1963 Safari - worth $3500.00?

[Johnieappel]

Hello fellow Airstream lovers, I'm considering purchasing a 1963 Safari. It has some damage - the windows on the left side are smashed out. No glass, frames are there. Fortunately it has had plastic over them so no noticeable interior damage. No roof vent caps - but covered so no damage from them missing. There is a dent on the left rear upper side, not bad, about the size of a basketball, no more than an inch deep at the center of the dent. Might be able to be popped out.The rear floor is rotted, water or greywater tank has fallen through and is hanging almost to the ground. This is evident when you open the rear access door above the rear bumper. Body is in fairly good shape otherwise, see the couple photos attached. Interior is mostly there, the floors 'feel' solid, but I know from past experiences this probably is not true. There is a 'laminate' floor on top of the original, so it is certainly misleading to think it is 'ok'. It has not been on the coast (I'm in Northern California) and is in a dry, inland area, but has been outside and has the usual surface rust. There are mice in it & it smells of them.
I can get it for $3500.00 but I'm on the fence. I've got a Silverstreak I'm restoring that looked ok, but the more I got into it the more it needed - floors, plumbing, tanks, brakes, just about everything. So I'm hesitant. I love the fact its a 1963, smaller, so that my Toyota Tundra can tow it easily and 'vintage' looking. I guess I'm looking for some feedback here to help me make the plunge! Good deal? Not a good deal? I tried looking at the price guide on here but your comments & experiences are worth more to me.
Thanks!

[Janet H]

Not sure about the value.. the seller will probably get it. The trailer looks like a project BUT the tire cover is COOL!

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by Johnieappel

Hello fellow Airstream lovers, I'm considering purchasing a 1963 Safari. It has some damage - the windows on the left side are smashed out. No glass, frames are there. Fortunately it has had plastic over them so no noticeable interior damage. No roof vent caps - but covered so no damage from them missing. There is a dent on the left rear upper side, not bad, about the size of a basketball, no more than an inch deep at the center of the dent. Might be able to be popped out.The rear floor is rotted, water or greywater tank has fallen through and is hanging almost to the ground. This is evident when you open the rear access door above the rear bumper. Body is in fairly good shape otherwise, see the couple photos attached. Interior is mostly there, the floors 'feel' solid, but I know from past experiences this probably is not true. There is a 'laminate' floor on top of the original, so it is certainly misleading to think it is 'ok'. It has not been on the coast (I'm in Northern California) and is in a dry, inland area, but has been outside and has the usual surface rust. There are mice in it & it smells of them.
I can get it for $3500.00 but I'm on the fence. I've got a Silverstreak I'm restoring that looked ok, but the more I got into it the more it needed - floors, plumbing, tanks, brakes, just about everything. So I'm hesitant. I love the fact its a 1963, smaller, so that my Toyota Tundra can tow it easily and 'vintage' looking. I guess I'm looking for some feedback here to help me make the plunge! Good deal? Not a good deal? I tried looking at the price guide on here but your comments & experiences are worth more to me.
Thanks!

To me, you already answered your question with “I have a Silver Streak”. I own a ‘64 Sabre and the thing is built like brit shick house compared to Airstreams. However, if that were in my neck of the woods it would soon be on my property.
It’s certainly a full shell off restoration, but those models have a sex appeal that other trailers couldn’t match, except Avions of course...

If you’re up to a multi-year multi-thousands of dollars reno, go for it! The ROI is way better than the silver streak but you’ll never make a profit. Do it because you enjoy it.

Ian

[Bubba L]

I would think that it is worth what they’re asking. A lot depends on what is remaining on the inside as far as sinks, shower, head lockers, etc. sure it will take a lot of work. Can you purchase it and store it until the Silver Streak is completed? I think the dent in the rear could be rolled out once the interior skins are out. Good luck and I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.

[Alumaholic]

But I'm hopeless.
So, don't listen to me unless you have a nice, big enclosed work area, and lots of time and $$.
This is a project.
You will never recoup what you invest, but that isn't why we hug these Tar Babies, is it? Oops, sorry if I triggered anyone with my Uncle Remus metaphor. I do it in the name of rhetoric.

[Alumaholic]

P.S. Is this the one in central AZ?

[Bill M.]

Certainly the trailer is worth $3500. Probably more. Buy it and store it while you decide if you want to commit the time and funds or just kick it down the road.

[DGJackson]

If it was close and an easy retrieval I would grab it for $3500. I picked up up '63 last summer for $5000. It's in a little better shape than you describe. Already been offered $10,00 for it and haven't touched it. Don' fret the busted windows - glass is not curved and can be ordered from local glass shop.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Do-it...but I'm biased.😂


POI...do you have a picture of the build tag to confirm the build date?

Ours...22length, 3year, T twin bed, 344 build number.
Interesting that the door opens 'backward' and no window in front of the door.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Sweneau]

I would go for it as it looks to be in very good shape on the exterior. Probably leaking on roof however by looks of the material sitting up there.

Question for anyone that can identify the purpose of the attached bracket just forward of the door on the first picture.
I have a '63 Globe Trotter that has the same bracket. I have the same type door with inner screen door. Opening the door(s) doesn't line this bracket up to anything. I do however have the channel above the windows/door on curbside for the awning mount. Only thing is that there isn't a matching bracket at the rear curbside quarter panel for attachment.
Thoughts?

[ROBERT CROSS]

That is a guide that holds the door-in-door open so you can use the screen door.

Every photo I have of our '63 it's being utilized...🤓

Bob
🇺🇸

[Trons4u]

Go for it. I purchased my '59 for $3500 4yrs ago. Plumbing was shot, electrical shot. We're almost done with our shell off resto/reno. Nothing but time and money...and frustration at times. But it's going to be worth it.
Here are a couple of my pics. Still not quite done, the recent pics were from a couple months ago and had a cot in it because we took it to a music fest that was close.

[Johnieappel]

Very nice!

[garciacag]

Hello Robert Cross, just wanted to say that i have a 63 Safari and it was build probably around the same time as yours. Mine is 223T377, 33 trailers after yours.