Dandy,
Welcome to the club. I have owned two "vintage" units and have not been impressed with various "design/engineering" aspects. Airstream has a (unearned in my opinion) reputation as a high quality manufacturer; in reality they are mearly an expensive towable status symbol. Unfortunately, in the world of RVing there does not seem to be a really good alternative. (I have no experience with large and very expensive MotorHomes, at 500k plus you would hope things would be better.)
I have discovered that owning an Airstream is a good excuse to acquire repair skills and new tools. And vintage units offer a lower cost entry point - with the inevitable dents being much less painful. The newer "computer controlled" models really scare me - I have enough frustration in that department with the one sitting on my desk.
Anyway, my 1975 Trade Wind had the water pump mounted on/near the heat duct to the front. I replaced it with a Shur Flo (mounted according to factory instructions with suggested parts) - MUCH quieterer.
Enjoy the journey and have fun.
Whit Nash
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