New owner!

[Zoomie]

Greetings to all. I am the proud owner of a 1970 Tradewind 25 which I accepted as payment for a job. The interior is VG, cushions, covers, drapes, and woodwork all original, but it will need a few things done to make it more user friendly. The AC, furnace, water heater and refrigerator will need to be replaced. And it needs some minor body work.

I look forward to your advice.

Aaron

[cameront120]

Welcome to the forums. Are you certain that the appliances you mention need replacing? Read through the various sub-forums to help you determine this for sure. All of my appliances work perfectly and they are all original, except for the water heater. I replaced the water heater only because I wanted one that ran on both propane and electric and had an electric start because I did not want to deal with going outside to light it.

[centennialman]

Welcome Aaron!! Tradewinds are wonderful Airstreams....I love the floorplans.

There are tons of threads here that will help you out. Take your time and do one project at a time.....we are all here to help....ask questions.

[Zoomie]

Cameron, this Airstream was parked in a barn outside Gettysburg for 6 years, but this is what I know:

I know the AC needs replacement. The coil leaks and it currently has no cowl, just a soft vinyl weather cover. I'm looking at the Coleman 13500 with heat. I have a man coming to look at the fridge, but have been told that service and a new door seal will be very pricey and it only works on 12VDC/120AC and I'd like one that goes three ways. The furnace and water heater have not been used in 6 years and as I can see, both vents are totally clogged with wasp nests. If I have to tear it all out to clean it I'd rather be safe than sorry and replace them.

Since I can't lay up fiberglass on my sailboat this winter (refitting a Cal25 for cruising) it's a good time to toy with something else. This will do nicely!

[Zoomie]

I uploaded some photos so you all can see the work I have ahead of me.

[Alumin8]

Zoomie (Aaron),

I am very familiar with this model. My first Airstream was the exact model but 1971. Your's looks to be in good shape from the limited views in the photos. There are some obvious scratches on the outside panels (so what) and the axles look to be shot. It is pretty easy to tell by looking at the arms. If they are close to parallel or angles up, they are shot and chould be replaced. It's an easy job - I did this myself with hand tools and a floor jack in about two hours. Best thing I ever did.

The interior looks complete which if very good. Gauchos, curtains, counters, bathroom, wardrobe and upper cabinets, etc. First things first, are the floors solid. Easy to tell in the traffic areas but check everywhere. I tolerated small areas under cabinets but made sure the box was tight and dry. Nest, I made sure the electrical was right on shore and bettery power - 110v and 12v. I had a lot of rewiring to do. Then move on to the appliance one by one that included the propane lines. I frig is a big deal but it does not bode well that there is a small electric in the pictures. Don't immediately disgard before checking well. Ask questions on how to do that. The plumbing can be checked by hooking to water and checking for leaks. Just because the air-conditioner does not have a cover doesn't mean it doesn't work. A cover is easy to make and I would not convert to a combined unit. I would use the suburban heater that is original or replace if needed and consider a catalytic heater.

Congratulations, you own an Airstream.

The good thing is there is nothing that cannot be replace fabricated or replaced to bring these vintage units to top condition. I hope you get struck with the fever and take photos to excite the rest of us. If I was closer, I would love to work on that model again. It was a pleasure. I took mine cross country with my family twice with many other short trips before selling to a retired couple who planned to travel six months at a time.

[94Tri]

Aaron, Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new project. It could become an addiction if you are not careful.

[Zoomie]

Thanks to everyone.

Joe, I had the bearings checked and repacked and the axles inspected before I took it out of Gettysburg, all is fine. The electrical system was checked and the main board rebuilt just before I got it. Someone plugged 110 into the 12V and fried it so my friend Rob had it all repaired. The AC is definitely done, though I have considered a new AC unit without heat. And as a plumber, I can promise you that the gas and plumbing is 100%. The small electric refrig was thrown into the deal since the OEM is shot. What I need most of all is a couple of cabinet hinges and a whole set of plastic cabinet latches. Thanks so much for the advice.

[Alumin8]

Sounds like you are well on the way to owning an excellent trailer. Isn't it great! YOu can search the forums on where to buy the needed appliances cheapest. I recentlyreplaced my frig and got it somewhere in Michigan. They were much less expensive and delivered to a local warehouse and you pick it up or directly toyour home for about $110 more. If I come across the place, I'll post it here.

How is the tambour and of course, the frame?

[jerrypeterma]

sounds like you have a nice project ahead
the forum will be a great help
good luck and welcomr

[azfiredog300]

Hey Zoomie, I have the 71 model also and am very pleased with it. Make sure you offer up to the forum members anything you think you will get rid of, you may be surprised at how many people would love the stuff you throw away. Also, if I am not mistaken your model does have the recall furnace so it would be good to just toss it. Good luck and have fun, let us know what you need and I am sure you will find it.

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by Zoomie

I know the AC needs replacement. The coil leaks and it currently has no cowl, just a soft vinyl weather cover. I'm looking at the Coleman 13500 with heat.

When it comes to the AC, your going to want to make sure that the drain line works. That is the little black tube that runs down the side of the trailer , inside the wall. This tube keeps condensation from running down the outside of the trailer.

If you get the Coleman 13500 there will not be an easy way to use the drain line. You will need a Dometic Brisk Air or a Dometic Penguin AC. Most RV dealerships, local to you, will carry either these two AC units or can order them. They most likely will not carry the kits that will allow you to use the drain line that is already inside the wall of your unit. Below are two links to the kits for the two types of units, and what they will look like when istalled.

Click here to see the Dometic Brisk Air kit

Click here to see the Dometic Penguin kit

Dan

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by Zoomie

I uploaded some photos so you all can see the work I have ahead of me.

From looking at your pictures I see something that you need to get before you start hauling it up and down the road.

Click here to see the Rock Guard

The reason I suggest this is to protect those small wing windows.
These windows are very pricy, and hard to replace. Many times they don't fit as well as the original did. Your windows look good, and are double pane. Replacement windows will not be double pane.

Here is a link to one of those windows


Dan

[Zoomie]

Thanks for the AC tips, Dan. As to the windows, the wings are actually single-pane tempered by Corning, but the main windshield is 1/4" Lexan with a slight smoke tint and a LOT of scratches. I'll replace this with another piece of Lexan but I'll still follow your advice and get a rockguard for it.

Lexan is great, it keeps 12 foot breaking swells from stoving in the sides of my boat, it will surely keep most flying road debris out of my AS.