Jet Set Judy

Back to Camping

If you’ve read some of our history, you know that we’ve wanted (well, Nicole has wanted) an Airstream for a long time. We had been busy for a few years with babies and building a house, so both trailer restoration and camping activities had been on hold for a while. But with the kids getting a little older, we got the itch to take some camping trips again and started looking for a family camper. Plus, the great North American solar eclipse was coming up, and we didn’t have a camper… after having sold the last of our personal Shasta collection.

The Find

Now seemed like the time to get that vintage Airstream we’d always wanted. In our search for a vintage model without an extravagant price tag, we found a 1967 International Trade Wind in Wisconsin. This one was particularly interesting because 1967 was one of only three years that Airstream built its campers with curved Corning windows. The sleek look was pretty cool and its age still preceded the years when they used fake wood on the interiors.

So, we set off on a road trip to a little town outside Green Bay. We got there and paid the asking price (to our later regret,) but it was a learning experience for future trailer purchases. We finally had our gleaming road toaster!

Whole Lot of Work Ahead

Most of the original cabinetry had been removed and replaced with some junk from the seventies and except for the awesome aqua bathroom, much of the floor plan had been modified. So next we set about doing a complete gut job on the interior. Our initial plan was that we would build a new set of cabinetry from scratch.

Restoration needs for the interior were pretty comprehensive, including new tanks, water heater and plumbing, rewiring, bathroom refurbish, frame and floor repair, and a new coat of paint - and that’s just a partial list. All that was before we had even started to think about planning the new cabinetry.

As luck would have it, we connected with a local couple who also owned a mid-60s Airstream (actually, they owned two). They had just purchased a replacement for their first after it had been crushed by a tree in a storm. After salvaging much of the original components, the couple generously offered the cabinetry to us. They were worn, but original and real wood!

The Concept and an Ironic Find

Next we started thinking about a design theme for the interior. When I first stepped inside it, the shape of the ceiling and the overhead compartments reminded me of the inside of an airplane. Since the 60s were a time of great excitement about jet airplanes and travel, we decided our trailer would become “Jet Set Judy.”

Then, not long after we had settled on our interior design concept, John came across the strangest thing as he was taking apart the components of the kitchen. There, under the cabinets was a Pan Am bootie… the ones Pan American Airlines used to provide as a freebie to its guests.

What are the chances?!?

In progress shots

Next you’ll find a few shots of the restoration process. Since most of the cabinetry had to be removed, we did a complete “gut job” on the interior. This also helped us to do a number of things, like ensuring the floor was sound, installing a new waste tank, re-wiring, painting, and prepping the floor for the new linoleum.

Our First Trip

After an initial restoration to get the Airstream in camping condition, we were finally able to take it out and enjoy it. There was only a temporary bed set up in the front at that point, but we were so excited to take our first Airstream on a trip. We headed to Nebraska to experience the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Even before she was polished, the camper would get a lot of attention and appreciation. We couldn’t believe it; Judy had fans at every gas station stop between Minnesota and Nebraska!

Back Home

After returning home, we continued the restoration process. Many projects were chosen as we got to know the camper, and decided certain things were needed to improve its functionality. Projects included all new counters and telescoping table, new appliances like the refrigerator and cooktop, and a new water heater with interior electric switch for those cold camping mornings when you don’t want to go outside to start the hot water for your shower! We even customized a kitchen cabinet to include a slide-out drawers for pots and pans, and a bin compartment for garbage and aluminum can recycling.

Exterior Work

Aside from the window restoration that had happened early on, the exterior restoration was one of the last projects to be completed. The camper got new chrome hub cabs, new paint on the frame and trim, and a complete polish on the aluminum since the old clear-coat had started peeling off long ago.

This was a grueling task, and the whole family got involved - even Nicole’s dad and our two youngest sons.

Before and After

The restoration of Jet Set Judy has been a long process, but worthwhile because she’s like a new camper now. Not only is she ready for camping, but her interior now matches the sleek modern exterior. Take a peek at the before and after gallery to see how far she’s come.

We converted it back to the original bed layout, with a gaucho couch that turns into a double bed. The new linoleum brightens the floor, and original cabinetry was incorporated back into the layout. We also designed a custom vinyl wrap for the bathroom door that had become faded and dented over time.

Aside from the overhead compartments, the bathroom was one of the only things that previous owners had left untouched. Many Airstream renovations completely change the bathroom to contemporary designs, but we just loved how groovy this bathroom was. It had a retro vibe with the all-aqua color scheme, so we strove to leave it as original as possible.

Though, it did need some freshening up. The vanity had become very yellowed and brittle overtime, so we painted the good parts, and replaced the counter with some fresh new laminate. We added a new sink, faucet, toilet, shower hose, cabinet latches, and window trim, but design-wise, the bathroom looks much like it did back in the day.

A previous owner had converted the front gaucho couch to a booth, which we liked, but it wasn’t furniture-quality, so we decided to rebuild the booth with real walnut. Aluminum trim, mini-blinds, and light fixtures echo the modern look of the camper’s exterior. New upholstery also modernizes the interior yet keeps a cool mid-century vibe. The look is topped off with a new coat of white paint on the original textured vinyl walls for a fresh look.

The Airstream was somewhat shiny before the restoration, but the before and after comparison on the exterior is still striking.

For a full set of after pictures, please check out the sale page on “Jet Set Judy”. She’s currently available for purchase!