Buying a 1972 Overlander for $2,500 Is that a good price?

[BabyStreamer]

I am looking at a 1972 Overlander in fairly good shape for $2500.00 My hubby and I are new to Airstreams having had two motorhomes and several TT's. Is this a good price? We are good fixer uppers and my hubby is very good handy man. Always looking for our next project. Is this a good deal? Or am I getting myself into trouble?

[qqq]

Welcome to the Forum!

It's a very good price ! go for it!

Hart

[59toaster]

Very good price if it's in good shape and all the appliances work and has no floor problems. Take a screw driver or ice pick and check for soft spots in the floor at the walls. That's where they tend ot rot. Near the Bath and any access hatches is where they seem to rot the worst.

I would also do a search on "axle" and find the posts on how to tell if the axle is worn out.

Welcome to the Forums.

[BabyStreamer]

I know the tires are dry rotted. I need to take it home 100 miles. How expensive are tires? I was planning on buying tires before I hauled it home.

[BabyStreamer]

Thanks for the advice. I will see it today and check the floors. I will also check the posts about the axles.

[overlander64]

Greetings BabyStreamer!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

The price on your Overlander was a very good deal unless you uncover something major. I gave nearly twice that for my '64 Overlander in 1995 beacause I couldn't resist its floorplan and it was in so much better condition than the other 30 that I had examined. To get an idea of the typical prices for Vintage Airstreams, you might want to examine the document at:

Price VS Condition for Vintage Airstreams

The Good Year Marathons that I run on my '64 Overlander ran just under $90.00 each with mounting and balancing (225 75 R15 ST - Load Range D). I am on my second set as I replace my tires at five year intervals, and have been very well pleased with both sets - - when traveling, I check the pressure at the beginning of each day and run the maximum p.s.i. listed on the sidewall.

You might want to consider repacking the wheel bearings before travel as well. Especially if the coach has sat for any length of time, or if the date of the last repack is unknown - - it would serve as a rather inexpensive insurance policy.

If you haven't already discovered through surfing this Forum, another issue you will want to be prepared for is rewiring the Bargman connector on the trailer. If your trailer happens to be like both of mine were when I acquired them, the Bargman connector will not be wired to the current industry standard and as such will likely be incompatible with the connector on your tow vehicle. When I picked up my '78 Minuet, I was sure to carry a Bargman trailer end that matched my tow vehicle and was prepared for the inevitable rewire. You can find the wiring color code used by Airstream when your coach was built at:

1966-1981 Airstream Bargman Plug Wiring Information

The wiring information for the Bargman style connectors installed on most modern tow vehicles can be found at:

Modern Bargman Plug Wiring Information

Good luck with your Overlander!

Kevin

[Alex]

Sounds like a great deal!!! We just purchased a 72 Ambassodor for $3500.00 and it was in great shape. It needed a new carpet , drapes and a few other interior breakage. Ours had been sitting for a while and we only had to tow it about 200 miles. Before you buy, look underneath carefully for any recent cover up for holes, water leaks, etc. Plug it in to an electrical outlet and run the A/C, the frig and heater. Also, run the propane system. Drain the holding tanks if possible and check out the water pump. Dont forget to check the flooring. Look behind the front couch and underneath the beds. The condition of the wood under the carpet will give you an idea if water has creeped in.
Ours still had the original tires!!! If you will be towing for a long distance, I would buy new tires. Once you get home, then repack the wheel bearings, check out the brake systemt. Brakes are not a big issue as you tow it home, unless you have a small tow vehicle and you will be traveling down grades. Happy shopping.

[biggerbadbrad]

Love that name BabyStreamer. Welcome to the forum.

bbb

[BabyStreamer]

Thank you all for your advice. I will definately take a good look at this AS. Your tips have helped alot. Thanks!