Anne,
I just wanted to let you know that I will be leaving
for about a month to the sierra nevadas for vacation on thursday.
I have to go before it gets to cold. I have a really fun time up in the
mountains. I take my cats with me. Im doin the airstream dream.
I have lots of fun hiking around. When I get back I will check your
thread to see how your airstream goes. Good luck your a really nice
lady.
Anne,
Let us know what you plan on doing with your trailor.
There is alot of people interested in what you plan on doing with your
1968 tradewind. You have had so much advice I must admit it is a
little bit overwelming. I bet you never knew you had this many
friends. Let us know because were all interested. Because we like
you. Someday you will be sleeping in your airstream and say --
boy this is nice. Airstreams make you feel that way. There is
nothing like a airstream---you will find out .
55inyo/roger
OK, I weighed all the good advice, first-hand experience stories, and finally, face-to-face meeting of the trailer and sellers. It's a done deal, I brought the Tradewind home last night.
First of all, it made the trip with the sellers from Grand Rapids to Brighton without incident. Seller replaced the brake drum, lugs, and got a new/used wheel from an Airstream dealer, so the moon hubcap is still in use (I didn't expect to see that again -- just cosmetic, but a detail I noticed).
Dogs and I went to Brighton prepared to overnight so I could drive in daylight the next day. But, I pushed on back to Dayton, stopped along the way several times to look at the tires, etc., and felt I would be ok.
I took it slowly, averaged just under 60 mph. Traffic was better at that time of day. I parked in front of the house and am waiting now for the warehouse/barn options to clear for the weekend.
Did I mention, I have pilot friends who will help by teaching me the riveting? So, the repair doesn't seem like a huge deal, especially with Uwe's steps. I might do a patch repair later. I need to make the road safety improvements first, asap.
Human interest bit: I parked in the Meijer parking lot to pick up some stuff. A lady and her kids pulled up to chat about the Airstream she has at home, intentions to rehab it, etc. Airstream owners are a friendly sort -- aren't WE!?
The Tradewind was stored in a barn. That's why it looks relatively good. No obvious water damage inside, but I haven't looked under the I/O carpet yet. The bathroom hasn't been used in years. The Dometic fridge does not work. The gas furnace works; electric central heat works; all other plumbing works, but is already winterized. I need to decide whether or not to drain the anti-freeze and give the plumbing a look. No leaks there, not yet visible.
What else to tell? Original wood cabinets throughout; some painting was done, still looks nice, white. The interior is good enough to use while spending up-front on safety.
Awning is present, haven't inspected it yet. Previous owners a generation ago were WBCCI members. The number is on, the name is inside, and stickers are still on one of the windows from the 80s. The top was painted white, so that's quite patchy but not awful. The original tanks are gone, but one tank with code connection and valve is present and full of gas.
OK, that's the initial inspection. I have to get this in for evaluation of the axles, brakes, and wheels, tires, frame, all of that.
More to come, with pictures of happier topics than the wheel coming off.
Trailer stored dry for years, you shopped smart! Just get some thing, anything done every day and it will be over before you know it : )
Watch the weather, we're upwind from you and looking at rains past the weekend... A roll of the aluminum foil tape to bridge caulk gaps, window frames w/ missing or damaged gasket, or make a drip edge to keep water away from flooring at wheel well damage - don't leave it on for weeks and weeks but it sure solves some hassles!
Glad you got it all resolved, and made it home safely.... With a couple of EAA'ers or A&P Aircraft Mechanics you can fix anything Wally's people put together... Remember, Wally spent WW II as a riveter and aircraft assembler at Curtis Wright in LA, and his first double skinned aluminum trailer (the Clipper) was actually designed by William Hawley Bowlus, who has a number of record setting glider aircraft still hanging in the Smithsonian... Dayton has great resources with Airstream factory to the north and all of the aviation related culture around Wright Patt and the AF Museum...
You'll be sipping Latte's in the rain in Seattle in style in no time...
John McG
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Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
Thank you for letting us know about the trip home. -Good to hear it was a positive experience. Congratulations on your new 1968 Tradewind! I'm anxious for the pictures!
Anita
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WBCCI 5502
Region 12
Sierra Nevada Unit 157
Air 6530
NOW, you have done it!! You are an AIRSTREAM owner!!
Ditto on all the congrats.
I'm also planning an "adventure" trip out west next Spring/Summer. Maybe we could "caravan" . I want to eventually go all the way to Alaska. I used to live in Portland, Oregon....actually twice!
Now that you own a ViNTAGE AS, keep both hands on your purse......if you don't, you will notice there rarely any money left in it!!
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Resolution and moving on to a new thread
. I want to eventually go all the way to Alaska. I used to live in Portland, Oregon....actually twice!
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