt to explain it. I do know that if it is faulty, your electrical is wacky. I haven't changed it out yet, so sure may need advice on that. There are others with more answers than me...but, I would still like to converse with fellow airstreamers. deb
Good luck on your restoration! I think it is very important to be sure her "bones" are in good order before spending time/effort on all the cosmetic stuff! Be sure and check out threads on axle replacement and electrical upgrades as well as possibly the water system, hot water heater, etc. Once you have all that safety stuff done and the practical matters (like the toilet working...) done you can go ahead with all the "purty" items!
Bought a new battery today because the old one was shot. Plugged it in, all the lights worked, porch light worked, stove exhaust worked, porch light lit up the night sky, vent fan worked, and the electric jack even worked! Much better than I was hoping for. Electric sockets aren't working. Does anyone know if these run off the battery, or, if I need to be plugged in? Any help is appreciated. Thanks again, D
The '66 to '68s are the only years to have the "ultra streamlined" frameless curved glass windows...also the style of bathroom fixtures for the '67 and '68s were unique for those years. These were also the last years for the traditional vintage body shape.
The 110 outlets are only powered when you "plug in" to shore power.
The univolt converts 110 to 12volt and should be located under the bathroom sink. It's good to replace it with a modern unit because the new converters have electronics that protect the battery from overcharging. I found a lot of info at http://bestconverter.com
As far as your girfriend (the old one LOL!)...hopefully she will come to LOVE your Airstream as much as my wife loves ours... it helps to smooth things over when you've spent ALL DAY with the "new girlfriend."
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