'60 Tradewind Project-Help Appeciated

[Donnagoes]

So excited-We get our 1960 24 foot Tradewind delivered this weekend and would appreciate any restoration advice. New to all of this!

The exterior is in good condition but the interior has to go. My husband plans to take it down to bare walls to make sure it doesn't leak and start from there. Yes, we will need new cabinets/etc. We are just beginning to plan the project.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

PHOTOS ATTACHED

[Bluestar99]

Nice looking trailer, congrats. I am in the same boat, redoing a 51 Silver Streak. My best advise is to just keep reading the forum. You will change your mind several times before you settle on a plan. Have fun with your restoration!

[dbj216]

Oh what fun! It appears someone has restored the exterior. I imagine the axles, frame and subfloor are all in good shape. An interior remodel must be done on a solid foundation.

Then you have to determine how you plan on using the trailer. Some folks use them as a food vendor, some folks want a comfortable traveler, and some folks want a restored "as new" show trailer.

Then start planning the major appliances. Locate the fridge, furnace, water heater, cooktop, toilet, sinks, etc. You will find major design constraints here as a fridge need propane and an vent, a toilet needs a holding tank, a furnace needs an exterior wall for venting, same with the water heater, and you need a fresh water tank. Even a flat panel TV takes some careful thought.

Then decide on sleeping arrangements. Some like a big bed, some like twin beds, some like bunk beds. Beds take a lot of room.

And the big argument is dinette or couch. A family with little ones like the dinette that makes into a bed. Two adults may prefer comfortable seating instead.

It will take many design iterations to develop what you want. I have marveled at the nifty floor plans Airstream designers have released over the years. They are very good at small space interior designs. Take a tour of the new Airstreams to get ideas for your old one.

My 66 Trade Wind wouldn't have a shower stall, I need the storage space instead. I like the twin beds. I need more storage space in the galley. And we prefer comfortable and adjustable seating as opposed to a couch or a dinette.

We sleep and sit in our trailers when we travel. Otherwise we're enjoying the great outdoors. So what you do on a rainy evening in the trailer is what you should design for.

Have fun,

David

[KCN]

Tearing out is really fun and interesting, but proceed cautiously and slowly with the removal of the existing cabinets, even if you plan to replace all of them with something new. They are a great teacher.

Observe the riveted, curved aluminum pieces that attach the cabinets to the walls, take them down carefully and identify each one of those pieces, because there will be variations from one end, and one side, of the trailer to the other. Take pictures of the disassembly, because later it may help you with making templates for those parts you may wish to replicate - bulkhead walls, for example.

Look for and save little things like hooks and latches and screen hardware and things that can be hard to find later when you might wish you had them for reference or re-use. There are a lot of tiny parts. They are expensive and add up when you replace them x many. I used zip-loc's labeled with each window, door, etc... easier than going through a coffee can full of stuff later.

Look for the Lifetime Warranty paper - mine was glued to the inside of the mirrored door. Fun little piece of history to have, if it's there.

Take videos of the disassembly, or at least many pictures. Can't emphasize that enough.

Congrats. Great trailer, great year!

KCN

[beatrix1]

I echo David's advice, and will add one other factor. Tanks. When you decide how you want to use the trailer, some of that use will be dictated by tanks (or lack thereof). I have a 61 Tradewind that I kept original. Like mine, yours no doubt has only a small blackwater tank under the toilet. It also uses an antiquated dump control valve unless someone changed it out. In other words, modern hoses will not fit it unless you have the original adapter. If you are going to use this at any place other than a full hook up site, you will want to add at least a gray water tank. And there will begin a task. There are lots of threads on adding tanks. You need to really think this part through as it will have an effect on plumbing placement.

Also, when you gut the trailer, remove the cabinets carefully and maybe put them up for sale. All the doors, the hardware, etc. is in demand (especially for people like me!). For those of us keeping things original, we just cannot find these things. And keep us informed!

Michael

[desertair27]

Your cabinets look awesome! Wish mine were half that nice. If you gut it you should consider offering the interior items here on the classifieds. I know I'd be interested.
Mike

[Sodbust]

Its better for that nice of a trailer to sit a year as is,, then to tare into it and make a mess of it.. Like everyone said,, read, read and study 1000s of photos for ideas..
My advice is to camp in it as is this year to gain a better idea what you have now or need later.. Once its all in a pile in the driveway is the wrong time to change your ideas... Sodbust

[Bill Lynch]

If it were mine I would strip and refinish those original all real wood cabinets. It is a beauty

[Donnagoes]

There's so much to learn! Best of luck on your project.

[Donnagoes]

Does anyone have a cost breakdown on a redo they would share? I'm working on mine and I'm wondering if it's correct. I never dreamed there would be so much to learn!

[robwok]

Depends on what you do and how much you do. Also, how many tools and materials you have on hand. You can go to Vintage Trailer Supply and just start adding things to a cart on every page. That'll cover most of it, except the Axle, Rims and Tires. Your rims and tires look new, but I'd double check the axles. That's about $500 per I think, but you only have one.

[beatrix1]

When it comes to project costs, I try to hold my finger over the "total" section with the cart at Vintage Trailer Supply. Project costs vary greatly - just like in home building. You can build a spartan cottage or a castle. It also depends on how much you can do yourself. Can you build cabinetry? Do the wiring? Plumbing? Or will you have to contract some or all of that out? Also, the axle is a great point. With a 1960, you may have either a leaf spring or a torsion axle. 1961 was the first all torsion year. When I had the axle replaced on mine, thankfully I had a very patient, very innovative person do the work who was not afraid of a 50+ year old trailer. I knew better than to tackle this one as I cannot weld or fabricate heavy metal. The axle alone, with shipping, will be about $750 - install labor is additional. Two suggestions. First, scour threads here. You will garner a huge amount of information, insight and get an idea for costs. Second, when you think you know what you want to do, sit back in a chair and stare at the trailer for a few weeks before you dive in. Second thoughts are a bad thing when it comes to renovations!

[webspinner]

Do the minimum you have to in order to be able to camp. Only experience will tell you what features you may want to keep and what has to go.

Replacing the wood is a lot of work. We didn't change the layout. Even with just pulling out the fake wood walls, using them as patterns and replacing them with real plywood took months and months of every free weekend and some evenings after work. The dinettes we build from scratch to suit our needs better than the original gaucho couches took even longer. I had access to power wood tools but had to use the trailer itself as my varnishing space. I love the results, but I'm glad that phase is well behind us.

We camped in it throughout the whole process. Our plans changed because of how we found we used the trailer.

[dbj216]

Well, I'm keeping all my receipts, including trips to the hardware store. Renovating an old camper, Airstream or not, is not cheap. The costs are spread out over time. So:

Axles $700 each delivered.
Furnace $700
Water Heater $350
2 Holding Tanks $700
Fresh Water Tank $350
Floor covering $450
Aluminum sheeting $300
Converter, fuse panel, new breaker box $300
See Level monitor for tanks $230

Overall I have about $8500 spent in parts and supplies so far. And I have a fridge and cook top yet to buy, cost budget another $1300.

I may recover a goodly portion of the parts cost, but not likely the labor costs. Professionally restored Airstreams are worth a lot more.

David

[thesignlady]

Man those are nice looking cabinets, I highly recommend a strip, repair and refinish approach. She is immensely sought after even as is

But, she is all yours now to do what you want with her. But note that the value of her will go down with any alteration that takes her away from original. And if you decide to go for restored original you will get a much better return on your investment if you ever sell her.

I am working on an original '69 Safari restoration right now and without touching my original cabinetry and taking the time (LOTS of TIME) to strip and rebuild everything including all the minor and major appliances I am into the restoration for probably about 3.5 grand, including purchasing all the proper tools needed for working on an airstream. If you have leaks, your most important purchase will be a rivet removal tool and the Olympic rivet kit, both of which are available at Vintage trailer supply. You can also find every type of seal imaginable on the site to weatherproof your doors, vents and windows and access panels. They even have sell the special shaped seal to redo the inner part of your door within a door.

Go camping in her a few times, try to visit a rally and see a whole bunch of trailers if possible and after a few months see if it still feels right to gut nice old growth wood for made in China plywood and if you do go that route make damn sure you put the guts on the used classifieds because it would make many people very happy to be able to restore their baby to original condition

If your axles have not been replaced yet go to online and check Inland RV, there is an area on his website that helps you assess if they need to be done, if they do it's a pretty easy process to do that for under a grand will give you major peace of mind (get the complete kit that includes brakes etc)

Good Luck and enjoy!

[Donnagoes]

Thank you all for the great advice! Out trailer has been delivered and I'm trying to determine what items she'll require. Here's a shopping list. We had no idea it would costs so much to redo our 1960 Airstream! Your comments are appreciated!

Gutted AIRSTREAM SHOPPING LIST

Title
Comments
Price
Quantity
Has
Priority

Norcold N510 UR 2 WAY Refrigerator
$984.33
1
0
Medium

Atwood (54106) Black Bi-Fold Cover
Offered by Boat and RV Accessories.
$52.40
1
0
Medium

Atwood CA-35 BPN 52756 3 Burner Slide-In Cooktop Black Top Piezo Ignition For Notched Counter
Offered by American RV Company.
$285.94
1
0
Medium

Camco 39761 RhinoFLEX 15' Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fitting
$29.97
1
0
Medium

JR Products 12245 Black Triple SPST On-Off Switch with Bezel
$13.87
1
0
Medium

Powermax 110 Volt to 12 Volt DC Power Supply Converter Charger for Rv Pm3-55 (55 Amp)
Offered by Advance MCS Electronics.
$116.63
1
0
Medium

Camco 25071 14" x 14" Universal Roof Air Conditioner Gasket Kit
$18.54
1
0
Medium

Dometic A/C Penguin II 13,500 BTU Roof Top Air Conditioner Upper Unit White 640315CXX1C0
Offered by Family RV Center II.
$699.00
1
0
Medium

Valterra RK909 ABS Tank Fill Kit with Threaded with Cap and Cement
$15.03
1
0
Medium

SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2" Twist-On Pipe Strainer
$8.99
1
0
Medium

Valterra R8072 8" x 16" x 72" ABS Water Tank
$155.00
1
0
Medium

New RV 21 Gallon Fresh Water Tank T-2100-1
Offered by classAcustoms.
$58.95
1
0
Medium

Eccotemp 03526-14A Flojet 2.9 GPM 50 PSI Water Pump
$55.05
1
0
Medium

Rheem RTE 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 4 GPM
$179.00
1
0
Medium

Siemens Q260 60-Amp 2 Pole 240-Volt Circuit Breaker
$10.88
1
0
Medium

VMAX857 AGM Battery 12 Volt 35AH Marine RV Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery ideal for boats and 18-35lb minn kota, minnkota, cobra, sevylor and other trolling motor (12V 35AH, GROUP U1)
Offered by bargainshore.
$109.99
1
0
Medium

See LeveL Tank Monitor 709
Offered by RVSUPPLIES.
$201.89
1
0
Medium

Worthington 297297 33-Pound Aluminum Forklift Propane Cylinder With Gauge And Fill Valve
$199.99
2
0
Medium

Fan-Tastic 803350 12V Vent
$237.84
1
0
Medium

Dicor EPDM Rubber Roof Lap Sealant, 10.3 oz, White 501LSW-1
Offered by Mobile Home Solutions.
$12.93
1
0
Medium

Dicor (BT-1834-1) 1/8" x 3/4" x 40' Butyl Seal Tape
$9.99
1
0
Medium

Thetford 33239 Closet Flange Seal
$7.47
1
0
Medium

Thetford 13168 Aqua Magic IV Water Valve
$22.50
1
0
Medium

Thetford 31667 Aqua-Magic V Toilet, High / Hand Flush / White
$112.16
1
0
Medium

Thetford (28962) Waterline Exterior Kit
$18.78
1
0
Medium

Suburban NT-30SP Electronic Ignition Ducted Furnace
Offered by TrailerRvParts by Johnson's Surplus.
$434.00
1
0
Medium

Honda Eu2000ia Companion Portable Generator. This Carb Compliant Unit Is Powerful and Super Quiet. Power Enough for Microwave, Refrigerators, Hair Dryer, Small Ac Units, and Much More
Offered by YourHomeGoodsStore.
$1,496.00
1
0
Medium

Honda EU2000i Super Quiet Portable Gas Powered Generator Power Inverter 2000, 120V
1
0
Medium

Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with Trailer Tow Quick Connect/Discon​nect Kit RVS-770613-213 (Black)
Offered by Rear View Safety Inc.
$299.99
1
0
Medium

Kidde KN-COEG-3 Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm with Battery Backup
$43.87
1
0
Medium

Suburban 050715 4" Duct Collar
$7.63
1
0
Medium

Suburban 161154 Thermostat Wall Heat
Offered by TrailerRvParts by Johnson's Surplus.
$11.40
1
0

[thesignlady]

Once you get head on in to it and see that getting your vintage rig up to snuff you'll see it is almost like owning a boat. Boat owners say if you want to know what its like to own a boat through a hula hoop in the water and keep throwing money into it...

Looking through my orders through vintage trailer supply I came up with some things I think you may need.

A few of the needed smaller items...

1 of : Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure $11.99
1 of : Rivet Removal Tool $39.99
1 of : 5/32" Olympic Riveting Kit $269.65
3 of : 5/32" Olympic Rivets w/ Washers (5-5) $67.47
1 of: TremPro 635 Polyurethane $7.62
1 of : Cyclo Cotton Terry Pad Cover - Pkg of 4 $14.52
1 of : Cyclo Foam Bonnet - Set of 2 $14.68
1 of : 1/4-Pound Grade S Nuvite $18.95
1 of : Cyclo Model 5-Pro Polisher $357.00
1 of : Walbernize RV Super Seal $13.99
1 of : Aluminum Pigmented Gutterseal $12.84
6 of : Airstream Plumbing Stack Cover $107.94
1 of : Walbernize RV Super Seal $13.99
1 of : 1963 Airstream Door Stop Gasket $11.49 for the door in a door
2 of : Hehr Locking Handle & Catch if you're missing any window latches $25.58
1 of : early 60's License Plate Light Bracket - Smaller $21.95

Add about $300 for the various gaskets, seals and weatherstrips

Then about 900 for a delivered axle from inland rv

And then don't forget to buy to very necessary Pewter Trailer Keyring from VTS, its only $11.50 but it will make you happy. Buy this item first...It will not be long before you think that you can no longer afford a 12 dollar item

I have a licenced mechanic with all the right toold in my house so with my girl we decided to rebuild / rewire all the operating systems so we saved an awful lot there




Adding it all up you can see why many people say to buy the best and most restored Vintage airstream that you can afford. It saves you money in the end

[Donnagoes]

Does this look like a good start???

Never thought it would cost so much.

AIRSTREAM SHOPPING LIST

Title

Price
Quantity



Norcold N510 UR 2 WAY Refrigerator
$984.33
1



Atwood (54106) Black Bi-Fold Cover

$52.40
1



Atwood CA-35 BPN 52756 3 Burner Slide-In Cooktop Black Top Piezo Ignition For Notched Counter

$285.94
1



Camco 39761 RhinoFLEX 15' Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fitting
$29.97
1



JR Products 12245 Black Triple SPST On-Off Switch with Bezel
$13.87
1



Powermax 110 Volt to 12 Volt DC Power Supply Converter Charger for Rv Pm3-55 (55 Amp)

$116.63
1



Camco 25071 14" x 14" Universal Roof Air Conditioner Gasket Kit
$18.54
1



Dometic A/C Penguin II 13,500 BTU Roof Top Air Conditioner Upper Unit White 640315CXX1C0

$699.00
1



Valterra RK909 ABS Tank Fill Kit with Threaded with Cap and Cement
$15.03
1



SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2" Twist-On Pipe Strainer
$8.99
1



Valterra R8072 8" x 16" x 72" ABS Water Tank
$155.00
1



New RV 21 Gallon Fresh Water Tank T-2100-1
.
$58.95
1



Eccotemp 03526-14A Flojet 2.9 GPM 50 PSI Water Pump
$55.05
1



Rheem RTE 13 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 4 GPM
$179.00
1



Siemens Q260 60-Amp 2 Pole 240-Volt Circuit Breaker
$10.88
1



VMAX857 AGM Battery 12 Volt 35AH Marine RV Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery ideal for boats and 18-35lb minn kota, minnkota, cobra, sevylor and other trolling motor (12V 35AH, GROUP U1)
Offered by bargainshore.
$109.99
1



See LeveL Tank Monitor 709
Offered by RVSUPPLIES.
$201.89
1



Worthington 297297 33-Pound Aluminum Forklift Propane Cylinder With Gauge And Fill Valve
$199.99
2



Fan-Tastic 803350 12V Vent
$237.84
1



Dicor EPDM Rubber Roof Lap Sealant, 10.3 oz, White 501LSW-1

$12.93
1



Dicor (BT-1834-1) 1/8" x 3/4" x 40' Butyl Seal Tape
$9.99
1



Thetford 33239 Closet Flange Seal
$7.47
1



Thetford 13168 Aqua Magic IV Water Valve
$22.50
1



Thetford 31667 Aqua-Magic V Toilet, High / Hand Flush / White
$112.16
1



Thetford (28962) Waterline Exterior Kit
$18.78
1



Suburban NT-30SP Electronic Ignition Ducted Furnace

$434.00
1



Honda Eu2000ia Companion Portable Generator. This Carb Compliant Unit Is Powerful and Super Quiet. Power Enough for Microwave, Refrigerators, Hair Dryer, Small Ac Units, and Much More

$1,496.00
1



Honda EU2000i Super Quiet Portable Gas Powered Generator Power Inverter 2000, 120V
1



Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with Trailer Tow Quick Connect/Discon​nect Kit RVS-770613-213 (Black)

$299.99
1



Kidde KN-COEG-3 Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm with Battery Backup
$43.87
1



Suburban 050715 4" Duct Collar
$7.63
1



Suburban 161154 Thermostat Wall Heat

$11.40
1

[rmkrum]

Make sure the propane tank has a gaseous propane outlet. Some fork lifts use liquid propane connection, which is not what you want on the AS.


Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

[webspinner]

If you're planning on gutting and replacing the interior, instead of refurbishing what you have, don't forget to price out cabinets (which will add extra weight compared to the original) or plywood, aluminum channel and the tools to work them.

People have done all levels of refurbishment. It works best if they have a realistic idea of the money, skills and time they have at their disposal and the money, skills and time that the job will need.