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Slats · 08-03-2017, 08:13 PM

David -

I'm curious about the difference between our different styles of tail lights. If you go to the first page of my postings and look at the picture of the rear end of my '66 Tradewind, you will see what I mean. Could my tail light housings have been add-ons, maybe?

Anyway, I replaced my tail light bulbs with LEDs, as well, and they really make a difference. My running lights are also LEDs, but the rear ones don't look as red as I would like. When they are on, they aren't that much different in color from the front amber ones. Could this be because LEDs are brighter or perhaps because the VTS Chinese copies of the original lenses are just poor quality?

dbj216 · 08-05-2017, 05:56 PM

Hi Slats: I've been sleeping on the job. I didn't log in yesterday. I looked at your trailer "as found" in post 4. Yep, your tail lights are different than mine. Your trailer is the top of the line International version. You also have the flags on the sides of the exterior, and you might have ripped out better cabinetry than my basic Trade Wind. My trailer came with "wedding cake" tail lights which are just big round ones. My trailer does have the optional back up lights that were probably standard on your trailer.

Maybe your tail light lenses are sun faded and the red is gone from the plastic?

David

Slats · 08-05-2017, 07:24 PM

Yeah, I picked up on that when I saw Mtmanor's '66 Tradewind pics. But then I got running light envy when I saw that his has three red ones on top of the back section. What's up with that? Think they were add-ons? Or maybe they just ran short of them the day mine was built?

Atomic_13 · 08-08-2017, 06:16 AM

The trailer is looking great, Dale. I can't believe what good condition your shell is in. What a find at a great price!

My Overlander, who is on deck, is in similar shape, but the old Tradewind I'm working on now has seen better days. For its intended use, that's ok.

I'll second (third, actually) the VTS gaskets for the windows and access panel doors. Regrettably, I didn't know about the window gasket sticking issue so I'll have to give silicone a try.

I'm just a few steps ahead of you (my interior end caps are in) so if you want to meet and visit about waterproofing, insulation, electrical, etc let me know.

Brian

Slats · 08-10-2017, 08:19 PM

Thanks for the offer. I'm always up for a little guidance. We're shutting down our firm at the end of the month, so I hope to have a little more time to spend on the AS. What would be a good time to meet up?

Atomic_13 · 08-11-2017, 05:44 AM

I'll send you an email.

dbj216 · 08-12-2017, 01:25 PM

The Kansas City Vintage Trade Wind Club will be called to order soon. It's great you guys plan to get together. You have a great hobby in common.

David

Slats · 08-12-2017, 08:12 PM

I dunno about that. Sounds like something that may call for bylaws.

Atomic_13 · 08-19-2017, 10:23 PM

Colorado isn't that far away, David. Come on over and join us.

dbj216 · 08-20-2017, 02:57 PM

You know, maybe I will. I've had family in Kansas City since 1971. I like to visit my brother in the fall, like October. When I do, I might PM you guys and talk Trade Winds and other Airstreams for an hour or so.

David

Atomic_13 · 08-20-2017, 09:04 PM

Sounds like a good time!

Slats · 09-02-2017, 07:22 PM

My project today was to fix the rear hatch. The aluminum outer panel was separating from the frame. Upon closer inspection, I realized the frame was attached to the panel with -- glue. Anyone know what type of glue this is and where I can get it? Or should I just use rivets?

rasmuw · 09-02-2017, 08:30 PM

There were screws in the interior of my hatches but no glue. I replaced them with stainless steel screws since the originals were so difficult to remove.

dbj216 · 09-03-2017, 05:41 PM

I vote for a Airstream rivet repair. There may be a reason why Airstream resorted to an adhesive. There are many excellent automotive adhesives available now days. There are a lot of glued joints in our automobiles. But Airstreams are all about rivets.

David

ttbikes · 09-04-2017, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic_13

Colorado isn't that far away, David. Come on over and join us.

Hey, I live in Lawrence!

Slats · 09-04-2017, 08:31 PM

So, today I was installing the wheel well trim. While drilling the old 1/8" holes in the shell to 5/32" and drilling on through the new wheel wells, I didn't think to put a piece of plywood between the wheel well and the rear tire and - you guessed it - the drill bit went through the tire. It took a few seconds of hearing that hissing sound before my nephew and I both burst out laughing.

Atomic_13 · 09-05-2017, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttbikes

Hey, I live in Lawrence!

Too funny, this renovation stuff must be an epidemic in northeast Kansas.

Atomic_13 · 09-05-2017, 07:32 AM

Sorry about your tire, Dale. Hate it when stuff like that happens.

dbj216 · 09-07-2017, 06:10 AM

I wonder how many of us have drilled through their freshwater tanks while installing the belly pan aluminum. I was quite worried about that one.

David

TouringDan · 09-08-2017, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbj216

I wonder how many of us have drilled through their freshwater tanks while installing the belly pan aluminum. I was quite worried about that one.

David

David

Is your belly pan next to your fresh water tank? Mine sits on the floor about 5" above the belly pan.

Dan