1954 Cruiser price estimate

[hellonewman!]

Hello All...My wife and I have our eyes on a '54 Cruiser with a whale tail. I've attached pics and will give a brief rundown of the trailer condition.
It has one small dent...all of the windows are without screens, are screwed shut and don't have the window cranks or hardware that the cranks attach to. The door hinges aren't stainless steel...the interior has been modified...the door handle is not original...no fridge...no oven...stove not original...door step shuts hard...a/c works...furnace works...roof ok...the camper hasn't been used for almost 3 years. The belly pan looks to need replaced, but I plan on doing a shell off renovation anyway. Not sure of the floor condition as it is covered by carpet, but there are no obvious soft spots where I walked. Any idea of what a fair price would be? I'm aware of the price vs. condition page, but not sure if the prices are still valid as it reflects the market conditions of 2010. We're located in Indiana if that matters at all.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance....Mike

[Melody Ranch]

You have to look at the "other end of the resurrection process. What do you want, how much can you afford and do you have ANY idea of what it will take in time , labor and money to get you there...any idea? This looks like a great beginning to a great resurrection.....Now...go at it and be realistic.

[dbj216]

The body looks pretty good. The interior needs work. The early 50s trailers were built light weight. You can't add much weight to those light weight frames. I see the market values the early 50s Airstreams more highly. Some folks really like the whale tail design.

5k to 8k as it sits wouldn't surprise. It would be a long, laborious process to renovate this trailer with upgraded "bones" (axles, frame) "utilities" (electrical, plumbing, propane, HVAC, waste water). Then comes the restoration or modification of the interior. Don't forget all the hours needed to reseal the body. And all along you are watching the weight unless the frame and axle are modified to handle more weight. That cost could be 20k in materials with you working 1000 hours for free. Now you have an old Airstream that is travel ready.

After all that, then your old Cruiser is worth 20k.

Welcome to Air Forums where all the advice and opinions by unknowing participants are absolutely free of charge! Mine included!

David

PS Melody Ranch has rebuilt several 50s Airstream and I consider very knowledgeable in these old trailers. Much more knowledgeable than I will ever be.

[Stanley29]

It seems to me that for a shell off restoration of a 54 Cruiser guys are getting 60 to 100k. Keep in mind that is for a professional job. Im thinking an amateur job should bring at least 45k.

[55AS]

What is the deal with the giant leaf springs and zero ground clearance in Pic #9 or am I looking at it wrong?

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

What is the deal with the giant leaf springs and zero ground clearance in Pic #9 or am I looking at it wrong?

The original tires were taller than those pictured along with the tires being sunk into the ground.

[55AS]

Even so, it looks like ground clearance is pretty low and 10 leafs in the springs sure seems like overkill. Mine have 8 and I think that it 2 more than necessary.

[Belegedhel]

Is the trailer for sale, or are you making an unsolicited offer? If for sale, what is the asking price?

The problem you are likely to have is that you are mostly interesed in the trailer as a total rebuild candidate, in which price and condition-wise, you regard it as a "field find," $8-10k may represent market price for this. The seller, though, has evidently put some work into the trailer, and probably thinks that it is in fine shape is is ready to go camping. He will probably estimate the price substantially higher.

Good luck!

[toastie]

The bigger airstreams don't command the big $$$$ like the smaller ones.
If I where buying, I would go more then $6,000. If your doing the restoration 100% yourself, look to spend approx. $10,000 to $12,000.....just my opinion.

toastie

[Mikeryan510]

Hi
Are you a trailer inspector? I tried to private message you.
We are going to look at a 1969 Airstream in Houston on Thurs. February 4 and are looking for an inspector to joins us.
Please call PM me if you can help.
Thanks so much
Mike

[markdenise]

The 54 Cruiser is probably 25 ft. I'm guessing because we have a '52 Cruiser and it is 25ft. That is small enough to command more money. Last year I saw one sell for $ 61,000. Of course it was also gorgeous!