Visit our Popular Forums

Kayjulia · 10-09-2011, 04:24 PM

This is my first time looking at an A/S to buy. I looked at a 73, 31', Sovereign rear twins, mid bath. First glance it didn't look to bad compared to some of the trash I looked at before, but (you knew there was a but didn't you?) there is a big issue, for me. I noticed that on the street side of the rig there was a large piece of aluminum about 6' wide x 6' or more tall going up to the top of the rig held in place by pop rivets. I asked the owner if that was a repair (duh) he said he didn't know about that. Should I walk, run or just have it looked at by a repair shop?
I am in Tucson AZ and would take it to Oasis RV for inspection, I just wonder if it would be worth it. The A/S is for sale at $7900. There are other issues such as a broken water line, pitted and stained stove top, missing tambours on two compartments, The floor around the potty is firm, the rug needs to be trashed the upholstery is in good shape, the owner says the fridge works but it is a 3 way original. That is all I could find in the short time I looked it over.
I did find out on thing .....I want an Airstream

Jim & Susan · 10-09-2011, 04:47 PM

For $7900, that sucker needs to be ready to camp in. Period. All mechanicals need to be 100%. Meaning, no plumbing issues, no gas line issues, no fridge issues, stove, oven, 12v system and 110v system, etc. FWIW, I don't believe Airstream offered a three way option on the fridge in '73, although somebody may correct me on that. Axles need to be in good shape.

Basically, for that price, the only thing you need to do to it is replace carpets, and a few minor broken parts (handles, beds maybe, curtains) that sort of thing, and maybe tires.

I think it would be a good idea to have a pro look at it. Replacing that sheet aluminum could be no big deal. But if it was put back together with pop rivets, who knows what may be behind that sheet (meaning, sounds like a rookie did it).

I'd take a hard look at. Seems overpriced.

My 2 cents.

Jim

idroba · 10-09-2011, 04:49 PM

Too much for a 73, 31' with issues you mention, in my opinion. There are lots of others to look at, take your time and learn by looking. That "patch" sounds very questionable to me, along with the other things you saw.

Splitrock · 10-09-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

too much for a 73, 31' with issues you mention, .

+1

`

Aage · 10-09-2011, 05:30 PM

That "patch" could well be hiding some serious damage. Only one way to know for sure, unless you have X-ray vision...

Alumaholic · 10-09-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

Too much for a 73, 31' with issues you mention, in my opinion. There are lots of others to look at, take your time and learn by looking. That "patch" sounds very questionable to me, along with the other things you saw.

Run away! THere are better ones out there.
Like an '85 Excella for $9000 in Las Vegas NM.

Kayjulia · 10-09-2011, 08:01 PM

Thank you all for the opinions expressed ... I believe you! Later today I was thinking the same thing why buy trouble? My son said why not pay more for better ? It is after all going to your house !
So I think I'll take a pass on this unit and let someone else have an experience with it.