1964 trade wind axles

[Hockeyisfun]

Hey everyone I am new to this group and new to airstream ownership. I recently purchased an airstream that has been sitting since 1996 at least and it definitely needs some love. My question is on the axle, I don't think it is original to the trailer. It is a torsion axle with electric brakes and has CUT leaf springs hanging off. Also it looks like maybe a custom weld job to get the shock to sit vertically? Is this an upgrade someone did in the past? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[markdoane]

I think those are original. It was not long after the switch from leaf springs to torsion axles and I think they used vertical shocks for awhile as they were figuring it out.
The cut leaf spring is just a drag to keep the wheel off the pavement in case of a flat tire, these were used on single axle trailers.

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
X2
Original axle...
I waited 2 Seasons before replacing on our 63 Safari...big mistake, replace the axle ASAP. It will come with new brakes.

The 3 nuts you see on the back of the drum hold the plate for the magnet that operate the system...you will have a very hard time finding parts for that style.

Alert...from the photo it appears you may be jacking on the axle tube...DON'T!!!

Use the mount flange.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Action]

A 64 model would have vertical mounted shocks as standard. Horizontal mounted shocks were not stock till a few years later.

The "cut leaf spring" is stock as well. Or at least typical for the time period. Tires were not as good as they are now. In the event of a tire failure that "cut leaf spring" prevents the body of the trailer from contacting the ground.

>>>>Action

[Hockeyisfun]

Thanks for the info everyone. I do plan on changing out the axle before I use it....kinda. I would like to tow it home after replacing tires. It would be a 30 mile tow. I have tried to locate a flat low trailer to tow it on but everybody said cars, trucks and SUVs only. The tradewind is about 3200lbs with some stuff removed from inside. I doubt see what the difference is and nobody has been able to tell me why yet. The problem with towing it myself is I'm not sure that I can get the electric brakes working properly. Anybody have any experience towing without breaks?

[Action]

Not recommended to tow without brakes and I have done it. The bigger the tow vehicle the better. Because it is the tow vehicles brakes that are going to stop the tow vehicle and the trailer.

For 30 miles and good tires just keep the speed down. If you have to pull over to let traffic pass do so. Just go slow.

Make sure you have working lights.

Not sure I mentioned it slow down as speed kills.

>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Hockeyisfun]

I figured I could rent the biggest truck I can(1 ton ford or something) and tow it at 3 a.m. nice and slow.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I also had to tow our '63 Home without brakes.
(With a Jeep Grand Wagoneer.)
Luckily it was only 25mi with little traffic and no freeway.

Take it easy, lighten it up and you should do fine.

Bob
🇺🇸

[bobstock]

My 1960 Tradewind was sitting for almost 30 years. I installed new tires and connected the wiring for the trailer brakes and they worked. It might be worth it to give it a go.You might be lucky also.

[Hockeyisfun]

I am going to give it a shot before I tow it. I just wanted to know that if they do not work I have an option. I will be bringing my break controller and temporary running/brake lights. I will update on how it goes. I am still waiting for the previous owner to move an old truck out of the way before I can bring her home. Getting pretty excited (I like the restoration stuff).

[Trowbridge]

We have a 64 Sovereign. It doesn't matter what is under your 64 Tradewinds. The axles definitely need to be replaced after 56 years...rolling or not. The rubber is like steel now.

[bibbs]

I towed my globetrotter from Hollywood to SanDiego with no breaks, in traffic no problem just be careful.

[TouringDan]

Congratulations on your 64 Tradewind and welcome to Airforums.

You have the right attitude. Tow slowly, be careful and you will be fine.

I recommend contacting Colin Hyde for ordering new axles. He has the experience to make sure you get the correct axle and shock absorbers. I ordered new axles from him and installed them. My project thread is Dan’s 66 Tradewind Improvements.

Dan

[Trons4u]

I towed my 1959 Tradewind from Challis, ID which is about normally about 3hrs but took about 4hrs from where I live with a 2005 Chevy Avalanche and it was no problem.
It had the old hydraulic brake system, that didn't work and even had the split rims and inner tube tires. Of course I inspected it real well before I took it on the road.
Like others said, take it slow, give plenty of room for stopping and you'll be fine.

[Hockeyisfun]

Well we got her home with no brakes. She towed awesome! We are gonna call her Blanche because the old girl gets around! Haha! Super excited to start bringing her back to life. It gonna be a ton of work but I am looking forward to it. I will be relying on the group to help guide me through and from what I have seen and read on here it should be a fun process. She definitely needs a lot but I paid $500 for her and couldn't be more proud to own her. The family should be enjoying her by the summer........of 202? Who knows we'll see.

[bobstock]

Congrats on the Airstream purchase. Happy you got home OK. You will have fun bringing her back to life.

[Action]

You mean $520 cost. Twenty bucks for the tow.

Looks like the rear window is missing and rain cloud are in the back ground.

The construction of these is such that the wooden floor is part of the support structure of the trailer. Keeping the wood dry and rot free is a an important goal. Close any known holes that could cause leaks. Plug any discovered holes permanently or temporarily to keep water out of the inside. If using a sealant, make sure it is compatible to the metal and is a permanent nature. Using a generic caulk may mean doing this again in 12 months. The metal expands and contracts a lot throughout the year. I think ´64 had clear coating which just increases the fun.

Action

[Hockeyisfun]

You are right I did rent the truck cause of there being no working brakes on her and let me tell you it was more than 20$(they do a great job of sneaking the price up). There are several missing windows that have been missing for the 25 years it sat in the PO back yard. I put wood over windows for a temporary solution. I plan on doing a shell off redtoration otherwise my internal thoughts will torment and mock me forever. I did end up buying some wheels and tires for it to replace the original split rims costing me $50. So I guess I am in to her for more than the $500 but well worth it and we are really excited to get started.

[bobstock]

Shell off will be a HUGE but worthwhile job. My 1960 has 7 end panels and I have found the seams on these panels need to be sealed now and then. If not.... water will be leaking in and rot the floor AGAIN. PITA