[overlander64]

Greetings Liz!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by bakerliz

It lacks a furnace (is that normal)?

An International Oil brand furnace that utilized propane was standard on the '64 Overlander. The fact that it is missing would not alarm me greatly as it was one of the first major replacements on my '64 Overlander back in 1995. The new furnaces have the great advantage of automatic ignition which eliminates the need to light the pilot -- one of my hated tasks with the Minuet. The original ductwork likely wasn't removed unless the interior has experienced significant renovations.

Originally Posted by bakerliz

110 works, but 12 v doesn't,

It may be too early to discount the 12-volt system. In the '64 Overlander, there is a 12-volt/shore power switch in the one-stop service compartment as well as the Univolt. Fuses could pose problems as could loose ground or a missing house battery (also found in the one-stop service compartment usually in the area near the bathtub). The original Univolt was the second item replaced on my '64 Overlander in 1995.

Originally Posted by bakerliz

hot water heater may not work,

If it is the original water heater, it may be near or at the end of its useful life. The new water heaters are slightly smaller and may require some modification to the opening, but it is something worth doing to insure a reliable, leak-free water heater -- it would even be possible to add a new water heater with automatic ignition eliminating another of the manual pilot liights. My origianl 1964 water heater quit in 1999 and the new replacement has been far less trouble than the original.

Originally Posted by bakerliz

may need new tires.

New tires on a previously owned coach are a near given. If the age of the tires cannot be proven they should be replaced as a safety insurance policy -- a blown tire can do in excess of $1,000 in damage if the tire disintegrates and beats the side of the body. I would also suggest considering a set of new trailer rated wheels to go with the set of new ST tires -- you can never be quite sure whether the wheels on a vintage coach were actually meant for trailer use or possess a weight carrying ability to support the coach -- the tires and wheels were one of my first replacement items on my coach in 1995 even though I knew the first 20 years of my coach's history -- I didn't know what had befallen it during the 11 years preceeding my purchase as it passed through two owners between the original purchasers and myself.

Originally Posted by bakerliz

Has new a/c, cooktop, roof vents, propane tanks, regulator. New refrigerator, microwave. New wood flooring.

These features are likely plusses so long as they suit you aesthetically.

• So far as the air conditioner is concerned, you will want to verify that it was installed in the factory specified location -- just behind the bulkhead separating the kitchen from the bedroom. The air conditioner on these coaches was not installed in an existing vent opening so the coach should have two square vents as well as one rectangular vent in addition to the air conditioner.
• The original ranges were long-lived, but had something of a reputation for being temperamental particularly when it concerned the oven. I still have my original range, but it has received minimal use over the years.
• The original roof vents are valued by some for their originality, but I have really enjoyed my Fantastic Vents which replaced both original vents in my Overlander.
• Originally, the coach would have likely had aluminum propane tanks -- if the replacements are steel and you want aluminum tanks that can be polished to match the coach -- be prepared as new aluminum tanks are rather costly but very long-lived.
• The new wood flooring would be a step above the original carpeting (IMHO), but the concern would be the condition of the original subfloor. New flooring can disguise rot problems -- something that you will want to check carefully -- the greatest potential locations are near the entry door, refrigerator, and under the jalousie window.
• If the refrigerator is a new RV-type refrigerator, you have a valuable commodity as a replacement RV refrigerator can cost in excess of $1,000 installed. While others might disagree, a new refrigerator offers the potential plus of optional 12-volt operation for travel (the new Dometic that I had installed in my Overlander has the 12-volt operation option).

Originally Posted by bakerliz

Does $5000 sound like a good price? How much of a problem are the issues above?

The problems described can be relatively typical of a new-to-you Vintage coach. My Overlander had most of these issues with fewer major new appliances and I paid about what you indicate in 1995. I may have over-paid, but have had no regrets as the cabinetry in my Overlander was pristine, and it still had its original ceiling upholstery in excellent condition.

I am very partial to '64 Overlanders for a number of reasons. It was the last model year for two of my favorite features -- the door-within-a-door and the jalousie windows beside the entrance. Growing up, my coach was owned by friends of my family and those two features have always been part of the Airstream experience for me.[/quote]

Originally Posted by bakerliz

Also... what would be a good tow vehicle for something this size? We're ideally looking for something that can be one of our everyday vehicles, so the less big/gas guzzling, the better!

This is probably the most difficult question to answer. Typically, a vehicle with good solo fuel efficiency usually is going to be a compromise when towing that returns the same or lower fuel economy than a more powerfult heavier vehicle. I originally towed my Overlander with an '84 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the AMC 360 V8 and 3.90 gearing -- 10 MPG solo or towing but plenty of power when towing. Decided to try to economize with a new 1995 Chevrolet Z71 extended cab pickup with 5.7 liter V8 and 3.73 gearing -- 18 MPG solo with 10 MPG towing -- but the power was so abysmal that I traded it in after the second season, My current primary tow vehicle is a 1999 Suburban that I ordered new with the 7.4 Liter V8 and 4.10 differentials -- 12 MPG solo or towing -- plenty of power towing under all conditions. If you are comfortable with marginal performance in the mountains, a typical half-ton will handle a Vintage Overlander -- but be prepared for lack-luster performance in the Rocky Mountains if my experience is typical.

Good luck with your investigation and decision!

Kevin