Thinking of Purchasing this 1959 Tradewind

[jpskier90]

So I looked at an airstream yesterday, and I'm not sure about the underbelly & frame. I took some pictures, can I get your $0.02 on the condition? I don't want to get in over my head with a complete restoration at this time.

I'm looking for something I can camp in now, the interior's dated and in need of some TLC but everything seems to be solid and working. I don't mind doing a partial restoration down the road, especially considering I'd like to go from the double twin beds to a single full-size.

Owner's asking price is $9500, but they're willing to come down.

[65CV]

The underbelly and frame look much better than mine did when I bought it. To really get opinions on what it is worth, you need to post a lot more pictures.

Typically trailers found in the Southwest are in much better shape than elsewhere in the country. What will determine your cost of restoration more than anything else is the quality of the plywood beneath your side walls --where it attaches to the frame.

Want a link to a lot of well done restorations? Click here.

[Monza]

Tough to say with those pictures. 1959 is old and you know there'll be work.
Picture one is odd? Holes punched down/ drilled from the top, to drain water I guess.
Picture 3 is weird - is that silicone hiding a piece of rotten frame?

Pics of interior? How's the interior floor look exspecially above the holes in pic one?

If it all works, it's usable, your handy and know there will be things to fix... low ball them and get camping!

[HiHoAgRV]

Photo 1...I bet there is a coresponding hole in the floor that is the size of a shotgun discharge.

[Swillv8]

I think the caulk might be to hold the belly pan up as it is tore kinda a goofy fix but works without extra metal and screws that would require a trip to the store more likely than having a tube of silicone.

[Monza]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Photo 1...I bet there is a coresponding hole in the floor that is the size of a shotgun discharge.

Lol

[Ken J]

Hard to tell from pics - belly pan not a big deal - it's the frame you want to be concerned about and really can't tell till either you drop the pan and/or floor - maybe take a screw driver head and tap along frame to see / feel if you can find any bad rust - surface rust is ok - through rust is not


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[jpskier90]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the input. I think you're right, might've been an accidental discharge inside at some time

The owner called me up today, said she had 2 offers since I looked at it from professional renovators. Must be something to this one! I decided to pass, I don't want too much of a project and I sure don't want to get into a bidding war with some pros. Thanks for the info!

[TouringDan]

Passing is fine. However you don't know what the pros are offering. It costs you nothing to make an offer that you are comfortable with.

Getting a good frame is important but not as important as a good shell and complete windows.

Look at lots of them and go after the best one that you can afford with the best layout that you want.

Good luck, Dan