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.
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Terry Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
AIR#2611
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
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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?
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.
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.
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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.
__________________
Terry Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
AIR#2611
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.
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!