Hello, Restoring my 1967 Tradewind.

[Grossy]

Hello,

My father bought this 1967 Airstream Tradewind around 1985. Together we restored it, with new cabinets, carpeting, and modern entertainment (for the time). We fixed the electrical and plumbing. And when it was done my parents toured all of North America with it.

My parents passed away 15 years ago, and the Airstream has sat in the Tucson Arizona desert for the last 15 years. So now it is my turn. I am going to restore it, with help from my wife, son and daughter. When my wife and I retire in a few years, we too will travel all over North America.

This restore will be far more extensive than before, it will be a shell on restoration. Floor replacement, all new electrical, tanks, plumbing, appliances, exterior, interior. I am sure that is not even close to a full list.

So with that preamble, demolition has already started and I will have lots of questions.

Dan Grossman
Tucson Arizona

[Janet H]

Welcome to the forum. That's an AWESOME model - not too big, not too small, double axles, lightweight, etc. Great project!

[Boondocker]

Can't wait to follow your restoration. Mine comes out of dry dock next month. It was too big of a project for me so I had to hire out the rebuild. I envy you the experience.

[Bubba L]

Welcome to the Forums. As Janet said, a 67 Tradewind is a perfect size. The 66s thru the 68s were unique in design. Unlike many who renovate vintage Airstreams, you are probably very familiar with this one. Good luck on your renovation and include the progress on your project here on Airforums. The info could help us all. Good luck and enjoy.

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado and welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. The 67 Trade Wind 24' is a great vintage Airstream and well worth the cost of the renovation. You might enjoy starting a "project thread" in the Airstream Forums Knowledge Base found at the bottom of the Forums page. It is a place where folks focus on their specific year and model of Airstream and often document their progress in the renovation. Like minded folks will likely follow along and can offer great help and advice.

I renovated a 66 Trade Wind about 10 years ago. It was my first renovation and great fun to learn how they were built and figure out how to make the necessary repairs. Here are a couple of photos as I thought you might be interested. I sold the Trade Wind and started a 75 Overlander 27'. Big difference between the two trailers, but the Overlander is a very comfortable and reliable travel trailer for us.

Give thought to joining the Airstream International Club as well as the Arizona Airstream Club. I'm attending a vintage Airstream Club rally in Delores Colorado the first weekend in June. It is great fun for me.

David

[coloradoup]

Looking forward to following your build. Hope you start that thread.

[Grossy]

Thanks everyone.

David I really like your design of the bathroom, I have already designed 20 floor plans, I guess one more wont hurt. .

Dan Grossman

[57Vintage]

Looking forward to following your update. Great back story to keep it in the family.

[Dingo Girl]

I'll be following along as well. it's nice to see a vintage thread.
good luck!

[dbj216]

Hello Grossy: Thanks for the compliment on the Trade Wind bath rebuild. I did it that way out of necessity. My rear subfloor was rotted out, the toilet was shot, the black tank was a joke, and I didn't care for the sink over bath design or the "hidden toilet" under a cushion. So out the bath came. I wanted a much improved waste water holding tank system so I had to move the toilet forward so it would be over the new black tank. I rather regret building that shower as it is to small to be comfortable, but a guy can get wet in there. I wasn't a fan of the huge window in a small bath. It was Wally Byam's idea so you could see through the trailer from front window to back window from your rear view mirror. My rear window would open and let light in there if wanted.

Good you are making design plans before you start. But many designs end up getting several modifications before the project is done. Mine sure did. Rework they call it.

David