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markdoane · 11-02-2005, 06:14 PM

Looking for a frame for a 1960 Tradewind. Location - Minneapolis.

It was worse than expected. Any help, please reply.

ZoomZoom · 11-02-2005, 07:31 PM

Southwest Wheel has frame kits, don't know if they're heavy duty enough though, but if you're at the point you need a new frame and obviously skilled enough to have tackled an Airstream renovation, why not build your own? 2 x 4 or 2 x 5 box tube for the frame and 2 x 3 or 2 x 2 angle for the center floor, almost done. The outriggers are available from Airstream as are the axle mounting plates if you're planning on changing from leaf springs to torsion. What a time to design your under floor areas for waste tanks and maybe even a water tank.

I find that owners of these older coaches tend to over build, if Airstream had taken as much care and expense as todays vintage owners there wouldn't be any repair work to do.

Greg

till · 11-02-2005, 07:42 PM

I will a frame from a 1967 Overlander available mid summer of '06. IF it is of any use let me know we can work something out......

markdoane · 11-02-2005, 07:53 PM

Tedd,

Thanks, but we want to stick with a single axle.

Rog0525 · 11-02-2005, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoomZoom

I find that owners of these older coaches tend to over build, if Airstream had taken as much care and expense as todays vintage owners there wouldn't be any repair work to do.
Greg

How many other vintage travel trailers are still around compared to Airstream?

greg176 · 11-02-2005, 11:42 PM

They are not too dificult to make new.

Paul Mayeux · 11-03-2005, 08:48 AM

I'm in the process of making new frame for my 54 Cruiser. I removed the shell and floor and welded some tabs on the outside of the frame so I could use the existing frame as the template for the new one. I went with 2x4x3/16 rectangular tubing which weighs 6.87#/ft and is not much more than the original channel that weighed 5.4#/ft. I used light gauge metal cross members (12ga.) as they did on the original. I'm converting over to a torsion axle and ordered factory style axle brackets and a 5,000 lb axle from Inland. It's been a fairly easy process and it has enabled me to customize the frame for the new style axle and the addition of grey and black water tanks.

overlander63 · 11-03-2005, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

Tedd,

Thanks, but we want to stick with a single axle.

It may be possible to use Tedd's frame, if the front axle is the same distance from the tongue that your tradewind's axle is. You can lop off the back couple of feet of frame, and be ready to re-install. Just an idea, if no one else steps forward with a frame.

Ken J · 11-03-2005, 01:15 PM

Don

Is this another trailer? I thought you redid yours..... I would not mess with an old frame - easy to build a new one...

Ken

markdoane · 11-03-2005, 03:36 PM

All,

Thanks for the ideas and comments. I think the best choice is to make a new one, but I wanted to be sure there wasn't a pristine frame just laying about in someone's garage.

Ken,

This is a rescue mission for another Airstreamer that lurks but doesn't post. They have a very cute '60 Tradewind and two kids. As always, cost is an issue. Ultradog has volunteered to help with the welding, and I have volunteered to watch and offer moral support.

StingrayL82 · 11-03-2005, 04:01 PM

Mark,

If you decide to make your own, do you plan to use a mig welder or tig welder?

Frederic

Ken J · 11-03-2005, 04:02 PM

If I remember right Bud Cooper made a new frame for his 48? weewind, replacing the pipe frame - may want to contact him.......

Ken

greg176 · 11-03-2005, 06:34 PM

See this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...t=frame+repair

for the saga of my frame replacement.The smaller trailer would be easier as channel comes in 20 foot length.

crazylev · 11-03-2005, 06:58 PM

I've been pre-occupied with our newer-ish 2004 ccd.

It's been a while since I've sat down to read a renovation thread.

You guys just amaze me!!! Unbelievable work....

I suppose the real satisfaction comes in knowing that when the project wraps up (if ever) you will have something that you built with your own hands and it will probably last forever.....

Best.

Jonathan

scoxx30 · 12-23-2005, 03:16 PM

I had a welding shop build me a new frame for my tradewind. $1200, thats using the original axel, Mines been sitting in a park on jacks at the coast. Axels in great shape, frame was shot. Putting the floor on now.

Ken J · 12-23-2005, 03:18 PM

Wow - that sounds like a very reasonable deal to me........

Ken J.

scoxx30 · 12-25-2005, 08:35 PM

Very good price, they do good work. Double checked everything before I payed. All good. Any body need there name PM me, they said theyed be interested in doing more of this kind of work.

Steve

asta2 · 09-01-2006, 07:31 PM

Steve,

I'd be interested in the folks that made your frame. We're in Atlanta and looking to buy an older AS, please let me know if you think they are still an option.

Thanks,
Sean

Alumin8 · 09-02-2006, 05:15 PM

Steve,

This is the kindof information that folks could really use. Could you post the name, address and contact information for all of us?

Joe

BMW Sid · 09-03-2006, 12:45 PM

Howdy,
The skin on the outside bottom of my TW is shot. The angle iron square under there is also shot. I plan on replacing it with stainless steel. This trailer was parked at a campground for years, and the water tank door was not locked. Kids put pinecones, etc. in there. It needs to be cleaned out. Can this be done from the outside, when I fix the underside? I can do all the welding, no matter what I find under there. I have the machine to do it right here. Just have to start tearing it apart, but want a little input from someone who has been in there.......better stop now, If I put all my problems in one post, I will never get my first rivet!