Prices, '77 Int'l 31'

[jperryfly]

I'm new, but looking for an Airstream and I found one in a small town. It's 31' which is longer than I thought I wanted but sounds like a good deal. It is in good original condition I would say. Only the refrig has been replaced and it was replaced with a 115V only unit. The uphostery is ok but very old. The plastic parts are yellowed and the overhead skylight covers are coming apart. The exterior is in pretty good shape but of course needs polishing. Needs tires. He's asking $6,500 any opinions?

[InsideOut]

You may want to check out this Price vs Condition Guide for some help in determining a fair price.

Shari

[art]

I have a77 also Id say if you like it buy it ,However be careful you dont have any big expenses Right away like axcels or rear end sag.You can get more information on this stuff on these forums .Welcome aboard Art

[gregg]

That sounds a little high for that condition-might indicate lazy or indifferent previous owner. Check on Ebay for comps. Sounds like you're going to add $3000 to get this one into shape. Florida used to have lots of A/S-don't rush it'll be worth the wait.
Somewhere in this forum there are people listed who will check out an A/S if you find one near their home. You can't beat that 'cause we know what to look at.
Welcome to the Community.

[Navigator]

For that kind of $$$$ I would expect that the floor be perfect w/o a hint of rot. Also everything works, and the exterior be near perfect.
IMHO
Dick

[Bob H]

Since they are closing "Port O Call" in Melbourne there are several trailers available about that vintage. Most are in better than average condition inside. Almost all need to be polished. They were owned by experienced Airstreamers who just got too old to tow and decided to "park " them. Age of owners kept them for maintaining the exterior and the Florida sun did the rest. Sizes range from 27' to 34'. Most are 30- 31. A lot of them are the original owners and have the owners manuals.
Between now and the end of April will be the Airstream buy of a life time. All will need tires.
Not in sales, this is just for your information, Have Fun

[jperryfly]

Bob, Do you have any info on this place. how to get in touch etc? Does some one handle sale? I'm about 2 hours from Melbourne and I remember a A/S park right out side the airport. John Ph 888 772 7122

[Bob H]

Jperryfly; They do not have an offical sales office, they are just being sold by they owners. Most, but not all are presently in use. They have to clear them off the site by the end of April or find a way to get them in storage.
There is a Young Lady with a web page that is sort of "helping". Check at www.usedairstreams.com Most have a small for sale sign in the window and there is also a list posted on the bulletin board in the rech hall. What I'm trying to say I guess is you would have to come down and wing it. Even tho they have to do something, most want to finish their season so they are in no rush to bail out and head home.
There is a Hilton Hotel and a Suburban Lodge right across the street. Address is 1300 Airport Blvd almost in down town Melbourne. Park is Port O Call built by the airstreamers, on rented property that the town and the Airport want back.

[Rog0525]

I am no expert or claim to be, but the price you pay might hinge on if you will be using the trailer for yourself or reselling it. My daughter bought a 76 31' Sovereign locally for 2k about a year ago (in pretty good condition). She afterwards discovered that a proper tow vehicle would set her back more than she could afford and sold the Sov easily for twice what she paid for it.
My experience has been that the best market for vintage AS's is in Florida due to estate sales and such.
Sometimes you might get lucky by just driving through the many RV parks there and keeping your eyes open.. I personally would not pay $6.5k for a '77 Sov unless it was indeed in "excellent condition" and
did not suffer the dreaded "tail droop" common to the longer 70's trailers.
I would suggest a thorough market sweep including all of the many online Airsteam classifieds, but if the one you are looking at just simply bowls you over and you have the right tow vehicle, it might be a good price. Allow a couple grand at least for needed or wanted repairs/improvements. and ask yourself if this is the Airstream you really want to own or might you have done better to search for one more the size/condition you are after.
They are all good but some moreso than others.

Rog

[jperryfly]

Thanks for the replies. I will not be buying the '77. Just too much work. I found some other possibilities in Melbourne and will probably drive up there tomorrow.

[art]

How did you make out in Melbourne .Im going to daytona and thought I might drop by and check it out .

[jperryfly]

I found an '88 25ft for 11,900 asking. Too high I thought. A 31' 1983 was $8,000. It looked like the axles were a little weak. It was clean but still too high. I would like a 25' to 29'. You can call Jerry Powers at 321.727.3146. He knows which ones are for sale, pretty much. But he really didn't understand about the axle thing. He gets a small fee to help sell trailers. John

[art]

did you see many trailers for sale or just a couple ? Im not going to drive 90 miles to look at one or two overpriced rigs .Thanks for your help .Art

[jperryfly]

Art, Not that many for sale in my price bracket. There was a beautiful late model 31' Classic for $27,500 if you have deep pockets. Call Jerry.