'74 Argosy price check

[TrvlnRN]

The freshwater tank is under the sofa across from the stove.

There are curtains! Apparently the owner didn't think they were a big selling point. (She'd only had it a month and didn't realize what she had!)

[Denda]

AMEN! We have a 72 22ft. Argosy. We have more than $21,000 in it. That sounds like a good price to me.

[Denda]

Brad H - Looks familiar! It has the same color scheme that our 72 Argosy had before we did a little updating.

[mandolindave]

Originally Posted by cameront120

You sound pretty invested in this Argosy. Are you the seller? When I see whitewash, laminate flooring and a bar fridge, I'm going to be skeptical of the amount of work actually done. Show me pictures of the restoration and I'll reconsider.

Nope, I'm not the seller, but I stand by all of my comments. And I was right about the original poster. He wanted a nice camper, NOW, and didn't want to spend years on a " project " He did get a better price. I do hope the seller didn't take too much of a beating.

White wash ??? Don't think so. Bar ( dorm ) fridge? No, not for everyone, or purists.

My point was, and is….For a buyer to get a steal…a seller needs to get robbed. How much do you have into yours? What would you sell it for? Got pictures?

[paddle whisp]

I've restored a number of Airstreams, including a '78 Argosy Minuet 6.7 (22') we finished last fall.
How much a restoration costs depends on what you do... From complete gut job... all new everything... To little or nothing.. I.E. Lipstick on a Pig.
My "Opal" (Argosy) is the cutest little Airstream you'll ever see, very unique with quality renovations and custom work. Plus I started with her spending 6 weeks at a commercial body shop, being sanded, primed and painter with top quality auto paint by professionals.
I bought the Airstream for $5000. And spent an additional $20,000.++ on new parts and labor. It took a crew, working M-F, 5 months to totally finish her..
I do have a LOT of photos of the restoration , so ask to see them. Then do the math. $30.000. would be a steel on mine.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me.
You could end up with a "one of a kind" top quality camper.

[TrvlnRN]

Originally Posted by Denda

Brad H - Looks familiar! It has the same color scheme that our 72 Argosy had before we did a little updating.

Mine is a '74 and she's from Arkansas. You have good taste! They did a good job.

[TrvlnRN]

To clarify a few things:
1) I'm a "she" 😉
2) The seller and I settled on a fair price. Yes, the pictures look lovely, but there's a lot that they don't show, such as missing cabinet handles, missing keys, worn window gaskets, damaged vent covers, ect. Based on these factors alone, it was not worth asking price comparative to what was available in my market.

3) I also explained to her that there were currently older Airstreams in comparable size and condition in the area for less money and they are considered to have a higher resale value.

Based on those points, or maybe my keen negotiation skills, she took my offer of $18,500. BTW, she's the second owner. She's only had it a month from the original owners in Arkansas who performed the renovations. The renovations are nice, but upon close inspection, it's obvious that they fall somewhere between "lipstick on a pig" and high dollar custom renovation. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and can handle these little projects on my own.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by TrvlnRN

The renovations are nice, but upon close inspection, it's obvious that they fall somewhere between "lipstick on a pig" and high dollar custom renovation. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and can handle these little projects on my own.

Most renovations are of the middle-of-the-road type. The renovator usually starts with good intentions, then as things move along, and get more expensive, they are forced to lower the bar as far as what they are doing in order to complete the job for less than the cost of a new Italian sports car. As long as the floor, frame, and body are in good shape, you can fix the rest to your liking.
You did get a significant discount from the asking price, and you can use those savings to help finish getting the trailer ready to go.

[BentMetal]

I would expect a shell off restoration for that price. You can get a pristine vintage trailer for that price... think completely shiny totally restored Airstream. All the bells and whistles. Yes, I have done tons of work on my own Argosy, and I'm still not finished Best of luck to you.

[crunch27]

I paid $4,000 Cdn ($3,000 US) for my '77 Argosy 24', 3 years ago and it was in great shape. Everything worked. First thing I did was replace the tires ($1,200) and then the next year the frig didn't work, but I just replace the coils in the back for $800. I repainted the whole trailer (2 tone) last year for $4,000. I might replace the carpet this year, but other than that, it is an almost new trailer for $10,000 Cdn. So $20,000 is way too much.

[TrvlnRN]

Originally Posted by crunch27

I paid $4,000 Cdn ($3,000 US) for my '77 Argosy 24', 3 years ago and it was in great shape. Everything worked. First thing I did was replace the tires ($1,200) and then the next year the frig didn't work, but I just replace the coils in the back for $800. I repainted the whole trailer (2 tone) last year for $4,000. I might replace the carpet this year, but other than that, it is an almost new trailer for $10,000 Cdn. So $20,000 is way too much.

So you paid $14,000 (not including labor) for things that this camper (other than a power wash) doesn't need. I've been very happy with my purchase and have only made minor cosmetic repairs.

[1973Argosy]

We bought our 73 24' 15 years ago for 2000.00 and all of the original systems were in working order other than the water heater, it needed tires and a paint job. We replaced the water heater, painted ourselves and had the cheapest set of bias plys put on that we could find. The more we camped the more we fell in love with our Argosy. As a system failed we have replaced/upgraded it. When we made up to 5000.00 invested we decided it was time to restore the interior to match the exterior and mechanicals. Currently we estimate that we have around 10,000 invested and we did all of the labor ourselves.

With all of that stated, times would have to be real hard for me take 21,000 for it.

[1973Argosy]

A couple of more

[Ky76Argosy]

First I am a newbie, and would not post here except the berating is unnecessary and intimidating so I want to remind all there are nice ways to respond with constructive info and avoid measuring contests.

But when reviewing I noted low 70s Argosy cost at $3000-$4000; needing $7k-$10k thrown at issues. So, regardless if going back to original question $18,500 was in ballpark. And if enjoying for the season, then great times.

But what do we expect when buying a 40 year old vintage trailer. Expect nothing to work. And be thankful for what does.

Main thing is roadworthiness. So certain systems allow peace of mind and add premium, so I paid $5000 but got included new gas double regulator and two new steel 20# tanks, new wheel bearings, new marathon tires, new electric brakes, new electric hookups with emergency safety brake and all running and brake lights working, rolled perfect over 200 miles to new home.

So now in process of getting 76 into hopefully comparable shape as all your favorites.

Yes, mine needs paint of course, and yes as all older project trailers need attention to window seals and gaskets and roof vents. But she is an all original 1 owner with original owner manuals for everything.

All exterior panels and roof undamaged. All window with good glass and screens. All tambour doors roll nicely, vinyl wallpaper detaching but walls all solid. RM76D Domestic Refrigerator was complete, clean and works as wanted on 4 setting from shoreline power, and clean, will bench test on gas but expect to work too. Furnace clean and expect good. Coleman a/c works, Magic Chief 4 burner stove with glass front oven ok fine but need rear chrome trim replaced, and found yesterday. Galley original Avocado green was intact, stainless sink perfect with original covers in place. Even original cabinet tub.

So, you get the picture. And no I am not a contractor or real handy, for that matter, so many posters do overwhelm to the point of petrifying me with indecision. But I do have patience, believe there is no stupid question, unless it went unasked, and I respect old things wishing care and attention had been more painstakingly made to keep shining and like new.

Now the my valuation ugly - water heater is trash but that was expected, and floor has rot spot. Yes, carpet original green shag is pulled finding rot at front door along interior wall to sink floor. Pulled front gaucho to find front floor panel had dry rot. I have since got inspected by respected vintage guy, who opines worth renovating and for economical money considering my purpose. Says bathroom floor feels remarkably good but as learned is customary to expect rot or water damage probably under tub, but will work in that direction in future.


My vintage expert guy will replace now needed floor areas for $1000 but expect another $500 too but hope not; so will get fixed nicely by this professional. Axles inspected good but may need attention in future if tire wear unusual. But old tires had normal wear.

NEW pleated curtains with new track hangers, and front and rear gaucho new upholstery costing $1800; nice but not overdone. New Formica countertop $400; new sink and bathroom faucets $200; new water heater $600 with gas/electric; running new pix waterline $200. I'm still pondering sealing floor and type covering but carpet or vinyl add another $500.

So my lip stick on vintage original pig (wife calls the "white whale" adds another $5k. "Whale" has Carefree patio awning with roll out hardware/arms and rear and street side window awnings. I got new vinyl patio awning fabric and all new window awnings installed. Hefty price $2000. But it will really add to looks, comfort, maybe value.

Did I mention this was my newest project? All ready 3 weeks in and over 50 hours of thinking and doing. does that make this a hobby or labor of love at some point?

Yes still will caulk and seal, chase any possible leak and hopefully enjoy and experience the boondocking life to see what torments to fix and then paint next year. Yes, I know may be putting cart in front of horse, on some things, but got to recognize difference between needs and wants, and go smell the roses.

So, back to the question of value, yes, as a newbie wanna be, your purchase was great. Beauty is in eye of the beholder, and sometimes having is better than wanting. Go enjoy, live the experience. Like my other projects 85 Sea Ray 210 Cuddy, 99 911 or 62 Fordson tractor, vintage, old, all original they are always projects, always got something to work on, but that is why we have them, makes them yours, and so to all be satisfied, be happy and love life.