General Repair costs for my 78 Excella

[startrekker2001]

I have been reading this forum for the last year and a half. One of the things people seem to want to know is how much they can expect to spend on initial maintenance when they purchase a used/vintage Airstream.

Mine is a 1978 31' Excella which I purchased in March of '02. It was in excellent shape when I got it, but with no history on the unit, I felt that it was important to deal with those things that can prove dangerous if left alone.

So here is a list of things I have done and their costs.

New shocks, brakes, bearings....................1688
New Tires Goodyear Workhorse 700/15 'D'....475
Reese Dual Sway Control...............................144
2 batteries......................................... .............141
Micro Wave oven............................................10 8
New License Plate light and mount..................45
water filter............................................ ...........31

total............................................. ................2632

Some things I did that I thought were important
30amp outlet at house..................................245
30amp extension cord.....................................37
Electric Cord Reel contacts and new cord......188
Rebuild Hose reel.............................................. .2
Fix 12v Fuse Panel...........................................10
Fix Leaky Toilet............................................ ....38
Bal Stabilizers....................................... .........189

Total............................................. .................709

Cosmetic work

New Tile Floor............................................. ...153
Refrigerator door panels.................................40
Window Shades............................................ ..16
Stripped and Polished...................................992

Total............................................. ...............1201

Grand Total (so far)...................................$4542

I expect these are fairly typical initial expenses. except for the cosmetic work.

The coach with tax/tags, hitch and brake controller came to $11,000.

Some people will have to do more, some less. This is meant to give a feel for what one might expect on purchasing an older coach.

BTW, I can't get the columns to line up.

Vic

[Safari Tim]

I'll give this a shot.

Here are my airstream expenses. Keep in mine I did all the labor.

Purchase price........................................$2100

New A/C and Fridge ...............................$1440.

Update/certify OPD valves on tanks..........$146

Lexan for new windows ...........................$25

Repair locks ..............................................$132

Plumbing repairs ......................................$376

LP, CO detectors ......................................$75

New tires, repack bearings ......................$420

New water heater .................................. $260

Vinyl floor .................................................. $50

Cabinet doors ..........................................$114

New upholstry and blinds ........................$609

Misc rivets, vulkem, gaskets .....................$200

Polish and cyclo ........................................$600

Misc, screws, camping stuff, sewer hose...$1000


So that totals out to about $7500.

I knew the condition of the appliances were shot, the fride, a/c, water heater, etc... So I knew what I was getting into.

Mine was considered a basket case for sure. But at least I had a solid floor and no major dents in the skin. But not much else Still need a new furnace, and new shocks.

Should help someone thinking of getting into an airstream an idea what they are getting into...