Amy’s Project 1964 Tradewind

[Aorta8403]

Welcome to my 1964 Tradewind project thread. I’m excited for this adventure that awaits. The plan for now is to clean out, remove the inner skin, replace subfloor, and shell off to restore frame.

Check out picture when I first purchased it. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f36...as-221311.html


Update as off 4/11/21
It’s just about all cleaned out and will start removing inner skin.

[Hittenstiehl]

Looking good and you already accomplished a lot. 60's Tradewinds are great.

If you resize your photos just slightly smaller (or sometimes it's an I phone thng) they will stay upright for you. Enjoy

[batman]

Oh yeah! You have a nice project there. We have the same front windows.

We have a 1964 Safari that we did a ground up renovation. Changed a bunch of things to bring it into the 21st century. Basically all new everything $$$. The thing that we like the most is the quiet, comfortable hydronic heat and continuous hot water from the Precision Temp, Twin Temp JR. Or is it the extra large refrigerator/freezer, or the pull out pantry and all maple cabinets, Perhaps it's the porcelain toilet or the Bose sound system or maybe it's the portable solar and 4-6V batteries. The dogs would say they don't like the outdoor shower so much.

My point. You have a blank canvas to work with. Have fun, Make it your own.

Here are a few photo's.

Best wishes on your journey,

-Dennis

[Aorta8403]

Originally Posted by batman

Oh yeah! You have a nice project there. We have the same front windows.

We have a 1964 Safari that we did a ground up renovation. Changed a bunch of things to bring it into the 21st century. Basically all new everything $$$. The thing that we like the most is the quiet, comfortable hydronic heat and continuous hot water from the Precision Temp, Twin Temp JR. Or is it the extra large refrigerator/freezer, or the pull out pantry and all maple cabinets, Perhaps it's the porcelain toilet or the Bose sound system or maybe it's the portable solar and 4-6V batteries. The dogs would say they don't like the outdoor shower so much.

My point. You have a blank canvas to work with. Have fun, Make it your own.

Here are a few photo's.


Best wishes on your journey,

-Dennis

Thank you! That’s a nice one you renovated!!

[dbj216]

Well, here you are and here you go. Those are big windows in the front of the trailer. My 66 Trade Wind 24' didn't have those at all. It had the Corning "frameless" curved glass windows that folks debate about.

Like batman says, it is a clean canvas and can be built to your desires. I believe Airstream does an excellent job in designing interiors within a curved space and makes them functional and attractive. It's hard to beat them.

Only you know the "mission" of this Airstream. Maybe you would like to enter vintage Airstream shows where the winners have a "as it left the factory" trailer with all the old stuff working. Maybe the mission is a comfortable travel trailer in an old body. Maybe you have six kids to find beds for. Some folks build for off grid boondocking. Define your goals for the trailer and begin the design work.

David

[Aorta8403]

Update of what we did this weekend. Finished removing and labeling the inner skin. Started removing the belly pan and got half of it removed. So far the frame is looking good. Taking that belly pan off is no joke. Also started cutting subfloor but that's no joke either. Going to finish removing belly pan then get ready to remove shell.

[dbj216]

You did make lots of progress for a weekend. You are right, removing the belly pan is hard, dirty work. But is so necessary to get a good look at the frame and the bottom of the subfloor.

Taking the body shell off isn't a piece of cake either. You and learn how others did it here on these Forums.

David

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by batman

...or the pull out pantry.
My point. You have a blank canvas to work with. Have fun, Make it your own.
-Dennis

Dennis- Our current blank canvas project is a 1961 TradeWind. Can you tell me more about the pull-out pantry?

It would be a nice feature to incorporate. I see the extra-heavy-duty drawer glides at the bottom. What else do I need to know/think about to engineer something like this?

Thanks! You did beautiful work. Ben

[batman]

Originally Posted by Aorta8403

Update of what we did this weekend. Finished removing and labeling the inner skin. Started removing the belly pan and got half of it removed. So far the frame is looking good. Taking that belly pan off is no joke. Also started cutting subfloor but that's no joke either. Going to finish removing belly pan then get ready to remove shell.

It is going great! One thing at a time.

[batman]

Originally Posted by PA BAMBI II

Dennis- Our current blank canvas project is a 1961 TradeWind. Can you tell me more about the pull-out pantry?

It would be a nice feature to incorporate. I see the extra-heavy-duty drawer glides at the bottom. What else do I need to know/think about to engineer something like this?

Thanks! You did beautiful work. Ben

Ben, Thank you for your kind words. Lots of love and hard work, you can do almost anything. I sent you a PM but could not send photo's. I sneak a few more in here, to help the OP of course.

[batman]

One more.

[Aorta8403]

Question - My airstream has these lights. What are people doing instead of these? Can not find these to buy.

[Janet H]

VTS has these and while they seem to be out right now, you should get on the waiting list: https://vintagetrailersupply.com/tea...light-vts-214/

[Aorta8403]

Update! This past weekend we were able to get the shell off. It was very scary but glad that part is done. Hope it goes back on easier. I ordered new teardrop lights from VTS. Next, remove subfloor and clean/repair frame if need to be. Definitely going to clean rust and paint the frame. We want to replace the axle but want to know which one to buy. Would love y’all’s input!!!! Thanks in advance.

[Bubba L]

Many have gotten axles from different places. But the guru of axles is Colin Hyde. It took me about 4 weeks to get it, but well worth the wait to get exactly what I needed. Good luck and the shell will go back on the chassis with a little persuasion.

[batman]

Dexter axle with disc brakes and a 2" lift.

Disc's were such a great improvement for the trailer and pulling. I highly recommend Tucson - ActuLink Actuator and DirecLink Brake Controller. Most intuitive brake controller I have ever used. Plugs into the ODB2 port in the cab. Fantastic!

2" is not much lift however it gets you into and out of driveways and Boondocking areas without scraping the bumper or tearing out the waist valves.

-Dennis

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by Aorta8403

Question - My airstream has these lights. What are people doing instead of these? Can not find these to buy.

VTS just got these back in stock. Go get yours...quantities are limited and they are limiting customers (during May) to ten lights.

I ordered the four I needed the other night as soon as I got the email that they were back in stock.

[dbj216]

I would suggest you save the plywood subfloor front and rear corners as templates for your new floor. The c-channel if it is still attached to the shell is also a good template. Putting the shell back on after frame repairs and new subfloor plywood can be a challenge, especially the front and rear corners.

David

[Aorta8403]

Originally Posted by PA BAMBI II

VTS just got these back in stock. Go get yours...quantities are limited and they are limiting customers (during May) to ten lights.

I ordered the four I needed the other night as soon as I got the email that they were back in stock.

I ordered them!!

[Aorta8403]

Originally Posted by dbj216

I would suggest you save the plywood subfloor front and rear corners as templates for your new floor. The c-channel if it is still attached to the shell is also a good template. Putting the shell back on after frame repairs and new subfloor plywood can be a challenge, especially the front and rear corners.

David

I was able to keep the front to use as a template but the rear had rotten off. 😕