1961? Tradewind, custom?

[Sassafras]

This is my first post here, long time lurker. [emoji16]

What have I bought other than a lot of work? [emoji6] I know it's Tradewind length but seems to be custom with all the jalousie windows. Serial number 24DSS06XX-461

My brother helped me retrieve it yesterday from a field where it has been for around 25 years.

[HiHoAgRV]

Nice field find. Does it have leaf springs? It might be older than a '61. The roof vents and door handle are different than my '61.

[Sassafras]

Thanks! It was an all day job. We left at 6 am and dropped the Airstream at home at 9 pm.
It's a torsion axle. I've not been able to find pictures of anything like it.

[Sassafras]

Google satellite images.

[HiHoAgRV]

I understand anyone could order one with different windows if they wanted. I've seen some photos of trailers with all of the windows like yours.
Do you have plans yet on the rebuild? The 'ole gal could use some new panels obviously!
If the original appliances are there, the fridge has a klixon burner. They don't make parts anymore so if it works be very careful with it. Any of the old parts that you don't want might be useful to someone who is trying to keep an old trailer original.
At first, I thought I knew where you snagged it but I was wrong.

[Sassafras]

Looks about the same! This one was in Missouri, east of Springfield.
No refrigerator. The stove, heater, and AC are all the appliances that are there, I think. It's a disaster inside.
No definite plans yet other than to get it cleaned out and go from there. It will need everything. I did find the keys today, just laying on the floor.

[overlander64]

Greetings Sassafras!

Through the 1960s and possibly as recently as the 1980s, it wasn't unusual for Airstream to accommodate special request of customers ordering coaches for special features. It was not unusual to find coaches from the early 1960s special ordered by customer with most, if not all, side windows of the jalousie type. I don't believe they were ever installed in the front or rear facing windows as rain infiltration would likely have been a concern. This could be the only "special feature" found on your coach or one of many -- it will just take some investigation to find out.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[overlander64]

Greetings Sassafras!

If you would like to research your coach, you might try the following:

Airstream Photo Archives


Fred's Airstream Archives


Airstream Document Archive



Good luck with your investigation!


Kevin

[Sassafras]

It does have the jalousie windows all around except the front. We have much digging to do to find out all it's secrets.

It came with lots of "bonus" stuff. [emoji40]

Cool gas light over the stove though.

[overlander64]

Greetings Sassafras!

That gas lamp and its original shade is highly valued by many Vintage owners. If you like to boondock in cooler weather you may be surprised by the amount of heat that the small lamp produces in addition to its light. Mantles are still readily available.

Good Luck with your coach, and enjoy your discovery process!

Kevin


P.S.: You may find even more hidden treasures as you sort out the contents of its interior. Some of these coaches had optional countertop water filters that are also highly prized by Vintage owners.

[Sassafras]

No treasures yet. Lots of trash. You can see part of the floor now. We spent hours in it today. Have to at least look briefly at everything, don't want to toss anything Airstream related.

The frame looks better than I expected.

[Sassafras]

Found one, I think original, curtain today.

[Sassafras]

I don't think there are any black/gray or fresh water tanks left.

The story that came with it is that prior to the last owners is was used as a mobile office for a construction company. The last owners purchased it at a bankruptcy auction approximately 25 years ago. They never used it for anything but storage. Very random storage. We probably pulled out 300-400 VHS cases today.

[Sassafras]

Thought I'd update this. We are still cleaning out the junk. 3 truck loads out and at least 2 more to go. [emoji2961][emoji40][emoji2959]

[HiHoAgRV]

Geez that's a lot of trash. Somewhere under Mount Trashmore you are finding a 1961 interior

[Sassafras]

It's slowly getting better. Another load gone. There's a bathroom back there.

I noticed today, the rear interior end cap is aluminum segments. I was surprised at that. I thought they went to fiberglass in the late 50's? The front cap is fiberglass.

[Oceana24]

Hi There - I am curious if you have any updates on the renovation. I purchased a 1961 Tradewind recently which was I'm great shape overall but trying to determine next steps so that it lasts another 60 years.