Small Airstream Wanted: Will Travel (updated)

Slik · 05-23-2004, 08:58 AM

Hello,

I am seeking an older (1950-1980), smaller Airstream (19' or less) with functional appliances and a good floor. I'm willing to do some cleaning and updating if necessary. I am in Montana and able to travel to WY, WA, ID, ND, OR, UT, Sask, Alta, or BC; my dad is in Michigan and able to travel to IN, OH, IL, IA, SD, WI, and MN. We'd consider driving even farther or paying for transport.

I am a wildlife biologist and have worked on 30 different conservation projects in the last 10 years around the world. I'm growing a bit tired of the places I'm given to live (mobile homes with snakes, the back of my truck, moldy camper trailers with packrats and hantavirus carrying mice, etc) and would like to find something for me to live in while studying wolverines in Glacier Park this summer. My grandparents were club members back in the day (60's and 70's), and if I can find a nice one (or fix and polish one up), I'd like to get his old number. I'd give an Airstream a great home. I've been known to make $7 a day tracking moose, and worse, but would consider all offers.

I have a Toyota Tacoma V6 for towing, with a max weight load of 5000#.

If you have or hear of one, please contact me directly at yodelinswede (at) yahoo.com

Thank you!

Marci

maxandgeorgia · 05-23-2004, 01:30 PM

Marci, have you tried the other Airstream sites, including the Vintage Airstream Club site? They usually have sections that feature Airstreams for sale. Also, have you been checking RVTrader.com for used Airstreams or Argosy Trailers? Your work sounds incredible to most of us locked into buildings-type jobs. I cannot imagine a more marvelous summer than yours, in Glacier, and coming home evenings to your new small Airstream! I know there are some out there if you start combing the web. Also, keep reading this Forum. I hope you are receiving some emails or personal messages telling you of some that are available. Small trailers do crop up, but they are so desirable they are snapped up quickly. Best wishes for a snug new home in your beautiful environment! I'm sitting here trying to imagine seeing a wolverine in its wild habitat. . .wow.w.w..! You might tell us more about your work because it certainly sounds interesting and different from what most of us spend our days doing.

Slik · 05-23-2004, 06:07 PM

Dear maxandgeorgia,

Thank you for the tips. I have indeed been checking out all the airstream classifieds online, as well as general RV selling sites, eBay, and newspaper classifieds (local and far away). I'm trying my best to be patient in finding the right one and have some flexibility to travel a ways in the next week or two, but while it's snowing still here in Glacier and I have lots of work to do with our data, life in the back of my truck is losing its charm. I know it'd be much easier to buy another old trailer or rent an apartment outside the Park. I also know what I'm getting myself into by looking for a 40 year old trailer. I'm also aware that I've been known to earn $7 a day tracking moose and even less studying bears, sea turtles, and chamois, and that these smaller ones are becoming collectors' items. Nevertheless, I'm hoping to revive my grandpa's old club number and have something I can enjoy and rely on for many years to come. With this kind of work I can't have a dog or buy a house, but it sure would be nice to have such a home.

As for the wolverines, you can read a bit about the study online at http://www.wolverinefoundation.org/research/glacier.htm
I used to work with bears, wolves, and other popular carnivores, but once you experience how a wolverine lives, travels, and socializes you may find they're your favorite, too. (Don't tell my dad; he's a Michigan State alum... they don't like Wolverines) Little is known about these critters and they don't have much protection in Montana, so we are working hard to better understand them.

It'll be quite a difference this summer if I end up in an apartment in town or if I can park a shiny little Airstream here in the Park. I'll have to give up soon, but hope to have one someday.

Marci

maxandgeorgia · 05-23-2004, 06:20 PM

I was introduced to wolverines by Helen Hoover in her books about life in the North Woods of Minnesota, on the Gunflint Trail--almost unheard of sightings in that region. Since reading that, their wild elusiveness has fascinated me. I'll enjoy your study and reading about your work! Best wishes

Slik · 06-02-2004, 06:44 PM

Thank you to all those who offered advice on my search and to those who told me about their Airstreams for sale. I've since purchased a 1967 Globetrotter and am no longer looking.
Marci

robandzoe · 06-02-2004, 07:03 PM

Marci,

Congrats. Are you getting your Grandfather's number? You will love coming in to it every night from the field. Again, way to go for staying in there. I'm a firm believer that good things come to those who deserve it.

Rob

53flyingcloud · 06-02-2004, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slik

Thank you to all those who offered advice on my search and to those who told me about their Airstreams for sale. I've since purchased a 1967 Globetrotter and am no longer looking.
Marci

Marci~
Congrats`!
I'm glad to hear that things worked out for you.
Enjoyed our conversation, and hearing about the work you're involved in~
Lov to see some pictures of your new unit when you can post em~
Good Luck`!
ciao
53FC aka Vern

frozen chosen · 06-02-2004, 10:43 PM

Slik; So, do you like, work with animals or something? Tracking Moose! WOW!

maxandgeorgia · 06-04-2004, 06:56 PM

Marci, have you had time to reach your destination and settle in? How are things going with your new-to-you Airstream? You got us so interested in your dilemma; now can you tell us how it all worked out? Crossing my fingers for you that all systems work well with the Globetrotter so you can enjoy a place of your own in the middle of all that beautiful natural world!

Slik · 06-08-2004, 09:15 AM

Not only did I get a trip back to San Francisco last weekend, but I am finally able to settle in for the summer. I may have solved my mouse problem yesterday by sealing up some entrances with steel wool, will order replacement latches for windows and cupboards soon, and may have some sunshine today to seal up the vents and windows that have been leaking a little. I need to replace the pin on my door; is this difficult to do? My dad has been speaking with others about fixing the floor, and claims it is not a dangerous structural problem and is actually fairly easy to fix. He's heard it may be from transporting it with a full holding tank and hitting a bump, causing a ridge across the floor in my kitchen. It has sent my stove and the cupboards below it off kilter a little. The owner before last installed Pergo flooring, covering up the problem fairly well by creating a sloping floor instead of a ridge. It's not as though I need climbing equipment to get up and over it to get to the bathroom. It just gives you a slight sensation of being at a "Mystery Spot" tourist trap. We've figured out all the appliances that work and are original, but I can't seem to keep the oven lit. The owner's manual talks of a shut-off knob that may be in the off position, but I can't find it. (Any ideas?) The owner before last had also replaced the cushions and apolstery and they have both kept it clean and in kind climates. It seems to be in better condition than some newer "regular" trailers I had looked at around here, and certainly has the charm. The layout has the two couches up front and a tub in the rear bathroom. The front's arrangement is working great for me as an office, as I'm busy this week entering data. When I get some time I would like to replace the curtains, finish moving in, and take some photos. I'd love to get an awning (pref. green), and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has sewn their own or has an old one for sale. I'm more interested in the ones that are staked out versus the expensive ZipDees. The only other thing I need is a name for the trailer ("Jerv" (pronounced Yerv) is Norwegian for wolverine, and is the frontrunner). I am sending in for my WBCCI membership this week in hopes of getting my grandfather's number back, as Rob has told me it is still available. $2,000 after an ER visit following a reaction to mold in the first trailer I was provided and a chunk of my savings on this GT, I have now been told there is Park housing available. Nevertheless, even though it's more cramped with less storage for my co-worker and project equipment, requires more maintenance, and has a water tank that has to be filled once a week, it's going to be fun to live in and great to have in the future. I'll just keep telling myself that, as I'm sure it'll be true. I know what y'all think...
I suppose now I have to sign my name as...

Marci
1967 Globe Trotter
2000 Toyota Tacoma

By the way, the plaque says "Globe Trotter" but I've seen it written as "Globetrotter". I'd better get it right... any advice?

53flyingcloud · 06-08-2004, 02:43 PM

Marci,
Congrats~
67GT has a "race car" ring to it~!
Good Luck~
ciao
53FC