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Old 08-07-2005, 02:50 PM   #1
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1968 24' Tradewind
Russellville , earth
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Rivet '68 Tradewind - Woohoooo I Got One!

I just closed the deal on a 1968 Tradewind . A Big ole thanks to AYRSTRM2 for checking it out and enumerating its flaws for me. That saved me alot of driving, gave a dispassionate review, and frankly found things I would have missed. I'm sure I will drive everyone nuts with questions during the restoration.

If everything pans out, it will be going to Yellowstone in late September, and out to DC for a week in Novemeber. I cant wait.
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Old 08-07-2005, 02:56 PM   #2
Mel
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1967 22' Safari
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Congratulations!

You must be absolutely giddy. Are there pictures to share?

Mel
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Old 08-07-2005, 03:10 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel
You must be absolutely giddy. Are there pictures to share?

Mel


Here: http://www.pbase.com/professor_chaos/airstream
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Old 08-07-2005, 03:26 PM   #4
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2004 25' Safari
. , Illinois
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Not sure about that "ugly box" on the back of the coach. I doubt it's a factory box and moreover, might cause problems in the long run. I'd see what others think, but my gut says get rid of it.

Nice coach though.
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Old 08-07-2005, 03:32 PM   #5
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The frame is extended under the box and it appears to have compound curves. Can you more pictures of it inside and out top and bottom?
Does it look like the frame is original?
If the frame is original the box is original.
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Old 08-07-2005, 03:45 PM   #6
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1966 22' Safari
1979 30' Argosy
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The Box does not look original. Those curves aren't compound, but tabbed, like the back belly skin. Would Airstream have actually built and delivered this contraption custom ordered? DUnno. I don't think so, it just doesn't have that quality of a feel to it. I think a PO was just handy and wanted a wee bit more space for his hoses and cables. The frame is extended, and maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it's that hard to fabricate.

Anyway, Gen has a nice coach that really has nice potential. No less problems than any its age, but none that aren't fixable. As I have told him, if this were last year, and I saw it before we found the Safari, it'd be in my drive right now.

This is 22 minutes drive from my house. Can you believe that when I went to look at it for him, I saw this on the way?:



It's a '68 Sovereign, International Trim. No separation in the rear, and just missing a window and that big dent.

Didn't have a for sale sign on it. I think someone is using it as a site trailer.

John
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Old 08-07-2005, 04:19 PM   #7
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Congratulations!

Gen,
The way I see it, it's your trailer now. If you like the box keep it!
BTW, it is one ugly box.....
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Old 08-07-2005, 04:50 PM   #8
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ugly indeed

Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
Gen,
........BTW, it is one ugly box.....
it is indeed, and its days are numbered
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Old 08-07-2005, 05:02 PM   #9
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Best of luck and I am certain you will have a blast fixing it up and making it truly yours.
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Old 08-07-2005, 05:09 PM   #10
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Gen, I wouldn't be too hasty on the "ugly box." One can never have enough storage room. Having a place to put those unmentionables is always desireable. I've got a big poly box on the back of my old Coachman which in and of itself is on "UGLY BOX"!! I'm not sure where I'll put some of my "stuff" when everything moves to the new AS which is now "in work."

Having noted your photo page and you calling it the new camera bag for your large format gear I must tell you in my previous lifetime I found that the Cessna 150 I worked out of never had enough room for all my camera gear.

You can always get rid of it later, don't be too hasty on the removal.
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Old 08-07-2005, 05:24 PM   #11
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Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of Airstream. No one can drive all of us nuts, believe me I have tried. The box is beautiful. I would get some minuature WBCCI #'s for it and polish it to a mirror finish. Leave it there until you are certain there is the storage you want. One thing these old beauties do not have is a lot of storage.
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Old 08-07-2005, 05:32 PM   #12
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Congratulations on your new obsession, er, money pit, um, acquisition.

About that box... if the frame has been reinforced, you can always build another, less obtrusive one.
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Old 08-07-2005, 05:39 PM   #13
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Gen -
Nice looking rig. I especially like the extra water tank in the front next to the propane tanks. Is the frame re-enforced there too?

FF
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Old 08-07-2005, 06:17 PM   #14
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Hey Gen;

have you seen the movie Uncle Buck - with John Candy - and the line....here is a quarter take the bus and go down to the nearest alley and have a rat knaw that thing off" or something to that nature

sorry - just never seen anything so darn ugly attached to an Airstream.

I have seen extended bumpers to take the spare tires and to build larger pumber compartments - but nothing like that baby.

She is a beauty interior - same as our GT but with the silver trim instead of the brass used in 69. The Mahogany veneer is pretty delicate if you are going to do any woodwork - heads up on the sanding. Wire wool 000 or even 0000 would be best. Heads up on those plastic light covers treat them with care - at 19+ a piece they can get pretty pricy - same with the plastic door catches - if they are really dingy save your money and spray paint them with Krylon.

If your veneer is pealing at the top and you want an idea to preserve it longer - use a silver trim with double sided tape on the top and bottom of the doors - we also put it on the under seat doors. Check out our photo section on this web site under GT6921.

We have some of the older manuals used for the appliances let me know if you need anything. Except the AC - don't have a book on that one and sure wish we did.

Good luck with your "honey-do" list...
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Old 08-07-2005, 06:18 PM   #15
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the ugly box

Unfortunately, the box and altered frame appears to have caused some seperation so I am inclinded to axe it. In addition the axles are fatigued, the rubber is shot, the gas fridge is gone...., well you get the idea. What the heck, its nothing another $6K wont fix . Of course then I will need pergo floors, remote tire pressure sensors, disk brakes, mobile internet........ok maybe $10K more....... oh wait, its going to need.............
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Old 08-07-2005, 06:22 PM   #16
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1968 24' Tradewind
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you aint seen nothin yet

Quote:
Originally Posted by GT6921
sorry - just never seen anything so darn ugly attached to an Airstream.
wait untill you see a pic of me with it



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Old 08-07-2005, 06:46 PM   #17
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Rivet Congratulations on your acquisition ...

Rodney,

The fun is about to begin!

After reviewing the photos, I am convinced that you have the dubious distinction of owning an Airstream 'Like-No-Other'
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Old 08-08-2005, 07:23 AM   #18
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Rodney,

Welcome to our world, uh..club..uh habit uh..
Well anyway, have fun. Our Goliath is sitting in the drive way right now getting measured for curtains, new bedding, and getting other repairs/parts.
Best of luck to you. I know you will have fun
Marie
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Old 08-08-2005, 07:29 AM   #19
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After our last major repair my wife said, "I thought we bought this so we could go off camping in the woods to relieve stress, not to add additional stress to our lives." Today I tackle the airconditoner, and then there are those blinds that decided to fall from the windows and what is that smell from the bathroom? Did anyone notice that the right rear levelor drooped a little last week? Oh well we have another trip planned in two weeks and time to get things in shape and a little more limit on one of those credit cards. I love Airstreams.
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Old 08-08-2005, 10:19 AM   #20
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1968 24' Tradewind
Russellville , earth
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tire question

First thing is tires and brakes. Can anyone suggest the best tires for this critter? Also, Im told I have a choice between 10 and 12" brakes at a difference of $80 per axle- how much better are the 12"s?


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