1960 Airstream Tradewind Page 3

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03 June 2006

Finished scrubbing the exterior today. Years of algae and mold I guess, body is now an aged light gray. Wonder if gun bluing works on aluminum.


Cleaned the floors, paying special attention to look for soft spots, termite frass and water leaks. Found none. Even the tub floor seems solid. Will need 2, maybe 3 window crank replacements and at least one window locking clip(?). There are at least three places where the laminate has lifted from the wood, fell all the way off in one. Also found 4-5 loose rivets inside, I think only 2 are where the inner skin is attached.No water leaks though which is great.

So, what does it look like inside?

livingroom lights
These look to be original lights and shades.  Someone put in high watt bulbs and singed the paper. Original interior paint on right damaged due to door being open when it rained, left side color as it should be.
Curb side.
Above Door
Here you can see where the yellow interior has ben ruined by moisture around the entry.
Curb side.
Wood over Door
Looking to the rear you can see that the laminate has fallen off over the first 'door'. Curb side is left in photo.
Cabs over Stove
When I look at the cabinets over the stove and other wood I think it was never 'varnished'. One of the original Airstream finishes is oil rubbed wood. Photo is a bit dark, inside is yellow.
Street side.
Wood Staining
Here you can see that the wood has changed some from the original color. I don't know if I can bring it back to the original but will try. Is there a way to remove these sliders so I can work easier? Street side.



Front Couch
Looking to the front you can see the couch. Re covering is a must. The saddle is sitting on the cabinet I think the original owners added.
Vent - Inside
On this inside vent you can see some damage to the paint - vents were left open and rain got in. I have to learn more about how the two handles work as there are six in all (3 vents) and I think 3 do not lift the vent top up. As the other places where there is water damage I suspect paint damage as the 'stain' does not wash off.
Cealing Vent Fan
Both of the vent fans still work on 110v and 12v. I need to remove screens and clean better, just how do those handles come off?
Cealing
Looking to the front of the trailer you can see that much of the paint is okay. Damage by the door (on right) is visible. So is the very desirable original ceiling fixture.
We have had several really good rain storms since the Tradewind was moved to its present location. I have gone in and checked and have found no evidence of water leaking when the vents, door and windows are properly closed.

I expect to replace the seals on the vents and door. When I do window work I expect to renew those seals too. Renewing the seals makes sense to me as over time they harden and I want as tight a seal as I can get should I go on the road - or maybe I am just paranoid due to the plethora of insect life we have in Florida - they need to stay outside! LOL



Interior continues on page 4




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