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Rookiecamper · 02-11-2011, 01:55 PM

Tell me if this is a keeper or not.

Rookiecamper · 02-11-2011, 01:57 PM

more

Dwight · 02-11-2011, 01:59 PM

I would pass it by....too much work and time ahead of whoever buys it....

Rookiecamper · 02-11-2011, 02:04 PM

What about $500???

Aage · 02-11-2011, 02:07 PM

If you're looking for a new full-time hobby it is. One of those "it's already gutted for you" deals, huh?

I'm with Rookiecamper, it's getting dangerously close to scrap value only...

Dwight · 02-11-2011, 02:08 PM

If they paid you $500?

There is just too much to do and you would be money ahead to find something in better condition. A trailer that vintage would take a lot of time and effort to find the correct replacement parts to put back in it...

Boondocker · 02-11-2011, 02:22 PM

Run!

JitneyBead · 02-11-2011, 02:23 PM

It is definite a project but it has some advantages, IMO.

It really is pre-gutted - you know you're going to have to replace all systems in order to have a functional, comfortable trailer. But this is a good thing, you can design a trailer that meets your needs without worrying about accuracy or ruining the value of a trailer.

It's a big one 31? with dual axles - you could configure to sleep 6 easily.

The end cap damage looks to be low and otherwise the skin is in good shape. The troubling part of course is the open skylight and what appears to be the floor that is gutted. I think you have to assume the floor will need a major repair and be pleasantly surprised if you don't.

The windows look good would be the most difficult to repair and replace if they were busted out.

I dunno...I see great bones and a blank slate. Definitely worth $500 to me maybe a bit more - but I'm an optimist always.

Jitney

InsideOut · 02-11-2011, 02:31 PM

It's a blank canvas project for sure...I certainly wouldn't pay more than $500 for the "canvas"...plan on spending at least $10-15K & 3+ years to get it up to speed unless you're just looking for a hard-sided tent. We have more than that in our '56 Safari...we had templates to go-by and re-used all the appliances which appear to be missing from this one.

Not a project for the faint of heart, that's for sure!

Shari

Cos · 02-11-2011, 03:42 PM

I think it depends on if the frame is any good - if you are into anything beyond minor outrigger repair I would pass.

Myrtle lynn · 02-11-2011, 04:38 PM

Would be great to park on a pice of land. Add a deck and some bushes. A pool house etc.. I agree $500 tops but looks great to me. Just missing rear door and light. Both easy yo replace. Again a great park model. I wouldn't pass it up. Where is it? If you don't want it let me know. :-)

Splitrock · 02-11-2011, 06:16 PM

In my personal experience, and from the opinion I've formed from reading this forum (and other forums), most vintage Airscreams are little more than a usable shell. The frames are often little more than templates. The axles are only good for measurements used in ordering new ones. The fixtures like the ceiling vents, water heaters, air conditioners, heaters, cooking stoves, and refrigerators, are trash and only good to get a visual idea how to install all new ones.

When I realize that I'm just buying a shell, I want that shell to be pretty darn nice . . . no dings or dents, or old DIY repairs.

DanielB · 02-11-2011, 06:19 PM

Splitrock has spoken the correct..

Boondocker · 02-11-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielB

Splitrock has spoken the correct..

Hear, hear.

FreshAir · 02-11-2011, 06:44 PM

The rear end cap will be very expensive to replace. Pulling aluminum dents cannot be done. All those damaged panels will need to be replaced. RUN away from this.
Neil

ND10CentCan · 02-11-2011, 08:34 PM

My son in law said it best after he walked into the Albatross the first week we had it and said "So you bought a hitch and a shell?" I said "Now Dave! It isn't that bad!" Little did we know that basically we bought a hitch and a shell. It is turning into a lot of work and money even with a fairly decent shell. I am going to have to agree with the last few comments.

If we were to buy another vintage AS, we would be much wiser and understand how much you have to put into them to get them to the point you can safely and comfortably use them. So the next one we get will be....wait, did I just say "The next one we get??"

buttermilk3 · 02-14-2011, 01:29 AM

Hi, All -

I'm new to learning the nitty-gritty of Airstreams, though I've long lusted for them, and have a basic question.

I'm considering buying a gutted trailer, much like the one pictured, and installing some display shelving for my business, much like plumbers and carpenters do with step vans, but in a more attractive, finished-looking version, as clients would at times have to look inside. It seems many of you would steer clear of this "shell" in light of all the work involved to fix it up--would the fact that, in my case, I wouldn't be trying to restore it to its original, inhabitable condition change your opinion of such a project? It's hard for me to visualize how much work would be involved into basically just turning this type of shell into a nicely decorated open room without the gauchos, cabinets, etc.

Many thanks for any insights!
--April

Bowmans · 02-21-2011, 07:15 PM

April,
What merchandise are you hauling/showing? Airstreams were made to be light weight and can't really handle being heavily loaded inside. You also have to be sure the load distribution is good (most weight near axles, less on rear end, etc.) so it pulls well.

In the case of this trailer just to make it a display box, you would still need to fix any frame rusting, replace the wood floor, seal any leaks, replace broken windows, check and possibly replace running gear and electrical for towing lights. You would still have dents in the shell (mostly visual if you sealed from leaks) that may not "show" well to your customers which you might opt to repair.

Your still looking at everything to make this a habitable trailer minus the cabinetry. That being said, it would be a very cool hauling display case

buttermilk3 · 02-22-2011, 02:47 PM

Grundgetta--love it!

Thank you so much for your insights. Enormously helpful as I wade around trying to determine the best configuration. I was intending to haul home furnishings. No big furniture, so I don't think I'd exceed the weight limitations. Love the idea of a vintage Airstream, just worried about the money/time drain it could be. Pondering, pondering . . . .

PS - apologies for hijacking this thread!