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Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 04:29 PM

65 Airstream Overlander that is gutted, nothing left? Sorry if this is the wrong place, but I am looking to buy one to fix up, not as much as restoration, since theres nothing inside. I have wanted an Airsteam since I was a teenager and I am finally at the point where I can get one now. ;0)

Bowmans · 02-01-2010, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the forums Nam.

On your question, the price would depend on the condition of the outside (dents/holes), frame, does it have a new axle or original (is it free or seized), tires/wheels? Some picts would be good to see. According to Vintageairstream.com, the cost of a 1965 Overlander in "As Found" condition is $1000-$2000. That usually means with interior at least there. Some people on here (with trailers in pretty bad shape) have said they told the owners they would remove it from their location for them for free. Unless the current owners have replaced the axle/wheels/tires looking to renovate themselves and gave up, you may try that approach as a "Courtesy".

Good luck!

Lumatic · 02-01-2010, 05:29 PM

If the skin is good, the floors are good, the axles good, the windows good, up to $1000. That's only me. Some would pay more.

Keep in mind what you pay out will only be a fraction of what you will pay in.

Melody Ranch · 02-01-2010, 05:32 PM

Does not apply...in my opinion. The minute someone starts to strip out an Airstream to "re-do" it....value plumets to essentially ZERO. Now they have to find a buyer willing, and able, to take over the job. Most of the efforts so far will prove to be way less than desirable. A good job is expensive. Count on it.

Offer about 500 dollars. Then plan for a few thousand more to make it a reasonable update...plus anything more you want to ad. The truth hurts.

VIKING · 02-01-2010, 05:34 PM

Start by asking for them to just give it to you for the pleasure of having it gone. If that doesn't work, go up from there. I'm serious! It will need new axles and tires and brakes, just to move it safely, unless someone has been working on it recently. Axles could wait, but they are shot if they are original to the trailer and need to be replaced before this goes on a long ride. Having a gutted rig is freeing in a way, but it also leaves you with a lot more questions than someone who has a complete one.
If you are handy and can stick with a project that sometimes seems overwhelming, you will have a nice vintage Airstream when you're done. Expect to invest at least 8 to 10k before you are done, if you do all of it yourself. This can be spread over several years depending on your time-line and situation.
Read the major restorations threads and get familiar with what you will have to do to get this back on the road. It might be possible to have an inspector come and look at it with you to help with the hard questions. This site has an area for you to find an inspector near you to help with this.
Best luck to you,
Rich the Viking

mutcth · 02-01-2010, 05:49 PM

Just a note: in general, you're better off financially in the long run starting off with the nicest trailer you can find. Even going to, say, a $6000 60s Airstream of this length could get you something much closer to being road-worthy - or if you do a restoration/renovation, will require less time and money.

Tom

Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 06:08 PM

So basically your telling me the $3500 he's asking is too steep? I don't think he has done ANYTHING, except gut it and replace the tires.

Minno · 02-01-2010, 06:10 PM

Yes, that seems a tad high.

Chris

Lumatic · 02-01-2010, 06:19 PM

Sounds like he has aluminum dollar signs in his eyes. For $3500 you should get a usable coach that "needs some work" or better. Offer him 500 and sit on it.

Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 06:27 PM

Alrighty, LOL, done. I just offered him 500$. We'll see if he takes it. I honestly doubt he will, but I'm not worried, I'll find another one. ;0)

macofpei · 02-01-2010, 07:38 PM

and keep us posted. We love pictures too. Good luck.

Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 08:26 PM

Yup he turned me down, LOL, said he could get more for it by selling it for scrap.

RichHog · 02-01-2010, 09:03 PM

So is the skin in good condition? Are all the access panels there? What's the condition of the tires? Can he tow it off the property or will he have to load it on a trailer? How long has it been in this location and did he move it there. Any LP tanks in front? Most people want a trailer that's in a reasonable condition so the offers won't be flooding in. Good luck!

**Stefrobrts** · 02-01-2010, 09:16 PM

He's not going to get $3500 selling it for scrap, that's for sure.

Just wait, you might hear back from him. But seriously, Free to $1000 tops would be my best offer - and the $1000 would be if it was something I was absolutely crazy about for some reason - perfect exterior, something like that. It's very common that people gut a project then decide they are in over their head and want to sell, and those projects go for a song because they really are a huge project. You would be surprised how much easier the project is if you at least have the old furniture for templates, bathroom inserts are almost impossible to find and hard to replicate, stuff like that.

Good luck, if this guy doesn't come around, there will be more to choose from come springtime.

Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 09:33 PM

I forgot heres the pictures. In this economy I know I can find one in better shape for a better price. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/1568850975.html

CaddyGrn · 02-01-2010, 09:41 PM

A few years ago hubby bought an Airstream on ebay... essentially a shell.... most (90%) of the interior was gone, and in poor shape for the floor just wasn't really there! He essentially bought a shell (pretty good shape, most of it) and frame. Knowing full well what it would take for a "restoration"! (Had just finished a different trailer) But, it was a desirable trailer to us, a 1955 Flying Cloud.... and it was at the "height" of many trailer sales. He paid $1,000 on ebay. He is still working on the trailer, but someday it will be a sweet thing. Bottom line, however, even at that ~ it was the maximum to pay for what he bought.

CaddyGrn · 02-01-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namaste Mama

I forgot heres the pictures. In this economy I know I can find one in better shape for a better price. 1965 Airstream

The photos look nice. Are there photos of the interior? Is there a floor? What did he do with the stuff he removed? Lots of folks would like the vintage parts he may have threw out or piled up somewhere, they do have value often! (working or not!) There are propane tanks, looks like it is tow-able.... but I think I have seen similar with less being asked.

Good luck on finding just what you want! Be sure and check out the listings here as well.

Namaste Mama · 02-01-2010, 10:18 PM

No pictures of the inside, but he did take all the interior to the,,,,,, dump! Sigh!

Bo&Susan · 02-01-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namaste Mama

65 Airstream Overlander that is gutted, nothing left? Sorry if this is the wrong place, but I am looking to buy one to fix up, not as much as restoration, since theres nothing inside. I have wanted an Airsteam since I was a teenager and I am finally at the point where I can get one now. ;0)

We bought a 62 Overlander gutted but did have nearly new roof ac for $950 about a month ago. Susan

**Stefrobrts** · 02-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Craigslist in our area has a couple $1000 Airstreams listed right now, one with interior, one without. And $1000 is just the asking price. So they are out there.