Can you ID this Argosy TT?

[Rog0525]

I snagged a good deal on this trailer earlier today thanks to a tip from a fellow forums member. The owner (now previous owner) has no title and does not know the year.
The little tag in front is not very well stamped but the mfg year appears to be 11/70. Can that be right? I thought AS started building Argosy TT's in '72??
I'll have to strip the tongue to find the s/n but maybe someone can ID it by the photos in the meantime? Just curious as to what I bought.
Other pics are posted HERE . One end of the awning was blown onto the roof by a high wind gust but the fabric isn't ripped, so getting it back in place shouldn't be too difficult. The trailer is 45 miles from me and I plan to pick it up tomorrow.

[Happycampers]

Hello Rog,

Looks like a nice trailer. We just bought a 1976 26ft and it looks a lot like yours the only difference is yours has tambour doors and vista windows, the only tambour doors we have are the two over the gaucho. I think yours is a year or two newer. Marvin

[overlander64]

Greetings Rog!

The little tag in front is not very well stamped but the mfg year appears to be 11/70. Can that be right? I thought AS started building Argosy TT's in '72??

I don't have all of my Argosy literature handy as I am spending the weekend starting my move 400 miles South, but do not think that the Argosy pictured is an early model. Most of the early models that I have seen had the two-toning from the central belt molding down rather than from the banana wrap molding down. The appearance of the color as well as badging placement makes me think 1978 - - I don't think that it would be a '79 as the '79 had much wider center belt trim paint stripes that aren't on this coach. Given that paint can be changed very easily, the paint is not entirely definitive. Badging also was similar from year to year, but I really suspect that the coach is either '76-'77-'78. The serial number should clairify this as it should be nine digits - - such as: 26D8V and is followed by a 4 digit production sequence. Based upon early Airstream tradition the 26 refers to the length, the D refers to double bed configuration or double lounge as mine is equipped. The 8 refers to the model year 1978, V represents the Versailles, Ohio assembly plant.

Good luck with your investigation, and congratulations on the acquisition!

Kevin

[thenewkid64]

Rog, Based on the interior door latches and the exterior vent configuration I would say it is a 77.

Beware the White latches in the Bathroom, they are NLA.

[sd90mac]

Ours is a 1972, 20', I am told 1972 is the first year they were made. Enjoy your new acquisition, we have a ball with ours.
Marie

PS: Happy Easter to all forum members.

[Rog0525]

I'll have to find that serial number anyhow to apply for a new title, so that will be my first project.
Today is Easter Sunday, it's snowing and I'm picking the Argosy up this afternoon. Think I'll name her "Snow Bunny".

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Rog0525

I'll have to find that serial number anyhow to apply for a new title, so that will be my first project.
Today is Easter Sunday, it's snowing and I'm picking the Argosy up this afternoon. Think I'll name her "Snow Bunny".

Roger, the 1972-1973 models did not come with the low-mounted clearance lights on the belly pan. If the paint on the outside is original, this means it can be no older than 1974, since the number in the VIN tag is rounde, not squared or pointed, that leave out 1974-1975-1977.
Process of elimination by the clues you have given us leaves it to be 11-76, as in 1977 model, or 1978, as in 1979 model. And I think the trim and paint was different on the 1979, so, 1977 it is. Let us know if we guessed correctly.
Terry

[Rog0525]

After considerable stripping and scraping, the s/n is 26T6V1598.
So now I am the proud owner of a nice 1976 Argosy.
Thanks all.

[Happycampers]

I hope that the weather was not too bad for the trip home. Hope that all went well and you will post some pics.. we have just scrubbed and cleaned ours and found that it needs a few things.. Annie