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bigart · 07-18-2007, 12:43 PM

Have a VIN # A205937
Anyone know the year/model?
The trailer is approx 24'

Mel · 07-18-2007, 01:01 PM

Hmmmm...the numeric portion of your number goes along with the format of a '65 Globetrotter, but I'm not sure about the "A" in front. Is this VIN on a title, or is it on the trailer nameplate?

CanoeStream · 07-18-2007, 01:02 PM

Hi bigart -- I don't know about a starting letter of A. It looks like a pre-1980 VIN. Look at http://www.airstream.com/airstream/p...pre1980vin.pdf and can see I, E or L as possibilities. 'A' might show up in the middle indicating center bath twin bed. Could it start with something other than an A? I'm assuming it has Airstream badges on the trailer.

How old do you think it is? How many end panels does it have? It is possible to do research at R.J. Dial's website, Vintage Airstream Photo Archives. Posting photos for us is always a huge help.

bigart · 07-18-2007, 01:17 PM

I have no idea what it is..I saw it in an ad and the VIN was posted but it could be innacurate..I do have 1 photo..not sure how to attach it here.

Mel · 07-18-2007, 01:39 PM

Still a mystery! Here are instructions for posting a photo.

bigart · 07-18-2007, 01:45 PM

Thanks..hopefully the photo will post here

59er · 07-18-2007, 02:07 PM

65-68 safari...? maybe tradewind?

Mel · 07-18-2007, 02:12 PM

I'm gonna guess a '68 Safari - those look like curved Corning windows, but the stove vent would be under the awning rail if it was a '66 or '67.

InsideOut · 07-18-2007, 02:13 PM

Looks like a double axle...with Corning glass windows. I would say a '66-'68 TradeWind

Check these out:

'66 Tradewind
'67 Tradewind
'68 Tradewind

Mel, I believe that the late sixties was when they had the kitchen on one side if it was built in CA and the other side if it was built in OH...so the location of the stove or fridge vent may not be definative.

I do think it's odd that the VIN# seems to be a '65 GT...it's not a '65 GT especially if it's 24' long and has the frameless windows &/or double axle.

Shari

vswingfield · 07-18-2007, 02:15 PM

My 67 Trade Wind has the stove vent on the other side.

Vaughan

Mel · 07-18-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Mel, I believe that the late sixties was when they had the kitchen on one side if it was built in CA and the other side if it was built in OH...so the location of the stove or fridge vent may not be definative.

Shari

I really should know better than to think there was consistency among vintage Airstreams!!

bigart · 07-19-2007, 05:58 AM

Was able to get a few more pics

bigart · 07-19-2007, 06:11 AM

Any experts know how to read the numbers???

CanoeStream · 07-19-2007, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigart

Any experts know how to read the numbers???

I have a recall of reading on Forums about this California required plate -- some with west coast trailers might have better idea about it. It doesn't appear to have any Airstream VIN on it -- and now I do see the A205937 number to which you refer.

The streetside pic is most clear and I'm not seeing an Airstream plate on that side (occasional alternate location is low on streetside front). Is there none in the area in front of the door on curbside? Argosy trailers had the Airstream plate directly on the front.

VINs were embossed into the metal on the A-frame at the trailer front -- sometimes. Look for numbers about 5/8" high, sometimes partially blocked by installed weight distribution gear. I've seen them either on the side or on top of the curbside beam. I was looking at a 1960s Airstream last month and there were no numbers on the A-frame.

It is possible to title a trailer if the previous title were missing -- but a previous title would have the VIN if available.

overlander63 · 07-19-2007, 06:36 AM

That is not really the serial number plate. If they got those numbers off it, that is why they are not consistant with Airstream serial numbers.
There should be a builder's plate under the jalousie windows that actually says "Airstream", maybe with the factory location, and a serial number. From the access hatch on the rear, it is post 1963, and from the Corning windows, it is post 1965. From the taillights, it is pre-1968, and from the length and number of axles, it is a 24' Tradewind. So, looks like you have a 66-67 Tradewind on your hands.
Also, I noticed the "vin" you were provided is similar to the license plate number shown. You don't suppose they put the license plate number in, instead of the serial number?

bigart · 07-19-2007, 07:21 AM

I think they probably did not know what the number was and thought it was the VIN

InsideOut · 07-19-2007, 07:37 AM

The VIN # would be in the blue section on the placque that looks similar to this one below. The placque should be located under the window, next to the door - probably right below the other Sate of California one.

Shari