Help ID and more

[nesvt]

I am new here. My wife and I just purchased our first Airstream. Hope to pick it up in a week.... a NEW 2008 Safari Sport 22.

For the last decade or so, I have seen this Airstream sitting a grassy field. Once in a while, the field is mowed. I was driving by today and noticed the grass had just been cut. Only had my cell phone with me and took a few pictures. I was wondering if anyone could identify the trailer from these microscopic out of focus images. I believe it belongs to an elderly couple, at least that is who I have seen near the house that is adjacent to the field. Very tempted to knock on the door and see it they would like to sell. I haven't even accepted delivery on my first AS, but I think the idea of a restoration in the backyard could be a nice long rewarding project.

[DanielB]

Pull over, get out of the car and walk down there and get some good pictures. No teasing!

[Max Well]

You will never know if you don't ask! Go for it! Good luck.

[richinny]

since you know exactly where it is, you might try using google maps for on overhead view.

[nesvt]

Originally Posted by richinny

since you know exactly where it is, you might try using google maps for on overhead view.

Excellent idea! Unfortunately the resolution isn't high enough. However, it did show me two things. It's much bigger than I thought (comparing it to houses and trees in the area). Second, there is a path worn in the grass to the trailer. Maybe they use it where it sits. I plan to check it out any way. Will try to get real pictures.

[nesvt]

Got some great pics. Late for a noon appointment. Will post some tonight. Think it's something like 1976 Sovereign Land Yacht International.

[CanoeStream]

I see all the movies where they use their amazing tech people to take a fuzzy pic and focus it into a 10 megapixel gem -- why can't AIR do this?

Jumping into this thin pool of water ... I'm not sure it's long enough to fit in the 4 curbside Sovereign windows. My 2¢ are on a late 70s Ambassador.

Getting close would tell more... just sayin'. I'd be very careful with frame & floor inspection if they've let the grass chronically grow up around it.

[nesvt]

So it turned out I had the wrong house. Once I found the correct one, I met this incredibly friendly lady that told me the story about her and her husband's Airstream. They used it quite a bit, but now it sits out back and is used as a camp. Don't think it's getting much use. She said they never even thought about selling it, but now she's thinking. Going to talk to her again soon.

I took a few pictures. They actually have a water and electric hookup all the way out in the field. There was some grass around it, especially in the front. However, they cleared the area under it (mulch or gardener's cloth) to keep the weeds/grass away. She said the only thing she knew that was wrong with it was the door. Hinge problems. They have it held closed with a bungee cord.

It's been used. It has some scrapes. Check out the dent on top rear curb side. Peeked through the windows. Didn't look too bad inside. The underside in the rear looked okay. Lots of specks of surface rust on the frame, but they were all 2mm spots of rust. Couldn't check the front or much of anything else. Was running late and wanted to get some quick pictures of the outside.

I blurred some of the id number to protect the owners. If I'm reading it right, "I31A6-S*". So that's International, 31 foot, center bath, twin bed, 1976, made in Santa Fe Springs or Cerritos.

I have a ton of questions, but I'll try the "search" feature first. Would like to hear opinions. Thanks!

Norm

[Alumaholic]

What would you like to know?
I will check to be sure, but I believe Airstream (Beatrice Foods at the time) produced more 1976 Sovereign 31's than any other Airstream before or since.
There are still a bunch out there.
Not a highly sought after Airstream, but roomy and easy towing.

[DanielB]

Love those big old Airstreams.

[nesvt]

I'm curious what these sell for in this condition. Okay, "this condition" probably can't be determined from the photos. You can see some large dents. The clear coat is rough. Assuming there isn't any major damage and the interior is in fair condition, what's a rough price/value on this thing? Ya never know. I left my contact information and may get a call. Of course, I'd have to spend some time checking everything out.

[Alumaholic]

This is certainly no prize.
Been sitting in a field so you likely have mouse infestation.
Count on moisture penetration and the twin apocalypses, frame separation and rotten floors; almost givens for the rear bath Airstreams of the period.
Strangely, the axles appear to be holding up.

My wife is standing at my shoulder saying, "Run away, Norm. Run away."
I'm saying, "Go for it."

It's worth about $4,400 as it sits.

It wlll take a minimum of $8,000 to have something worth towing around.
Let's see what the others say.

[nesvt]

My wife is using language that involves all of the characters over the number keys.
It just looked like there might be an opportunity here. They're not using it. Don't plan to. It's just sitting there. We'll see.

I appreciate the replies and information. Thank you.

[nesvt]

...and Alumaholic, that's a great looking Airstream you have there!