Newbie looking for input and clarity

[elonblock]

Hey Ya'll,

I am brand new here.

I have been considering buying an airstream for quite some time. I think they look awesome!

I found an Overlander Land Yacht International which I am thinking about purchasing and restoring.

It looks like it is fairly original, and it needs some TLC and work.

I found a tag on the front of the trailer.

The serial number is:
127TI-J2954

The owner believes it is a 1973, but he is not sure himself.

I have a couple of questions to start...

How do I find out the floorplan, and how it was originally optioned?

How do I go about finding out what it is worth?

Thanks in advance,

Elon

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by elonblock

Hey Ya'll,

I am brand new here.

I have been considering buying an airstream for quite some time. I think they look awesome!

I found an Overlander Land Yacht International which I am thinking about purchasing and restoring.

It looks like it is fairly original, and it needs some TLC and work.

I found a tag on the front of the trailer.

The serial number is:
127TI-J2954

The owner believes it is a 1973, but he is not sure himself.

I have a couple of questions to start...

How do I find out the floorplan, and how it was originally optioned?

How do I go about finding out what it is worth?

Thanks in advance,

Elon

Welcome to the forums!
First, you do have an Overlander (the "27" in the VIN), but it is not a 1973.
I have forgotten the exact number of the VIN that indicates year, but you have either a 1971 or 1972, since there are no "3's" in the VIN, you can rule out a 1973. It looks like you have two twin beds in the trailer, one on either side of the main aisleway. This from the "t" in the VIN. It also looks like yours has the International trim, from the "i" in the VIN. It was built in Jackson Center, Ohiuo, from the "j" in the VIN. And it is production number 2954.
As far as value, it depends on what condition it is in, and what part of the country you live in. I looked at an 1971 Overlander for $2000 that was in very good shape, although that price seems to be atypically low.

[InsideOut]

127TI-J2954

I believe the first '1' is actually a 'I' indicating International Trim level. the second 'I' is actually a '1' indicating it was built in 1971.

Check out these two links to confirm:

71 Overlander

72 Overlander

The serial or VIN numbers are deciphered on the top of the page.

Just in case, here's the 73 Overlander site as well...

Shari

[elonblock]

Shari,

Thanks for the decoding help.

You are correct, it is a 1971.

I read the tag incorrectly.

Is the International Trim Level something that is a special order?

And what does the Land Yacht title signify?

Is that another type of trim package, or something totally different?

Elon

[InsideOut]

There's a good explaination of the Interanational Trim Package for 70's era trailers in this thread:

Use of the term Land Yacht

It makes a difference which decade your trailer is from as to the use of the terms...they DO change and get confusing. If you want to read more on the topic, do a 'search' using the terms 'International Trim Package' & 'Land Yacht'...that'll keep you busy for awhile!

Shari

[elonblock]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I looked at an 1971 Overlander for $2000 that was in very good shape, although that price seems to be atypically low.

Hi Terry,

The owner is asking $2,500.00.

I would have to say that on a scale on 1-10 it would come in at
a 5-6.

IMHO it would need a lot of "little" things to make it liveable.
And it does look to me like it would be doable!

For example...

The outer skin is all there with just a few minor dents and scratches.
It would probably clean up with a little elbow grease.
The bottom piece of skin has some pretty good size dents, scratches, and rips in it. You can't see the rips till you bend down a little.

Would water come through these punctures while driving?

It looks like the majority of the interior is there.
The little things include replacing screens, replacing the sliding doors (which look like a rolltop desk cover) for the cabinets, replacing or repairing the side door etc, etc.

Is there a website or vendor that you could recommend, where I could research if the parts are available?

Thanks,

Elon

Just putting a trailer back to what it was can be costly and that doesn't include updating anything. I'd take along cold look at what's required to bring it to the standards that you would be comfortable with. Unless it's something rare or a model that you just have to have, buying an Airstream in the best possiable condition for the age of the unit can save a lot of headaches and frustration down the line.

[InsideOut]

Check these out:

Price vs Condition

Especially 'Table C' at the bottom to get an idea of ballpark restoration costs.

Parts Services & Suppliers

Good luck in whatever you decide to do ~

Shari

[robandzoe]

If it is a 5 or 6, I wouldn't give over $1500 for it...The Tambour doors are replaceable but costly to get. I particularly do not like the early 70s years...too plasticy for me...and if this has the oven in the wall protruding into the bedroom quarters..I definitely do not like it...but to each their own. Good luck. It is exciting to get an Airstream...I bet it is all you can think about.

Here is a link to Tambour replacements...

http://www.winonamanufacturing.com/

Good luck.

Rob

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

I particularly do not like the early 70s years...too plasticy for me...and if this has the oven in the wall protruding into the bedroom quarters..I definitely do not like it...but to each their own.
Rob

That vintage Overlander has the oven that protrudes into the sleeping area. The tears in the banana wrap should be repaired to keep moisture out of the underside of the floor, fortunately it is no really hard to do.
Axles are suspect on any Airsteam between the years of 1961-1974, check the plumbing for leaks, and the appliances for operation.

[PizzaChop]

Rather than retype a reply here, just take a look at this thread as a lot of the concerns are addressed.

You can easily dump another $3K into it (figure on new appliances, I don't care if the old ones work right now), and axles will go for another $1500.

At $2500, if the body's straight and there are no real visible issues (major floor rot, frame sag, shell stress), it's probably not a bad deal.

Overlanders are nice in that they're not quite as big as Sovereigns, but then I suppose "what's another 4 feet".

[smily]

I paid 5K for my first AS, 1971 Overlander, four years ago! That was literally the best built trailer I have owned.

[elonblock]

Hey Guys,

Thanks so much for all of your input and great
information.:-D

I really like the "helping feel" of this forum.

After doing my research and getting clarity of what it
would take for me to restore the trailer, I've decided to
pass on this go around.

I'm sure that there is a potential buyer out there
that is a much better fit than myself who could restore
this trailer the way that it deserves to be done.

And I'm sure there is another airstream out there
that is better match for my skills etc.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for other opportunities
that come up.

Thanks again,

Elon

[J&C]

Originally Posted by elonblock

Hey Guys,

After doing my research and getting clarity of what it
would take for me to restore the trailer, I've decided to
pass on this go around.

I'm sure there is another airstream out there
that is better match for my skills etc.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for other opportunities
that come up.

Thanks again,

Elon

Elon,

Look at the Forum Rally’s, if there were an event near you I would encourage a visit and meet a few Airstream owners and see their units, it would help you. Also watch the Classifieds here and post your concerns anytime. We’ve all been there and keep learning new things!

The more you learn about Airstreams, you become a good consumer. Hang in their, your approach will pay off!