My Father sold our '67 24' TradeWind this time last year. My Grandfather purchased it new here in Mesa, and it lived 33 years in Sedona. Always garaged, unless it was being used. A very fine example that a very happy gentleman from CA purchased for a premium price.
None-the-less, there are some snigling issues with Airstream coaches of that era. First is aluminum AC wiring. If yours has it, place close attention to your outlets and breaker box connections.
Rear baths, while not as bad as the '72~'80's, would be advised to not run around with full black tanks. This depends on overall length, but I'd take the extra carefull approach and limit the weight bouncing in the back.
Univolts were exceptional converters/chargers in their day, but once they go belly up, can toast batteries. Spend the extra $$ and get a good replacement.
Clearcoat loss, and oxidation removal, is best lest to the pro's. Don't get fooled that a little Mother's Mag polish is going to get that bullet back in top shape. There is an outfit out of OK named Airmark if I remember correctly. They used, or still do, polish American Airlines aircraft, and have perfected aluminum polishing and clearcoating. Seek them out if you want your coach to look better than new.
TREAT THE GLASS LIKE GOLD!!! There is no replacement for the original Corning curved windows, unless you are lucky enough to find NOS or excellent used. Make sure before departing that every window is snuggly cranked down. If the hinge mechanism is questionable repair before use!! Vista dome fogging? Tough fix.
Limit replacement of original equipment and cabinets. Collectors want the unmolested units. And believe me, the number of collectors are growing!
Rumor has it that the insulation under the floor of late 60's Airstreams were closed cell foam. While it does an excellent job, it does out-gas a known carcenogen formaldihide (sp?) I *think*. May be total BS, but we had heard that from more than one source. I can still smell that distictive odor upon entering the old girl after sitting closed for some time. It would not stop me from owning and using, but it may be a consideration. Seeing as how I was born in '67, and spent many a memorable hour in there without known effect to date... it is probably no big deal. Check back in another 30 years! ;-)
I only had four opportunities to tow her with my Ram. But with only a utility hitch (load leveling hitch was wrong size/height) no sway control, I could barely tell it was behind. It was literally glued to every move you'd make. 75 to 85 was absolutly effortless, brakes amazing. Nothing but grins as I'd blow by glue'd-n-screwed 5vr's up serious grades in here in AZ. There is a reason that these TT always been envied.
While the '99 28' Excella replacement is nice, it is not the same as the old TradeWind. Dry weight has swelled from ~3650 to over 7k. The price one pays for Corian, miles of fabric and solid oak cabinets I suppose. My Dad and I picked it up from a dealer 15 miles from the factory in OH. Took a tour of the factory. Scary! Don't know how those poor *******s can put together a quality product in such an outdate facility.
I knew the second we left the lot with this one! The Cummins performed well, but it was like night and day. Drove right into within 10 miles of a tornado in IL the first day back to AZ. Heavy hail. Saved the Airstream's skin by stopping under an underpass. You folks that live in that part of the country can keep it! I'd rather bake in the sun than deal with that sh*t!!! Sketchy stuff!!
Airsteam has taken a big hit from all the Boomers moving to cheaper and albiet easier to tow 5vrs. While you may get more bang for the buck with lesser trailers, the values plummet quickly. Think about it, what would you pay for a 1966 Dutchman (if they made them then) ?? Same will hold true in the future. Airstream is an American icon that will endure, and Thor should realize that.
Sorry for the long post, but hope this info helps. The links listed above are your best source. Get involved with the vintage club. And enjoy your coach wherever you take it. You'll be amazed at the responses you'll get wherever you stop!
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'99 4x4 • SB • QC • 3. 54 • LSD • AT • Leather • Mag-Hytech • Westach Guages • Line-X • Tommy Gate