I have a chance to buy a 58 Pacer..for around $2500. Has nice skin some minor repair work on the exterior. Interior has been gutted. What do you guys think? Is it worth it? This will be my first attempt at restoring a trailer.
With the exception of the skin around the step in this picture, the rest of the exterior looks good and if the rest is as good as you say, then it is a great candidate for refurbishment. Is the interior completely gutted and this is just a shell and frame on wheels? These smaller trailers are in high demand because of the smaller tow vehicles that can be used and can be parked in tight spots including most driveways. As for the price, I'd need to see more pictures to make that determination. Are the windows intact and all working? How's the floor, strong and stable? AC work? Does the frame have any serious rust? What kind of axle and how is the suspension? Lots of questions to have answered before making a determination.
It has been about eight months since i've seen it in person. I'm heading over tommorow to give it a real good once over. The interior sub floor has been replaced. Not sure of the quality of that application. The toilet is intact and all interior components are there ..just not in place. Frame/ axel is the big question. I'm a bit scared on that regard. Just from a work standpoint...I'd like to do all the rehab myself. The tear below the door is pretty ugly. But should be fixable. I've been looking for a AS for a while...lot f junk out there. This little on just speaks to me.
Best of luck and certainly offer less by pointing out the step area and any other areas of concern. Is it tow ready? That would also be a concern. Ask the seller about the history of the trailer while he's had it plus any history he may know previously. If it's from a wet climate, check the frame and belly skin.
I would agree that it is repairable that's just a belly pan tear. We've seen more than one Airstream up for sale where a PO completely took off the belly pan, stopped the restoration, then put it up for sale. There's nothing left to work from in that case!
You should expect to do an axle replacement on anything 30 or more years old -- or would do so within a few years, so why not now when facing a major renovation. 1958 -- for sure! The frame condition becomes the remaining large question.
Re-using the current frame will demand that you keep any interior restoration about as lightweight as the original -- good thing you'd have the original cabinets to work from. Good luck!
Take a ton of pictures inside and underneath and post them. How long has it been sitting? In my view the hardest thing to do is exterior panel replacement and that's been done by many on the forum so it's not un-do-able. Otherwise the rest is pretty much like building a very small house. I realize it's not that simple but it's also not that difficult either. With patience, a realistic budget, and sweat equity you could have a beautiful trailer. It is in the size range that many are looking for. Keep us posted.
Thanks for all the feedback. I have rehabed several homes in the past...so the interior work doesnt worry me..too much But your right ...the frame is the real question. And I have not worked with steel in the past. Any tips on what constitutes a go/no go. (frame wise) Surface rust isnt an issue ( I assume) but what about spotty corrosion/rotting? Is it possible to do all the frame rehab w/ out completely separating the trailer from the fram. Thanks again.
Here are two different web resources from vintageairstream.com. They actually have photos of 2 different '58 Pacers. Countless hours for no pay will be needed -- but these are irreplaceable Airstreams! 58Pacer Price vs. Condition - Airstream Values
I restored a 58 Pacer last year. It was the low cost Airstream in 58. It had a leaf spring axle that was in great shape. Even the original brakes that worked very well. So check this one out, it may still be OK. The leaf springs don't necessarily wear or age like the early Henschen axles (started in 62) do. Frame wise I had to redo the tongue and add a cross frame member to replace the one that was right under the rear trunk door. This was done with the plywood floor removed. I replaced all the floor and fixed the frame w/o doing a shell off. Pixs at :
I have a chance to buy a 58 Pacer..for around $2500. Has nice skin some minor repair work on the exterior. Interior has been gutted. What do you guys think? Is it worth it? This will be my first attempt at restoring a trailer.
Congrats on your find! I would say "go for it". You can always turn around and resell it if you end up thinking you bit off more than you could chew, so to speak.
That is just as cute as a button....That would be hard to pass on. Good luck with your decision and may the Aluminum Gods be shining down upon you at inspection!
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But your right ...the frame is the real question. And I have not worked with steel in the past. Any tips on what constitutes a go/no go. (frame wise) Surface rust isnt an issue ( I assume) but what about spotty corrosion/rotting? Is it possible to do all the frame rehab w/ out completely separating the trailer from the fram. Thanks again.
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