1963 Avion

[knackjack]

anyone got any idea what this could be worth?

63 Avion Travel Trailer

The ad is asking for offers but I would not even know where to start.

[JimGolden]

There's no fixing those dents...you'll have to replace the panels. That's not really that hard to do, but it's a lot of work. You will have to drill out the rivets, very carefully, get the new aluminum, drill, and rivet.

I'd mention this to him, offer him $500, and go from there. Could be a really nice trailer, but it'll take some work to fix the dents. All the appliances will need replaced. Figure on $4K easily on top of what you pay for it, not to mention your labor. But, it could be really nice.

I have a 34 ft Avion and love it.

best of luck,

[Kevin245]

Hi knackjack,

That's some significant skin and structural damage. Let's start with the appliances though. Going with the presumption that nothing works it is reasonable to figure in money for appliance replacement

Furnace $525
Water Heater $450
Refrigerator $1,000
A/C $ 600 (trailer does not appear to have one currently)

These are guess-timate numbers with the thinking that you'd do your own installation. Factor is labor should you opt to have someone do it for you. I'd also budget $250 for tires. So you're looking at quite a bill before you start to deal with the cosmetic/sturctural repairs.

As for the outside. Skin panels are replaceable, though its important to know that Avion switched to anodized aluminum skins in 61-62 which makes color/hue matching an issue. Still, new panels can be cut and the edges beaded to form the end caps. The other panels are mostly flat stock so no significant forming would be required. Looks like someone already replaced both of the street side corner panels (and subsequently dented them). If it were my project I'd replace the panels and strip the anodization off any original skins. Then polish the outside.

The curbside bashing may have damaged a couple of ribs. The damage is over the pantry/slimline closet and actually punctured the skin, and it appears to be significant. Though I'm not certain if it applies to 1963, Avion used spray applied foam insulation that performs great, but it can make structural repair work more tedious and time consuming. The curbside damage is not just surface damage; it is a deeper level repair where improvisation may be required as Avion parts are not readily available.

If you factor in the appliance cost combined with the skin damage I'd say it isn't worth much. We bought a 73 Avion that was in "very good" condition in 2008 for less than $4K. That being my benchmark, I'd say $500 Max...and that's only if there was some desirability for this model.

Just my $0.02.

[knackjack]

Thanks for the feedback.

Actually, this posting is for a relative whom thinks it's value to be much higher since it is "Vintage".

However, I'm more than aware that just because it is "Vintage" does not always mean the item is valueable.

Given it's damage I was thinkingin that range too.

I think some of the stuff works but not all of it. I.e. heater.

That said, would $1500-2000 be out of the question?

Also, where can I find some original specs/pictures on this unit?

[bilby05]

I am curious. Have you seen the trailer in the "flesh?" I noticed that the date stamp on the photos is a couple of years old and wonder if the condition may have changed?
cheers, bill b.

[Jammer]

Knackjack

I don't think it's worth much. I would see it as being basically a parts trailer at this point. While 1960s Avions are "vintage" they are fairly abundant and not particularly sought after. It's best point is that the interior is intact. Perhaps a project could be made of finding an Avion of the same era and length that has been gutted but has an intact exterior and moving the interior pieces over.

Aside from the structural and skin damage the lack of maintenance and updating is the other problem. Those appear to be split rim wheels so in all likelihood the tires and wheels will have to be replaced, the propane tanks are, by appearance, probably shot, there's no air conditioning, the fridge appears to be a cheap electric-only one, etc. Someone who wants a nice old Avion would be better off starting with something in better shape.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by knackjack

That said, would $1500-2000 be out of the question?

Also, where can I find some original specs/pictures on this unit?

That is way more than I'd feel comfortable spending. You may look at www.silveravion.com for Avion information.

Good luck,

Kevin

[oh2bcarefree]

Hi KJ-

Well, that poor Avion certainly needs some work. The inside actually looks pretty good, the wood cabinets and such, but so much is not seen by photos alone.

Everyone has made good points so far. Also, the trailer would originally not have had a gray holding tank, and depending on what they did to the bathroom, it may not have a black tank either. Ours never had one, but some models did.

I agree that $500-$1000 would be the highest to pay. And that's stretching it a bit.

I would be very concerned about the floor. Check all the edges, especially up front under the water tank. Sometimes those aluminum tanks would get leaks and if they weren't repaired quickly... that means the floor will need replaced. And there could be other water damage, check the entire perimeter on the inside of the trailer. Is the tile still on the floor under the carpet? If you bought it, you would need to reseal the entire trailer first thing!

Here are some websites with additional Avion info and photos
Silver Avion: Home

Dr. G's website:
Fleetwood Avion Travelcade Club Travel Fifth Wheel Fleetwood Trailer RV Cayo Motivator LeGrande Indiana Unit

We love our Avion. I would never hesitate to buy the right one. We don't see many of them in our area, we see quite a few more Airstreams for sale.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Tina