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Forrest · 01-04-2008, 08:39 AM

Sad, but true. See the video of them being buried along I-4 at the following link: MyFox Tampa Bay | RVs half buried

InsideOut · 01-04-2008, 08:51 AM

Kinda like Stonehenge or Carhenge...

Shari

fotochop · 01-04-2008, 09:06 AM

dang! I was JUST THERE and missed this! (first trip to disney, will soon post pix of the "I Are Smart" airstream in AK) but I can't believe they are burying a little single axle Bambi or Caravel vintage (or close) unit! I would have gladly towed it home for free. what's up with that??? OK, a 30 foot behemoth I can understand, but an under-20-footer buried! Frank, that's sacrelige. OK, maybe the frame was toast or it was wrecked but I just know there's some way-talented metal gurus here who could bring it back to life. Is Airstream Exhumation a crime in Florida??

oh well, it's still a fairly awesome piece of Sculpture Americana and a good reason to head back to disney asap...

btw/ many sightings on the I-75/ I-10 route heading to Can Opener. rock on, one and all...
\

**azflycaster** · 01-04-2008, 09:07 AM

I was thinking more like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX.

I also have visions of someone in the middle of the night with a head lamp and a cordless drill getting that segment or window they have been looking for.

Royce · 01-04-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

Sad, but true. See the video of them being buried along I-4 at the following link: MyFox Tampa Bay | RVs half buried

That's just wrong!

Restore, or part out and turn into beer cans first. OK to plant Caddys but don't plant Airstream or '57' Buick.

InsideOut · 01-04-2008, 09:13 AM

For posterity sake...

pun intended!

Forrest · 01-04-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I also have visions of someone in the middle of the night with a head lamp and a cordless drill getting that segment or window they have been looking for.

Oh yes, something along the line of Raiders of the Lost Airstream.

at_wanderer · 01-04-2008, 09:56 AM

I could be wrong and will have to head that way to verify. It looks like those are the two 31's I had looked at on a couple of occasions. The interiors were shot, but the body panels were straight before they were stuck in the sand.

The Bates guys had them on the lot for at least two years and had quoted around $7000 the first time I asked and a year later the price was $11,000.
The trailers sat on the lot for another year until this. On ebay they could've brought $4,000 to $6,000 is my guess.

Brent

Forrest · 01-04-2008, 10:11 AM

A couple of clips from raw video.

safari57 · 01-04-2008, 11:22 AM

They are getting significant free advertising out of this venture. I doubt they have much invested in those trailers they are using. It's sad, but at least they aren't being crushed so at some point resurrection could be possible I guess.

I agree with Royce on the '57 Buick thing but think it should be all things '57. I'd just hate to see '57 Pontiac wagons sticking out of the ground. I'd be forced to call Richard for advice on what night light and tools he uses on his early morning excursions

. And here we thought he was taking the dogs for a middle of the night piddle.....

You know, I just couldn't spend my money with a dealer who did that. I'd feel like I was supporting this.

Barry

overlander63 · 01-04-2008, 11:22 AM

We currently live near there, I'll try to snap a few photos.

**azflycaster** · 01-04-2008, 11:27 AM

I like the LED type that clip to the brim of a cap.

You get hands free operation and they are very bright. Just ask the folks that were at Picacho...

safari57 · 01-04-2008, 12:08 PM

Thanks Richard. These work great for reading at night according to my wife, although when she looks up to talk to someone they are blinded for a moment. Uh, nice cap there

. Does it have sides? Whoa, the last time I saw one of those the old gal who was wearing it was having trouble with the wheels on her walker and we stopped to help her out.........

Terry, if you do get more shots, some close ups of that single axle unit and maybe it's data tag would be of interest to many of us. Just so we can increase the angst of everyone who wants one for their collection.....

Barry

**Stefrobrts** · 01-04-2008, 12:11 PM

That is just NOT cool

Hensley Ron · 01-04-2008, 12:14 PM

These are the same guys that use a singing cow for their TV commercials. I love it. By the way, it isn't free publicity. That crane and backhoe didn't come cheap!

flyfisher · 01-04-2008, 12:48 PM

They just use them to lure unsuspecting potential customers into their lurid dealership. Something referred to as the classic "bates and switch".

Fyrzowt · 01-04-2008, 12:54 PM

With the angle that those long ones are planted at, I can imagine one or more of those things toppling over in a good rain and wind storm.

rickandsandi · 01-04-2008, 01:15 PM

IMPO this stunt is unworthy of an Airstream Dealer. We are all working so hard to promote and preserve this great American Icon and to see a dealer treating old AS's in this fashion is criminal. I am so happy that I don't live in the area. You would never see Colonial Airstream do something so destructive to an Airstream! This could really backfire on Mr. Bates.

urbanfood · 01-04-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I was thinking more like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX.

that's exactly what their concept is, whether they know it or not. i have been to cadillac ranch twice and it is cool. you can paint the cars, write notes them, etc. u2 amongst others have shot videos there. one reason that cadillac ranch works so well is that it is in a big wide open field, makes for a cool landscape.

i have to say i kind of like the idea of this, HOWEVER, i don't know if it's being executed in the right way. it needs the right location. also, they could've used trailers that were truly at the end of their life, hard to tell if that's the case.