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driggster · 09-04-2007, 12:57 AM

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

TBRich · 09-04-2007, 01:37 AM

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

driggster · 09-04-2007, 02:28 AM

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.

byamcaravanner · 09-04-2007, 07:14 AM

Hi driggster,

Congrats on your puchase! I have a '67 Ambassador that I am currently disassembling for restoration. Feel free to "pick my brain" as you desire.

As you may know, the 66-68 Airstreams are unique from the other years. Luckily, many of the year specific parts are available.

Good luck with the battery!

68dreamer · 09-04-2007, 09:32 AM

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

driggster · 09-04-2007, 10:07 AM

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

driggster · 09-04-2007, 10:10 AM

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.

Boondocker · 09-04-2007, 10:30 AM

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 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f116...-17749-12.html
There are a couple other trade wind restorations you can read about as well

for example here is an excellent thread on a 67 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f116...ind-14667.html

>>>Search hint<<<

type your search term in the google bar followed by one space and then site:airforums.com

This will use the power of googles superb search engine while limiting the results to the airforums.

for example if you want to know about univolts you would enter: univolt site:airforums.com

68dreamer · 09-04-2007, 09:19 PM

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

CaddyGrn · 09-04-2007, 11:15 PM

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!

Post pictures, we love pictures here!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

driggster · 09-04-2007, 11:39 PM

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

byamcaravanner · 09-05-2007, 04:23 AM

D,

Sounds like you are making progress!

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."

Aerowood · 09-05-2007, 06:40 AM

Welcome from Arvada

driggster · 09-05-2007, 10:19 PM

Just ripped out the carpeting today, ripped out the linoleum in the bathroom, and removed the damaged privacy door between the kitchen and rear area.

InsideOut · 09-05-2007, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerowood

Welcome from Arvada

Ditto from Edgewater!

Congrats on your new mistress...sounds good so far! Lots of active VAC members here in Metro Denver - love to have you join us sometime ~

Shari

byamcaravanner · 09-06-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driggster

Just ripped out the carpeting today, ripped out the linoleum in the bathroom, and removed the damaged privacy door between the kitchen and rear area.

I just spent the holiday weekend removing the insides of mine...the mind reels at the possibilities of filling an empty A/S

drig, what color is your bath? Aqua? Yellow? White?

silverleeper · 09-06-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driggster

Just ripped out the carpeting today, ripped out the linoleum in the bathroom, and removed the damaged privacy door between the kitchen and rear area.

D, Do youself a big favor and take pictures as you remove things. The mind grows fuzzy over time. Try the search bar in the upper right corner. Lots and lots of info there. Almost too much sometimes......LOL!

driggster · 09-06-2007, 07:56 PM

I think the official color is ugly, I'm not sure though. No, seriously, the plastic cabinets are yellow, with some blue, yellow, and white striped contact paper, veneer on the door fronts and upper walls. Does anyone know how to get the pocket door out to fix or replace it? Mine is damaged on the bathroom side from something sticking out on the inside of the wall. Also, do I have to have all the electronics replaced for safety resons, or can I make so with the existing system?

driggster · 09-06-2007, 08:00 PM

Lee, I have been taking more pictures than a tourist. I will try to post them soon. Also, some of the original tiles have broken when I was taking out the other floor coverings. Does anyone know if these contain aspestos(?) I did wear a dust mask, but do I need to be more careful? Thanks, D

silverleeper · 09-06-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driggster

Lee, I have been taking more pictures than a tourist. I will try to post them soon. Also, some of the original tiles have broken when I was taking out the other floor coverings. Does anyone know if these contain aspestos(?) I did wear a dust mask, but do I need to be more careful? Thanks, D

Wear a good mask rated for asbestos. If you don't break the tiles into small bits your exposure will be low. Wash everything you're wearing while removing tile.