Advice on a first Airstream?

[indefatigabl]

I need some purchasing advice from you sage Overlander owners!

I have been staring longingly at this 58 Overlander on vintage campers.

I keep thinking I should email the guy and make him an offer (He has it listed at $2,500), but I'm a bit scared that I might be getting WAY over my head for a first Airstream.

Here's a little background info on myself. I'm a 26 year old graphic designer graduate student pursuing an MFA in interactive design. I have always wanted to get and renovate an Airstream, and then full-time in it (parked mostly, depending on what life throws my way). Recently, I developed this grandiose plan for my thesis – to actually renovate one, then make a series of books and interactive websites documenting the process of renovation and the experiences of being an airstreamer.

So, this brings me to my problem with the 58 overlander. It has some problems, like a soft floor, needing to be replumbed, probable issues with the electrical system....My largest concern is the condition of the frame as there's rust through on the bumper and quite a bit of rust on the hitch.

I do have some assets as far as help is concerned: My grandfather builds all sorts of boats and is an engineer. My mom's boyfriend is in metal fabrication. But myself, I only have some woodworking experience, though I'll use any tool (well) with glee. Part of me thinks I should get something newer and just change the interior to better suit my tastes. The other part of me thinks that is horribly boring and not nearly as rewarding.

Any advice, thoughts or dire warnings are appreciated!

Nicole