ust looked a 1969 29' ambassador. VERY clean inside, everything original interior, all systems work AOK. Needs window to the right of the side door, tires, brakes/axles checked and worked on, and new OPD valves on propane tanks.
Here is the kicker, lived in from 1970-1972 and has not been used since. Kept in a very dry climate (7-15%) humidity. sunk to the axles in the dirt.
No rust underneath or on the hitch. All original interior is in great shape, most of it doesn't look used.
Last registered/moved in 1973. Clear coat peeling in spots, 2 small golf ball sized dents on front.
Guy is asking $4200. Is this too much/just about right???
$4200 would be the starting point, then deduct for the things you know it needs, hopefully you will not end up with a negative number . For example, a new air conditioner is around $800, two axles would be $1000, plus brakes and bearings, OPD is not a big deal, but it is around $50-$75 to change them, and the tanks would have to be recertified. 4 tires would be a little over $400, and how is the plumbing? Was it properly winterized in 1972, or have the pipes frozen and broken?
The axles look OK... But I have not moved the trailer, it definately will need brake work from sitting.
I guess I answer my own questions when I should ASSUME things that I can not test don't work. I don't think I should be willing to dig the trailer out, get tires on it so that I can test everything, and then realize that he won't budge on price.
The interior really is clean and the exterior is in decent shape (as well as the floor) The biggest benefit is that the trailer is 2 minutes from the house. I look on ebay, but don't want to drive 500-700 miles each way to look buy a trailer sight unseen. I live the mountains of Colorado. The trailer being close is worth at least a few hundred bucks in fuel/travel to me.
It had no for sale sign on it, I tracked him down through the assesors office. He "said" he was just about to put an ad in the Denver Post. But again, why would someone drive the 100 miles from denver to look at trailer that they can't test the systems and can not take with them.
I will post some pics today after I run some errands. THANKS FOR THE INPUT
Howard, I can probably help you as I'm less than an hour from you. I'll PM you with my phone #. It may be worth your while to drive out of the mountains if it means a functional unit that is at least well known by the seller. I purchased trailers in Salt Lake City, and Lake Havasu City (AZ) with excellent results. There just aren't many Airstreams for sale at any given time here in CO . . . low supply / high demand. I overpaid on my first one, an '80 I found in Grand Junction that had MUCHO more problems than I realized ($5,000 later and I've learned a lot). Like you, I was reluctant to chance driving too far.
Hi: Interesting quandry? I suggest that for your sake to look at airstream repair prices listed under vintage airstream. It helps me keep my prospectuive when looking at older units. Find it under "http://vintageairstream.com/rr_topics_pricevscondition.html"
But as they say - all the advise in the world will not make the decision for you. If she feels good and you think you are getting the value - then the offer is yours to make.
We have a smaller 69 - Globe Trotter and we paid 4500 for it - we were told everything works too - except the water heater - and the furnace was on and off - toilet leaked and the waterpump was also toast - split lid She was offered at 5500 so that is where we settled.
First one bought site unseen!!! and we were really pleased = yes we have a few bucks into her - but I guess we look at it if we were to buy a new camper or even a used SOB in it's 90's we would be looking at 10K So that was our figure we played with - we have about 3K into her with our latest purchase a new axle from Axis products.
Warning though - the 69 is the change over year - so she is part 68 and part 70 if you know what I mean. There are some nice features too - and I see you have the International model so there will be some upgrades in it.
Each to their own - what was really important to us for our second trailer was Skin condition above anything else - next frame - the rest we don't really care as we know we were looking for a project - and we probably paid too much for it too - as the market is a little higher right now on vintage airstreams - and I don't think it is going to come down - all depends on the area and availability - and of course personal knowledge of the buyer and the seller.
I agree with Overlander 63 - $4500 is a good start - then drop in some of the replacement costs and see if they bite at a lower cost......but if she is the baby you have been looking for then $4500 is not a bad price either - I find lots on this forum look for really cheap prices - but then the rebuild is huge compared to a semi restore. Still would like to know the final tally on Ewe's big project??? he picked it up for a song I think.
Another excellent point is that you are looking at an ambassador there are not many of them around and is a nice size before you get into the really big ones - plus being a 69 her weight will still be 1000#'s less than the latter 70's and early 80's models.
Good luck - go with your gut
__________________ Streaming in the spirit of Exploration... "To go places and do things that have never
been done before-that's what living is all about." - M. Collins
I just read your description of the Ambassador that you have looked at and I have a question.
This is my first time on the forum and have a 29' Ambassador with original equipment in excellent shape.
I see that a price of $4,200 was offered and I'm trying to figure out how much these are worth.
Can you direct me to the right place or help me?
Hmmmm....Okay....I guess i can throw in my two cents worth now, and the advice is worth exactly what you paid for it!!!!
I would agree with the majority that it is kind of a "crap shoot" in regards to the various different systems on board this trailer. But something that has sat for all these years does have it's advantages too.... If you "play old car/truck" too...you know what a find it is to see that one vehicle sitting in that barn for the last 30 yrs..... it's a rush when you take notice that it is mostly all still original, and that nobody has really ever gotten to it to mess it up with mods n stuff. You are most correct in your comparison to a classic car or truck...you buy the straight body...all else is incidental, in the larger picture!!
I may also appear a bit biased too, cuz i own a 69 23' Safari.... I too have done a bit of investigating about this most unique year....and yes, it is most certainly a transition year trailer. IMHO, it is kind of a "best of both worlds" thing.... From the inside, looking out, you would almost swear you were in a 67 or 68 trailer with all the real wood trim, etc.... but you have the advantage of the all new "wide body" shell on the exterior, which is basically identical to the body shell of the new 07 Airstream. The mid to later 70s trailers all had formica trim, all dark walnut, (somehow all seem so much smaller inside with the dark trim) and with those "@*&$%?!" tambour cabinet drawer fronts that stress people out so much. What exactly was Airstream thinking back in those days???? I remember folx back in the day, when these trailers were almost new, that cursed these tambours, always binding up, and catching on everything.
I have restored many many old cars that have "been in the barn" for waaay too long, and it is indeed not all peaches and cream....hardly ever will you find something that just needs a "wash and buff job", and start camping!! But if you could get this trailer for a reasonable price, and have some patience, and don't let the magnitude of all those strange systems in the trailer intimidate you, then it sounds like you'll be in for quite a fun time...the rewards are endless.... And the 29' Ambassador is indeed a rare bird..... Just tackle one particular system at a time....and you will become a pro in very short order!!! By default, if by any other way !!! haha
If you need any tech info, or copies or scans of any manual related stuff, i do have all the manuals for the 69, plus the 1969 Showroom brochures, and all that good schtuff... let me know, i can send you a scan of whatever you need to know....
Me myself, I'd say, look the trailer over as best you can, see if the guy will let you plug the trailer in to 110v, and see what lights up...... if u r feeling adventurous, try hooking up a garden hose to the city water outlet, and crank er up....but beware of little "Old Faithful Geysers" inside and out!!!
Remember, Custer took a Chance...... Once.....
let us know what you decide to do......
take care....
__________________
Scott Anderson Grosse Ile, Mich. 1969 23' Safari Twin WBCCI # 22426 (formerly #22425 1968-76)
When it is my time, I want to go peacefully, And in my sleep.....Just like my Grandfather.... Not screaming, kicking and in a state of panic, like the other passengers in his car were......
Can someone help me.
I have just aquired (death in family) a 29' ambassador and have no idea what it is worth.
Would some one know or have an idea of where I may go for an answere?
start a new topic and post some pictures, then you'll get a really good idea of its worth. there is also a classified section here that you can list it in. this really is a great place.
good luck!
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david
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. For example, a new air conditioner is around $800, two axles would be $1000, plus brakes and bearings, OPD is not a big deal, but it is around $50-$75 to change them, and the tanks would have to be recertified. 4 tires would be a little over $400, and how is the plumbing? Was it properly winterized in 1972, or have the pipes frozen and broken?
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