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jbsails · 12-20-2008, 06:59 PM

I just purchased this neat Tradewind, however interestingly enough the prior owner had two old titles. The one from the person he acquired the trailer from shows it to be a 1961 on the title. The most recent identifies it as a 1964. I have attached a couple of photos for you experts to take a look, and the serial number is:
241545D

wkerfoot · 12-20-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbsails

I just purchased this neat Tradewind, however interestingly enough the prior owner had two old titles. The one from the person he acquired the trailer from shows it to be a 1961 on the title. The most recent identifies it as a 1964. I have attached a couple of photos for you experts to take a look, and the serial number is:
241545D

RJ Dial's site Vintage Airstream Home indicates that you have a 1961 Tradewind.

Bill

flyfshr · 12-20-2008, 08:26 PM

It is indeed a '61 as the third digit indicates. Good find. Let's see some more pictures.

TradeWind's rule.

Brad
FF

Sugarfoot · 12-21-2008, 09:04 AM

Yep, I concur. It's a '61. Love those vintage Tradewinds. Not too big, not too small.

Frank's Trailer Works · 12-21-2008, 04:51 PM

I guessed 61 too by those sexy drip caps that disappeared in 63. The serial number backs it up too.

jbsails · 12-21-2008, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys...what an awesome resource this forum and this group is!

arreche1 · 12-04-2010, 02:47 PM

OH yeah! Another 1961, I just got one two and am almosted finished with the inside. Am dying to see yours. Mine is the "blonde finish." I am noticing that most of the units are not original and most have "newer" features. Like furnaces, fridges, ect. Does yours have the original fridge. I am DESPERATE

arreche1 · 12-04-2010, 02:49 PM

DIDN'T FINISH, SORRY. stupid computer! I am DESPERATE for someone to sell me or at the very least send me a picture or two of their heating element for the Norcal fridge that was in this unit. Mine fired up after at least 45 years sitting! and works great on propane, but I am completely missing the 110 heating element and would love to have one for summer months when I am working. Please help me if you can
You can see some of my pics at www.picasaweb.google.com/arreche1 and click on the airstream album. thanks

3Ms75Argosy · 12-04-2010, 06:56 PM

Hard for me to tell from the pics... does the '61 have trapisodal fender cutouts vs. the "flattop" cutouts like on my '63?

I know that if it's a torsen axle, that axle is shot... but man, that lowrider look is sexy!
Marc

WadenMichell · 02-16-2011, 11:41 AM

Arreche1 Not sure if you're still interested as your post was in Dec. but if you are, We have a 61' or 62' Tradewind with the Norcold fridge on its way to the dump, I'm guessing the element is still in it (it does have a plug) Not sure exactly what I'm looking for but I think my husband could find it. Anyway let me know, and I'll have him check on it for you. Also wouldn't know for sure if it's good or bad as we've never used it just ripped the fridge out because the interior was cracked bad and stunk. So if there's anything else you need i.e. shelves, brackets etc. just let me know.

ts8501 · 02-16-2011, 01:15 PM

The first 5 panel end cap was in 1964. Why does this look like a 5 panel, and not a 7 panel from era 1961?

RickDavis · 02-16-2011, 03:58 PM

Looks like a 5 panel to me also.. a 61 is 7 panels.
The serial number on my California tradewind is 24DS0579.
Also 61 was the first year for the torsion axle and on mine it is welded on, not bolted although that may have been a california thing also.
The calif. version had the toilet on the road side , Ohio was curb side.
None of this is conclusive, but based on the panels I don't think it is a 61.

We are still running on the original axles with no problems so don't be to quick to change it. May not be necessary.

I have a 64 but am not home to look to see if it has the drip thing over the door

InsideOut · 02-16-2011, 07:40 PM

Nah, it's a 7-panel...3 on each side & one in the middle. The segments are too narrow to have only 2 on each side...the center panel doesn't go from awning rail-to-awning rail...that's too wide.

Shari

Frank's Trailer Works · 02-17-2011, 02:48 AM

What Shari said and the serial number tells it all!!! I have heard of unscrupulous sellers switching serial number plate when a title is needed, but there is just no reason to not see it is 61 and not a 64. Another clear indicator; the door with in the door... it is an overlay door. 1964 had an inset door within a door.

flyfshr · 02-17-2011, 06:34 AM

Two well-educated historians concur as do I that it is a '61 model year and not a '64. Case closed IMHO.

Brad
FF

arreche1 · 02-17-2011, 11:39 AM

YES, YES, AND YES. What I need is the electric heating element. If you open the closet door (by the front door) on top of the box that holds the fridge, should be a hole, and in that hole, hopefully, should be the electric heating element. it will look like an element for a hot water heater, (I am assuming, I have not seen one yet) It should also have a cord that plugs into the top of the outside of the fridge box. IF you also have the baffle (looks kind of like those twirly wind things you hang outside) I would take that too! IF the baffle is in place, you might find the electric heating element underneath, in the back, in the closet, somewhere I hope. I would take any racks, egg holders, anything that is still OK. I am thinking if you put it all in a box, weigh the box and give me measurements I could email you a UPS label, and then all you have to do is give it to a UPS driver. Also I will be more than happy to pay you what you want for the heating element and baffle. I am excited, I hope it works out! If you find the element, I will bet it still works, not much to go wrong with them.
I have a friend who has a fridge for a trailer, not huge, mid-size I would say, bigger than what you have, it is very reasonable. I could check on that for you also.
Let me know
My email address is
arreche1@yahoo.com
tonja arreche
thanks a bunch!

RickDavis · 02-18-2011, 04:27 AM

Frank, Have to agree based on the door. I should have caught that. Still hard to see 7 panels in the pictures tho.
I will have to check a chart on serial numbers. Since mine has letters in the middle and that one doesn't perhaps it is the difference between Ohio and CA. trailers?

ts8501 · 02-18-2011, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickDavis

Frank, Have to agree based on the door. I should have caught that. Still hard to see 7 panels in the pictures tho.
I will have to check a chart on serial numbers. Since mine has letters in the middle and that one doesn't perhaps it is the difference between Ohio and CA. trailers?

My thought was it is a 1961 with a post 1964 front end cap. You know, replaced a 7 panel with a 5 panel. But a full on shot of the front would clear the mystery, if there even is one.

Frank's Trailer Works · 02-18-2011, 03:59 PM

I have to say these "identify the mystery trailer" threads are my favorite ones.

66Overlander · 02-18-2011, 09:49 PM

1. It's got 7-panel end caps. All you need to see is where the first seam goes. Since it is not higher than the top of the side windows, it has seven panels. That first seam would be above the side windows if only 5 panels like a '64 and after.

2. The center peaked wheel wells were only used from 1959 to 1961.

3. It has a 1961 Serial Number.

Therefore, it's a 1961 Tradewind with it's original 7-panel end caps, although the photos are not the clearest regarding the endcaps, but there is enough to see when you know what clues to look for.