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Old 10-03-2024, 05:57 PM   #1
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1963 24' Tradewind
Carmel , California
Join Date: Jun 2024
Posts: 8
Looking for help with inspection.

Hello, I am new to this forum. I bought a 1963 Trade Wind from a couple that had used it as an Airbnb. It had been "renovated". It still has its original floorplan and cabinettes etc. However, after getting her on the road she started coming apart a bit. Plumbing issues in bathroom and kitchen, rivets popping, mice droppings falling, from god knows where, after a tow. Cabinets/trims/fixtures coming loos or breaking. Belly pan underneath bathroom coming undone, awning not being able to fit into fasterner, screen door swinging open during transit (duck taped it for safety for now)...etc. etc.

I am looking for someone who does inspections on these vintage trailer as I want to know what I'm in for. I need to get her road safe and functional. If anyone knows of someone that does inspections/assessments on the Central Coast area of California, would you please let me know.



Much appreciated!

Sandra
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Old 10-04-2024, 05:43 AM   #2
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2008 30' Classic S/O
Hampton Beach , New Hampshire
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Private Inspectors

Use the Community Member List to do an advanced search:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/mem....php?do=search

You can select the state you want to search using the pull down menus. Put a check mark in the appropriate "Inspector Type" box for your query. A quick search shows there are 97 Trailer Inspectors in our membership for California. Keep in mind some of the list maybe inactive. You can Private Message or send them email if their accounts allow it.
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Old 10-05-2024, 07:02 PM   #3
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1963 24' Tradewind
Carmel , California
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Thank you Tom and Wendy for your helpful response! I will certainly do that . I am just getting oriented with the site...there's so much here to look at and read.



-Sandra
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Old 10-05-2024, 10:48 PM   #4
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1994 25' Excella
Waukesha , Wisconsin
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I'd actually suggest you connect with the Airstream Club and join a chapter in your area. For this type of thing I think that the ongoing help of a few friends in a nearby chapter will be much more helpful than a one-time inspection.

It sounds like the previous owner did their work with the mindset of things being stationary, so you might end up having to rethink all the mounting points of anything that they installed - from cabinets to plumbing I'd be looking at every single mounting point and checking to see if adequate sized fastener (and correct fasteners) were used. For a non-moving trailer small sheet metal screws are fine, but for going down the highway rivets might be better, etc. etc.

The mouse droppings are unfortunately typical in an older trailer. Even one which looks great might have hidden droppings which can show themselves once the trailer starts shaking going down the road. My plan would be to open every access point possible to see where the critters were living, including pulling the end of heater vent lines.

I know that it seems overwhelming at first to see so many issues all at once, but what you're describing is really not that difficult if you approach it piece by piece.

Welcome to the forum and keep asking questions as you run into new problems.
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Old 10-06-2024, 05:15 AM   #5
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I don’t know vintage.

The panels inside the overheads can be removed from my 2017. That and other spots like it are easy to open up and inspect for mouse drop and other issues. Basically, any wood panel with fasteners are candidates for removal and inspection on my trailer.
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Old 10-07-2024, 12:10 AM   #6
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1963 24' Tradewind
Carmel , California
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Thank you Richard for this good idea and your positives words! Greatly appreciated!
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Old 10-07-2024, 12:21 AM   #7
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1963 24' Tradewind
Carmel , California
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Yes Fungus, I can also see the difference with mine...not an easy thing to remove by themselves. But then again, perhaps by someone who knew how to work with an old 62 year old without taking it all out.
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Old 10-10-2024, 09:59 AM   #8
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Sandra,
check your PM folder
Thanks
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Old 10-13-2024, 01:07 PM   #9
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Connecting the the local Airstream Club as mentioned best thing to do besides being a part of this forum. There’s a vintage part of the forum with trailer pics and owners you’ll connect with. All of us that have restored vintage Airstreams know the tricks. Post pics and help will come.
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Old 10-13-2024, 02:56 PM   #10
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Paso Robles

Sky River is an Airstream dealer up near Paso Robles. You might want to contact them to see if they have any suggestions regarding local private inspectors.

There are a couple of mobile techs that work out of both Morro Bay and Arroyo Grande. Not sure if they can help you but they might.

877 RV Repair in Morro Bay and Mike's RV repair in Arroyo Grande would be good places to start.
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Old 10-13-2024, 05:56 PM   #11
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Malibu , California
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The issues you describe are very characteristic of a trailer that has been sitting a long time. Most common cause is old tires that are hard and have a flat spot from sitting. Coupled with over 50 year old torsion axles and your rig is going to tremble all the way home.
I've rescued and owned over a dozen vintage ones and can almost guarantee that was your situation.
FYI- do not vacuum rodent droppings (probably too late now) but spray them with bleach and sweep gently. They may carry the Hunta virus.
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Old 10-15-2024, 09:29 PM   #12
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1963 24' Tradewind
Carmel , California
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Hello and thanks everyone that has responded with all the helpful recommendations! Wanted to also give a shout out to Coastalview for such a great support during your visit to inspect Kate, my trailer and point me in the right direction. It couldn't have been a better introduction to the spirit of the Airstream community. I am tremendously grateful. Again, thanks to everyone for contributing to this thread!
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