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03-23-2008, 09:32 PM
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#21
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1982 24' Airstream 240
Ventura
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,645
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That it is 98% original and everything works
Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyPepper
Th current owner says that it is 98% original, has new brakes, new tires, new water heater, and new awning and that everything works. What are the "big" red flag things I should look for, or in this case, ask about?? Still new and figuring this all out.
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IMHO you cannot take this from the owner's word. Unfortunately there is no short cut in finding out the true condition of a 40 year old trailer. You may need a new refrigerator, a new furnace, new water pump, new toilet, does it have a gray water tank? Does the electrical system work properly, are the windows intact? Does it have a power jack? Does it need a new battery? I think that someone has already made a list of things that need to be checked out...try the search function for that list. Please don't get discouraged....it is worth the effort involved. pj
__________________
Paula & Ed
WBCCI # 8252 Air#13593
1982 24'Motorhome (82Ste P)
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03-23-2008, 10:16 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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For example
Look at EBAY for a 68 Airstream for sale today. Looks great. BUT>>>>>>>>>>the ad says that the electrical systems has not been checked, (new converter?) lights unknown, 40 year old fridge is unknown, the AC worked at one time, furnace maybe, it will need propane system work for sure, and if you look close you will see that the living area has been removed, the water tank, pump and plumbing are missing....as are all the screens. Its been stored on checked tires for ten years and most assuredly needs axels. BUT......it looks pretty. Time, work and money will fix it up.
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03-24-2008, 10:48 AM
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#23
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Rivet Master
1974 31' Sovereign
1970 23' Safari
1956 26' Cruiser Overlander
Lambertville
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,174
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyPepper
How do I find someone to inspect it??
LucyP
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LP, you can go to the member map and find someone in the area of the trailer. Most of us will go inspect a trailer and then report back to you with unbiased findings.
__________________
Dave
TAC# MI-1
Operation "Save Rudy" Strike Team (charter member)
Yes, I am still working on it.
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03-24-2008, 10:52 AM
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#24
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drag'nwagon
LP, you can go to the member map and find someone in the area of the trailer. Most of us will go inspect a trailer and then report back to you with unbiased findings.
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There is also a thread somewhere in this forum (I can't seem to find it right now), which provides a list of folks who have volunteered to inspect Airstream's.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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03-24-2008, 11:23 AM
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#25
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,701
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Here's the volunteer inspector thread
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...tor-22956.html
Good luck if you decide to go for it!
Shari
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03-24-2008, 11:51 AM
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#26
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InsideOut
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Thanks Shari!
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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04-18-2008, 12:40 AM
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#27
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2 Rivet Member
1975 27' Overlander
Salt Lake City
, Utah
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 43
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So, we changed direction and now found a 67 Ambassador less than 5 miles away!! We are so excited and are going to check it out tomorrow. Any advice on this model or things to look for? I feel alot more informed about our purchase thanks to the forum and a little more time. The owner is selling it for a starting bid of $6,000. Think it's worth that? Can I PM you with more details? Thanks,
Lucy
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04-18-2008, 05:22 AM
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#28
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyPepper
...Any advice on this model or things to look for? ...
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Congrats on your find! Here is a good thread with information about things to look for when buying a pre-owned trailer.
Let us know how you make out.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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04-18-2008, 12:26 PM
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#29
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1982 24' Airstream 240
Ventura
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,645
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Rotten floor and axles
Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyPepper
So, we changed direction and now found a 67 Ambassador less than 5 miles away!! We are so excited and are going to check it out tomorrow. Any advice on this model or things to look for? I feel alot more informed about our purchase thanks to the forum and a little more time. The owner is selling it for a starting bid of $6,000. Think it's worth that? Can I PM you with more details? Thanks,
Lucy
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I hate to sound like a broken record but the integrity of the trailer depends upon the floor being sound in the rear. Because of the age of the trailer it is possible that the water heater may have leaked and the floor could be rotten. Please see if you can find an inspector in your area to check for this. It is not an inexpensive repair because the bathroom might have to be removed to replace the floor...... Hope it works out for you.....oh, yes, and then check the axles......Hope to see you on the road. pj
__________________
Paula & Ed
WBCCI # 8252 Air#13593
1982 24'Motorhome (82Ste P)
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04-18-2008, 04:05 PM
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#30
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Rivet Master
1967 28' Ambassador
1963 19' Globetrotter
1970 29' Ambassador
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyPepper
So, we changed direction and now found a 67 Ambassador less than 5 miles away!!
Lucy
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Lucy,
Is this the trailer you are looking at?
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04-18-2008, 04:17 PM
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#31
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Rivet Master
1969 23' Safari
New Orleans
, Louisiana
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 699
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there is NO substitute for a complete inspection by someone with a lot of experience owning and/or renovating airstreams... I did the "fools rush in" thing and came out OK (bath floor replacement..HUGE JOB...probably axle one day...new furnace..) but never take any owner's word for anything..sorry if that sounds harsh but it's human nature for the seller to think: "this is a great trailer "everything" works" and for the reality to be not even close to that...remember "caveat emptor" from Latin class?
take your time..try to get an experienced inspector (tip them 50 bucks if necessary...not pay, tip) worth way more in pain avoided...
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04-18-2008, 05:19 PM
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#32
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,701
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caveat emptor
Quote:
Originally Posted by byamcaravanner
Lucy,
Is this the trailer you are looking at?
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If so...I would really check it out. The seller seems to have glossed over some details like the weight they listed as 2800lbs is actually more in the neighborhood of 4470lbs. That misinformation along with a lack of exterior photos and negative feedback after only 7 transactions, would make me a leery bidder ~ I would DEFINITELY go check it out before bidding.
Seems to me if I were trying to sell an Airstream for $6000+ (top dollar for the condition) I would give as much information as possible to the potential buyers to help make their decision rather than a short little blurb with misinformation. You are fortunate you are nearby...that advantage of that. It could be a diamond in the rough or ?????
Shari
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