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dialdefiance · 04-15-2010, 12:34 PM

thinking of buying a 1973 Airstream overlander 28 ft -- $3000 -- current owners bought it for $3500 last year with the intent to rehab but say they have had a job transfer and now have no time to work on it -- we hope to buy a brand new airstream someday and we are not do-it-yourselfers but our son says perhaps we should tackle this as a trial for owning our first airstream -- any checkpoints before we buy and best resources for after -- will probably gut it -- want to run electric for computers and satellite -- we don't feel compelled to get away from it all when RVing! :-) --diane

shipoke · 07-30-2010, 12:50 PM

Hello Diane.
We purchased a 73 EXCELLA for $2000 and have spent another $2000 on parts with me doing all the work. Electrical,propane,toliet,plumbing,all had lots of problems. It has been a blast working on it. 3 sounds high if it needs a lot of work. Alot of the problems will be hidden. Offer 2
Chris
Pensacola

Distantdrummer · 07-30-2010, 01:36 PM

A '74 which has a grey water tank I might consider 3000 .
A '73 which has no grey tank I would not.
I'd say 2000 as did shipoke above, but if I was the seller into it for 3500 I probably would not take less than 2500.
Unless there are other circumstances & amenities that are very good to outstanding I would never go for anything older than a '74.
Gutting an Airstream completely is not to be taken lightly nor is it for the weak of heart (and patience). You must have some DIY (actually plenty) ability or you will pay, pay, pay a heavy and high price for help.
There are lots of 31 & 29 footers out there in the '74 & up age groups.
If you buy and gut and then give up, you will most likely not recoup half of your investment.
Sorry.

dialdefiance · 07-31-2010, 05:07 AM

thanks so much for the feedback... now we are switching gears and looking at an Airstream motor home. decisions, decisions :-)

raveson · 07-31-2010, 07:35 AM

If you are serious about an Airstream MH, plan to spend a bunch more for restore and maintenance then a TT. Even when they look good, there is a bunch more to go wrong with a classic MH then a classic TT. Don't get me wrong I love my 89' 345, but not a cheep alternative! Great to travel in!