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NCjoker · 08-10-2022, 06:54 PM

Hello all! I have acquired what I believe is a 1959 Tradewind. It is in horrific shape. I live in the mountains of NC. It is very humid, and a harsh environment for man-made objects.
I plan on this project being many years before I finish. The camper was owned by my uncle who pased away 11 years ago. It hasnt moved in more than 30 years.
Long story short, is there a complete restoration section for the forums? I saw both interior and exterior, but I do not want to litter either section with something that is out of place.
But thanks for having me. I will be doing all the work by myself, or with my 13 year old son as he grows. I am sure I will ask many questions as time goes by.
I am the property manager of a campground, so if anyone has questions about canpground related things, I may be of help.

Bubba L · 08-10-2022, 07:09 PM

Welcome to the Airstream neighborhood. The 59 Tradewind is a perfect size, not too big and not too small.
If you page down you’ll see “Sitemap”. Click on that and page down to specific year/trailer. Your make/model is in the Tradewind section, years 1959 to 1969. Also go to the Vintage Airstream Photo Archives. This will show some renovated units. Good luck, take your time and enjoy.

Hans627 · 08-10-2022, 07:28 PM

Sound like a whole lot of work and money but I'm glad that you have decided to save the Tradewind.

Best wishes!

dbj216 · 08-10-2022, 07:52 PM

Hello from sunny, dry Colorado: The Rockies are less severe climate wise than your Appalachians. But both are very nice. I to am a Trade Wind fan also. The 24', 25' trailers are a very popular size; not too small and not too big.

My first vintage Airstream was a 66 Trade Wind. It was a fun first project, not not as involved as yours is going to be. But you can renovate your vintage Airstream into a comfortable, reliable and unique travel trailer. Here is a couple photos of mine. I sold it and bought another project trailer which I have since finished. Now I need to find something to do.

There is a fellow participant from Illinois who has started his renovation of his 1959 Trade Wind. His user name is Tradewind59. Find his project thread in the KnowledgeBase found at the bottom of the Forums page. Then click on Tradewind, and then 1959. He has removed the body and is building a new frame for his trailer. It is what we call a "full monte" project. The whole works.

You might like to start a project thread also. You can document all that you do to your trailer as well as get lots of support and answers to question.

David

NCjoker · 08-10-2022, 08:04 PM

For reference this was 5 years ago when I first asked about it to my family.

dbj216 · 08-11-2022, 07:43 PM

It appears this trailer will need everything. A big project, but very doable. I didn't see any body damage from the two photos you posted. Getting it home will be interesting. You can read about other's "recovery" missions. The key is to take it slow and easy on low speed back roads.

The serial number tag would indicate it is a Jackson Center, Ohio, trailer, not a California trailer. Nothing wrong with that. Jackson is now the sole builder of Airstream trailers.

David

1959TW · 09-28-2022, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCjoker

Hello all! I have acquired what I believe is a 1959 Tradewind. It is in horrific shape. I live in the mountains of NC. It is very humid, and a harsh environment for man-made objects.
I plan on this project being many years before I finish. The camper was owned by my uncle who pased away 11 years ago. It hasnt moved in more than 30 years.
Long story short, is there a complete restoration section for the forums? I saw both interior and exterior, but I do not want to litter either section with something that is out of place.
But thanks for having me. I will be doing all the work by myself, or with my 13 year old son as he grows. I am sure I will ask many questions as time goes by.
I am the property manager of a campground, so if anyone has questions about canpground related things, I may be of help.

I'm glad you asked where to post a restoration thread since I had the same question! We've got the Tradewind that came off the line just 8 after yours (#068) in Ohio! Ours might be in worse shape than yours since the body damage on our back side wasn't visible when we purchased. That's so cool that yours has been in your family for so long! My husband will be doing all the work on rebuilding ours and I'm excited to get the interior designed and help with those finishing details. Hoping to have it done as fast as possible but that may still be a couple of years or longer. We're in Texas though so our work will likely go through the winter and then take a pause in the summer when the heat gets unbearable. Looking forward to following your restoration!

Oh, also, in case you haven't added yours to the list, look for the "Early Tradewind Registry" of 1959-60 Tradewinds.

Jcondon · 09-28-2022, 09:01 AM

You both are better off over on Facebook at Airstream Restoration. This group on here is more about paper towel holders than hot dipped galvanized frames. You will find what you are looking for on the other side.

dbj216 · 09-28-2022, 07:32 PM

Hello Jcondon: I couldn't disagree with you more. I've been a member here since June 2009. I've "blogged" four renovations on this site. I have found followers knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and fun. Every aspect of a renovation can be found here; from specifying a new axle or replacing an aluminum body segment. I have never discussed paper towel holders.

Some folks like Facebook, but I'm not one of them. To each his own.

Respectively,

David

Hittenstiehl · 09-28-2022, 08:39 PM

JC I'm surprised also as you seem to be quite active here lately and shared your beautiful interior work.

This is a great site for ALL aspects of Airstream new and old. Although there is likely good information on other site also we encourage and welcome everyone.

Maybe it was tongue and cheek or sarcasm and didn't translate well.

Saluda372 · 09-28-2022, 08:56 PM

Good luck, neat unit.

Jcondon · 09-28-2022, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

JC I'm surprised also as you seem to be quite active here lately and shared your beautiful interior work.

This is a great site for ALL aspects of Airstream new and old. Although there is likely good information on other site also we encourage and welcome everyone.

Maybe it was tongue and cheek or sarcasm and didn't translate well.

I was active on this site a few years ago but I was driven out by the two guys in the balcony that respond to everything with skepticism. I thought I would try again but it is the same. I have lots of techniques to share but I tire of justifying everything I post. It is exactly the same as it was a few years ago.

Hittenstiehl · 09-28-2022, 09:55 PM

Sorry your having that experience (again) but it is a site full of people, so hence, people problems.

I thought you were being received quite well especially in the electrical thread and the aluminum cabinets.

It takes some tough public forum skin, reading between the lines and a fair amount of ignoring certain posters. But having said that there is SO much more positive than negative here.

I keep trying to get enlightened in the e vehicle threads only to have them repeatedly dissolve into constant fish measuring and then getting shut down because the boys can't play nice in the same sandbox with different type of vehicles.