New and Need Help!

[WcfdPiper]

Hi everyone,

I just purchased an airstream for $600! It needs some work, but it is definitely solid. I think it is a 1960 Tradewind. It has a plaque on the side that says Land Yacht, but no other plaques that have a name on it. I have the serial numbers:
24DS-0406 and 12804 E. Firestone Blvd. Sante Fe Springs CA. 160. I am looking for any information about this model and any drawings or schematics. Any info or tip is VERY welcome.

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forums!

$600 is a great price for any Airstream in solid condition.

24DS-0406 is the VIN and it matches with a California built 1960 Trade Wind with the double bed layout. Pictures of that year and model can be found here:
60Tradewind

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by WcfdPiper

Hi everyone,

I just purchased an airstream for $600! It needs some work, but it is definitely solid. I think it is a 1960 Tradewind. It has a plaque on the side that says Land Yacht, but no other plaques that have a name on it. I have the serial numbers:
24DS-0406 and 12804 E. Firestone Blvd. Sante Fe Springs CA. 160. I am looking for any information about this model and any drawings or schematics. Any info or tip is VERY welcome.

Congrats.

The frst issue you should address, is to make the trailer exterior, water tight.

Check all the gaskets for having a good seal.

Gaskets for the windows, doors and vent covers, are readily available from a dealer that deals with "parts for the older Airstreams."

After that, you can putter with the trailer as your time and budget permits.

Andy

[WcfdPiper]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Welcome to the forums!

$600 is a great price for any Airstream in solid condition.

24DS-0406 is the VIN and it matches with a California built 1960 Trade Wind with the double bed layout. Pictures of that year and model can be found here:
60Tradewind

Thanks for the info. Those photos are great and will definitely come in handy. Any idea where I can get more info or any info on the layout of the systems? I'm sure the LP needs updated and I don't know about the electric yet. The guy I bought it from says all the electric works. We'll see. Thanks.

[WcfdPiper]

Thanks for the info. It does make sense to check the gaskets. Any ideas o where I can get some additional info on this beast. I cannot find a user manual anywhere and I was hoping to find out about the different systems. I am sure that the gas and plumbing will need work and I haven't checked the electrical yet. Do you have any tips on fixing the flooring? Thanks for your help!

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by WcfdPiper

Thanks for the info. It does make sense to check the gaskets. Any ideas o where I can get some additional info on this beast. I cannot find a user manual anywhere and I was hoping to find out about the different systems. I am sure that the gas and plumbing will need work and I haven't checked the electrical yet. Do you have any tips on fixing the flooring? Thanks for your help!

OK, I am not a restorer, but I've read these forums a lot. Use your SEARCH function. Look for threads such as "Frame off restoration" or "the full monte" for major floor up rebuilds. California built Airstreams vary in some details from those that come from Jackson Center Ohio... but in the end they are hand built and older ones often have had prior modifications - some good, others not so much. You find what you find.

BTW "Inland Andy" is a vendor who has LOTS of parts for vintage Airstreams. They do a great job of really having the right thing - not something you have to modify six times and "fit" with a sledge hammer. He did give you VERY good advice about getting it water tight first. I'll add this advice - read and research a lot. Make lists of tasks to be done and figure out which come first, which are absolute necessities and which are nice to have.

Big issues - gaskets around windows, door, vents shot, leaky seams, frame rusted through, floor soft and punky, axle shot, electrical systems, fuses and your inverter, plumbing and water pump, and propane lines and appliances. Old refrigerators can live almost forever both on electricity and propane, old ovens and burners ditto IF they were kept CLEAN (boiled over then left alone for 10 years equals RUST!), old furnaces and water heaters scare the poo out of me... they aren't as heavy duty as home models, if they are used it's only a matter of time before they get metal fatigue, leaks or cracks. I fulltime and plan to replace my water heater at 5 years regardless of how it looks. Those are two appliances which will kill you and/or burn your trailer to the ground. Restoring them to maintain historical accuracy - uh... it's a trailer, not the White House! Air Conditioners seem to cough and die at about 10 years, though many last longer.

You're lucky to be in Ohio - Lots of members there. If you check the "rally" section of this site, you'll find lots of opportunities to meet other Airstreamers and those who have been through what you're doing will be delighted to sit around and tell you their experiences - especially the "if I knew then what I know now" stories that will really save you time and money. (Hell their stories convinced me to buy new!). There is also the WBCCI Wally Byam Caravan Club International - which depending on the unit - may introduce you to a lot of people who will help you learn about your stream.

Welcome to the shiny side!

Paula

[WcfdPiper]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

OK, I am not a restorer, but I've read these forums a lot. Use your SEARCH function. Look for threads such as "Frame off restoration" or "the full monte" for major floor up rebuilds. California built Airstreams vary in some details from those that come from Jackson Center Ohio... but in the end they are hand built and older ones often have had prior modifications - some good, others not so much. You find what you find.

BTW "Inland Andy" is a vendor who has LOTS of parts for vintage Airstreams. They do a great job of really having the right thing - not something you have to modify six times and "fit" with a sledge hammer. He did give you VERY good advice about getting it water tight first. I'll add this advice - read and research a lot. Make lists of tasks to be done and figure out which come first, which are absolute necessities and which are nice to have.

Big issues - gaskets around windows, door, vents shot, leaky seams, frame rusted through, floor soft and punky, axle shot, electrical systems, fuses and your inverter, plumbing and water pump, and propane lines and appliances. Old refrigerators can live almost forever both on electricity and propane, old ovens and burners ditto IF they were kept CLEAN (boiled over then left alone for 10 years equals RUST!), old furnaces and water heaters scare the poo out of me... they aren't as heavy duty as home models, if they are used it's only a matter of time before they get metal fatigue, leaks or cracks. I fulltime and plan to replace my water heater at 5 years regardless of how it looks. Those are two appliances which will kill you and/or burn your trailer to the ground. Restoring them to maintain historical accuracy - uh... it's a trailer, not the White House! Air Conditioners seem to cough and die at about 10 years, though many last longer.

You're lucky to be in Ohio - Lots of members there. If you check the "rally" section of this site, you'll find lots of opportunities to meet other Airstreamers and those who have been through what you're doing will be delighted to sit around and tell you their experiences - especially the "if I knew then what I know now" stories that will really save you time and money. (Hell their stories convinced me to buy new!). There is also the WBCCI Wally Byam Caravan Club International - which depending on the unit - may introduce you to a lot of people who will help you learn about your stream.

Welcome to the shiny side!

Paula

Thanks Paula. I think I found my biggest problem with the floor. The elements seem to have come in via the refrigerator vent, along with a squirrel. It was not very happy to have me removing his refrig! Everything else seems tight. What are your thoughts of just going with an electric fridge only? Lots cheaper and the LP scares me.

Dave

[funkill]

You won't believe how much info you'll find on this site. However, some of it is rightly hard to find. I now use google search function exclusively to do my searching since I can't find a better way on the forum directly. The format I use is to type the topic followed by a space and then "site:www.airforums.com"

For example, want some info on the furnace, search as:
tradewind furnace site:www.airforums.com

It's saved me sooooooo much time. I've seen some folks offer copies of their owners manuals - or sometimes they'll post portions that are of particular interest.

Also, I use the airforums search for photos... go to gallery and then whatever --- I love searching on curtains or flooring in that part!

This is a cool community - welcome and post some pics of your new find!

laura

[Sixty3TW4US]

Originally Posted by WcfdPiper

What are your thoughts of just going with an electric fridge only? Lots cheaper and the LP scares me.

Dave

If you camp where there are no hookups, an electric only fridge is useless. Propane when hooked up correct is just fine. Alert detectors are a must.
Also congrats on the 60 TW

[WcfdPiper]

Originally Posted by funkill

You won't believe how much info you'll find on this site. However, some of it is rightly hard to find. I now use google search function exclusively to do my searching since I can't find a better way on the forum directly. The format I use is to type the topic followed by a space and then "site:www.airforums.com"

For example, want some info on the furnace, search as:
tradewind furnace site:www.airforums.com

It's saved me sooooooo much time. I've seen some folks offer copies of their owners manuals - or sometimes they'll post portions that are of particular interest.

Also, I use the airforums search for photos... go to gallery and then whatever --- I love searching on curtains or flooring in that part!

This is a cool community - welcome and post some pics of your new find!

laura

Thanks. I'll try that. I appreciate the help.

Dave

[WcfdPiper]

Originally Posted by Sixty3TW4US

If you camp where there are no hookups, an electric only fridge is useless. Propane when hooked up correct is just fine. Alert detectors are a must.
Also congrats on the 60 TW

I was wondering how long the fridge lasts on a tank of LP? There is a huge price difference and I have the original LP system. I think I'm going to have to replace at least the regulators and some of the lines. I need to test the system to see about leaks. I'm still learning about these things.

Dave

[loudruff]

We are glad you found the spot. You will be too. This is a great spot to chat with others that know ASs so well.
We are still working on ours and this is a resource that is very valuable.
We have a thread on this forums about where some of us are gathering during the weekends for rallies and mini-rallies and just plain ol' camping. A few join in and we have lots of fun helping each other, showing off what we have done, and just sitting around the ol' campfire. Here is the thread that atobols started for us for this current '09 year. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f290...g-50587-3.html
A few of us are gathering at Findley SP this weekend. SW of the Cleveland area. And if you read backwards and forwards you will find some other dates around Ohio where other forums members will be camping. Look for one near you and come visit!
Where is Fairfield?
Lou and Larry
La Grange, OH

[Journalist]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

I fulltime and plan to replace my water heater at 5 years regardless of how it looks.

Every five years when you pull your perfectly good water heater out, can I have it? Mine turned 40 this year, so it could probably use an update.

[WcfdPiper]

Fairfield is about 15 to 20 minutes North of Cincinnati. It is just south of Hamilton. Nice neighborhoods. I can't make this weekends rally, but I'm working hard to get this monster of a project ready to do some trips this summer! The wife isn't big on camping. I'm hoping she'll give this a chance!

Any advise is always appreciated!
Thanks,
Dave

[Journalist]

Originally Posted by WcfdPiper

Fairfield is about 15 to 20 minutes North of Cincinnati. It is just south of Hamilton. Nice neighborhoods. I can't make this weekends rally, but I'm working hard to get this monster of a project ready to do some trips this summer! The wife isn't big on camping. I'm hoping she'll give this a chance!

Any advise is always appreciated!
Thanks,
Dave

My wife wasn't either, but to my surprise, she fell in love with our Trade Wind. I made sure to involve her in chosing colors and patterns while getting the trailer back to useable condition. I wanted her to feel like she contributed to the project as much as possible. These days, she's quick to correct me when I make the mistake of calling it "my Airstream." That one will get me a sharp "OUR Airstream" accompanied by a look that could scare a 300 pound NFL lineman. She even bargain shops for things that she thinks we might need for it and is the first to point out other Airstreams on the highway.

[dmac]

Fridge uses very little gas and works great. I would not want an electric only, too limiting in where you camp!

[WcfdPiper]

Thanks for the advise. The wife does enjoy a decorating job! I hope that will do it.

[loudruff]

Bring your Sweetie to a little Ohio rally. You don't have to have the trailer along to come for a visit, or to join in the potluck that we usually have going on a Sat. night. Having the fun of sitting around the campfire and taking a tour of all of the other Airstreams for ideas may help to convince her that camping in an Airstream is NOT like camping in a tent. All of us ladies have a good time and we love showing our Airstreams off.
Lou
SW of Cleveland by about 30 mi. or so

[WcfdPiper]

We are tied up with my son's baseball until the middle of June. Are there any other Ohio rallies later in the summer / fall? I really like to check out what a fixed up and functional airstream actually looks like and maybe even get the boss (wife) to see how comfortable the "outdoors" can be.

[DanB]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forums! I have family in Liberty Township. That has got to be by you?

Next time I visit them, I'll give you a call. Always fun to swap stories!

My advice to you: (take it or leave it )

Step 1: Make it safe. Running lights mostly work, no propane leaks (or turn off the tanks), hitch works, new chains, running gear works, BRAKES WORK.

Step 2: Get rid of anything really nasty or disgusting in the trailer.

Step 3: Go Camp

Step 4: Go Camp

Step 5: Go Camp

Step 6: Improve the living conditions. Got power yet? Fire up the Refrigerator. Gaucho work? Hows the flooring? Tear it out and throw in a $50 remnant from lowes. (instant gratification)

Step 7: Go Camp

Step 8: Go Camp

Step 9: OK, so you have learned a little about your trailer. Now start "working on it". Get it watertight. Start testing systems. Mess around some. Take your time and enjoy the "hobby" (sickness).

My point? You bought a airstream. Go use it. So what if it leaks now. It probably has for the last few decades. I didn't have a working toilet in mine for two years. I still don't have hot water. so what. It's still leaps better than my tent!

I look forward to seeing you at a rally. They are great fun with great people. Metro-Detroit Rally is great for kids. You might set that as a "goal". 3 1/2 hours north on 75.