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Old 05-23-2017, 09:31 PM   #1
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2006 25' Safari FB SE
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1975 Argosy Value

We have an opportunity to buy this neglected Argosy. The original owner actually built a barn to keep this motorhome protected. The current owners bought this 10 years ago and intended to travel but it has sat in the same spot the whole time and was used as a camper. He had bought new tires and airbags for the suspension but had replaced the original seats, took out the oven and some cabinets. The last time it was used by a human was three years ago. It has 55k miles on it. They want to get rid of it and he even talked of scrapping it. What would a reasonable offer be but even more important now much money will it take to make it decent for us to travel in. We have never owned a camper or motorhome but would like to start traveling. Click image for larger version

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Old 05-23-2017, 10:20 PM   #2
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1976 Argosy 20
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Hi

If they talked about scraping it I would offer 1000 plan on another 10k before it gets fun IMO

Ray
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Old 05-24-2017, 12:35 AM   #3
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1975 20' Argosy 20
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My 'stock' answer, each time this question is raised......

If its complete, if it is free, if you spend $2-3 per mile to get it hauled home, if you have up to 2000 hours spare time (or want to pay a shop for 2000 hours work), if you invest $10-15K in parts, you will then have a $10-15K motorhome.....

Unless you want that pain, I would say spend the $10-15K on a complete, running, in regular use Argosy and then concentrate on keeping it on the road.

Even the scrap value in these is the parts, and it is a huge about of work to dismantle (ask Brad) and it will cost you money (in my case $1300) just to get rid of what is left after windows, doors, etc are removed.
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:04 AM   #4
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It could be a fun project if you have time and money. Even if you do it yourself it will cost plenty.

I'm with Martin.

You'd be doing them a favor to take it. $500 to $1,000 tops for the transfer.

I just bought a vintage trailer, and it's impeccable looking, but it will need plenty of work. There are decent trailers and motor homes out there. That one looks rough, but I do think it's cool to save these things! It's just not cheap.
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Old 05-24-2017, 03:37 AM   #5
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If you have lots of time, ambition, patience, mechanical ability, a understanding spouse and spare money, it looks like a fun project. I bet it would clean up nicely.
That said, if the engine, transmission and drive train are working and there are no major defects, I would think it is worth a grand as is, where is. If it costs you another grand to get it to a place to work on it, then it may not be worth it.
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Old 05-24-2017, 04:55 AM   #6
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The Argosy certainly has a lot of potential but you're looking at a lot of time and hard work to get it into safe usable condition. If you're mechanically inclined and have a good range of tools or access to same that would help tremendously.

In the end it's going to boil down to how much do you want it and will you be able to keep your interest up until you have a usable coach. I will say this one looks to be in considerably better condition than mine was when I started

By the way, welcome to Airforums!

Brad
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Old 05-24-2017, 05:26 AM   #7
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I appreciate all your advice! It would be a big project. It currently is about a half hour from where we live. The owner had the generator running and thought it would start but needs a new battery. I'm sure 10 year old tires that have sunk down several inches in the ground would not be roadworthy even on back roads. On the positive side, my wife's (Debbie) father is a retired upholsterer and my father is a retired cabinet builder. I like to fix stuff but my time is limited. Debbie is good at interior design (who by the way thinks the "new"flex-steel seats he put in 10 years ago are to high backed and ugly and where do you find replacements?) and likes the idea of simple camping with a camper or small motorhome that has a bathroom. We also found a neglected 1963 16' Shasta we could have for free which had not been moved for 35 years, in a deep ravine, inhabited by a large community of mice, but had intact windows and no signs of leakage. We would see this as a group effort and whoever joined in could have access (the costs of parts and mechanical issues would fall on us). We don't mind using modern appliances or materials for renovation. Thinking more of a restored camper rather than vintage. We borrowed my parents large travel trailer and ended up camping for a week in full hook up mega-rv ville and did not like that bigger and more is better culture. Here are a few more pics. Click image for larger version

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Old 05-24-2017, 08:01 AM   #8
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Buy the RV and part it out to me! I want the windshields, bumper trim, and tail light trim.
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:14 AM   #9
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Hi Guys

Maybe a group buy? and dismantle for parts? I could be interested in taking the lead, my 20 needs some stuff to finish.

Ray
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:37 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jjona5 View Post
Buy the RV and part it out to me! I want the windshields, bumper trim, and tail light trim.
The bumpers and tail lights are different from a 1976 to 1977.....
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:38 AM   #11
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The buzzards are circling the carcass
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:06 AM   #12
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The buzzards are circling the carcass
Kinda what I was thinking!

Steve, should you happen to buy it the first thing I would do would be to remove that front receiver hitch. There is nothing up front that is structurally strong enough to hold anything.

Considering the tires have sunk into the ground it would be a good idea if you could find a way to take a peak underneath to make sure it's still structurally sound. With that being said the more I look at the pictures the more it appears to be in reasonable condition overall.

Brad
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:12 AM   #13
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I'll figure it out
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:22 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heyraylata View Post
Hi Guys

Maybe a group buy? and dismantle for parts? I could be interested in taking the lead, my 20 needs some stuff to finish.

Ray
It could easily pay for a lot of that trailer remodel!
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:40 AM   #15
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You read my mind[emoji491][emoji102]
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:42 AM   #16
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Oops, that was for Wayne!
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:48 AM   #17
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Blood in the water!
You motorhomers are ruthless.
The trailer side would never act like this.....
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:49 AM   #18
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You read my mind[emoji491][emoji102]
You may want to get out the camo cover and not disclose the exact location
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Old 05-24-2017, 10:47 AM   #19
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I'm in for the parting out thing. I need window locks and Airstream steering wheel (if it has one) for starters!
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Old 05-24-2017, 12:08 PM   #20
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I'm in for the parting out thing. I need window locks and Airstream steering wheel (if it has one) for starters!
Neither of which on this 75 would work on your 91 (92?) coach.

Sorry to burst your bubble
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