Hello all,
I'm pretty good with google, but would like to know if there are some good websites/contacts that specialize in renovating and selling older units. Am tore between brand new and something more"classic" from someone that does very professional work.
I don't have the time or ability to do it myself. Any help on this would be appreciated along with ballpark dollars for something very nice in the 25-28 foot range.
Thanks to all of the vets around here.....I've learned so much in the past few months!!
Hello Bo -- Glad you're enjoying the Forums! There is no used Airstream dealership -- desirable units will be gone the instant they roll on the lot. There are classifieds here or at The Vintage Airstream Club. Craigslist finds are another possibility. Any used trailer could be a hanger queen -- watch out! Buying anything vintage is a crap shoot if you don't know exactly what you're doing.
Vintage units over 25 years old hold interest to some but they're almost always going to be a rebuild from the ground up. The guys at the Vintage Airstream Podcast routinely say that a total update to an old unit is about as expensive as a brand new Airstream (vintage usually means > 25 years old). Such units are valuable and may or may not be more cranky to deal with. You can make that last point about new units too I guess.
I don't think that dealing with a 10 or 15 year old Airstream will be easy for someone without the time or inclination. Could it take $5-10,000 to put a 1995 Airstream in order? Experiences are all over the board -- it could even run higher. Having a dealer address those issues or buying relatively new still means pulling out the checkbook.
How soon do you want to be rolling? Three years ago we made the choice to buy new and appreciate having the traveling bug any time we want. To see various aged Airstreams and talk to experienced owners, I'd say click on the Rally Calendar link overhead, bring a tent and sign up for a Forums rallies (only rule - bring a potluck item ).
Most professional renovators will customize vintage trailers specifically for their clients. There aren't many that do renovations in a speculative manner. Usually you bring an old trailer in need of work to them, give them lots & lots of money and it comes out as good or better than new - customized just for you. Sometimes, the costs can rival the brand new, current model trailers. These don't often change hands once complete - if they do, they don't usually do so in public.
Some companies that specialize in this sort of work are:
Bo, buying a used trailer, be it restored or not is a crapshoot unless you do your homework. You've got lots of things to consider. For example you need to deal with structural intregaty. This includes conditions of the floor, sub floor, walls, windows, trailer frame and rooftop. You have considerations regarding the appliances used in the trailer. This includes heating, cooling, stove, refrigerator, microwave (if so equipped). Then you have infrastructure items such as wiring, electrical converter/charger, lighting, plumbing, holding tanks just to name some. Finally you have running gear items like tires, brakes, axles, wheel bearings to again name a few items.
Each of these systems need attention, maintenance and repair over time. So while a trailer may be very strong in some areas, you might find other areas lacking. Bottom line you need to develop a check list of items and go through the trailer with a fine tooth comb. If you don't feel qualified, then get a friend or other person with experience to help you check these things out. Consider warranties to protect against premature failures and understand that you may have to ask the seller to truly demonstate that things do work.
If the owner balks, then walk away. There's lots of fish in the sea and you will find another.
Regards,
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo. AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.
'03 GMC Savana 2500
'08 Vespa GTS 250
Bo, buying a used trailer, be it restored or not is a crapshoot unless you do your homework. You've got lots of things to consider. For example you need to deal with structural intregaty. This includes conditions of the floor, sub floor, walls, windows, trailer frame and rooftop. You have considerations regarding the appliances used in the trailer. This includes heating, cooling, stove, refrigerator, microwave (if so equipped). Then you have infrastructure items such as wiring, electrical converter/charger, lighting, plumbing, holding tanks just to name some. Finally you have running gear items like tires, brakes, axles, wheel bearings to again name a few items.
Each of these systems need attention, maintenance and repair over time. So while a trailer may be very strong in some areas, you might find other areas lacking. Bottom line you need to develop a check list of items and go through the trailer with a fine tooth comb. If you don't feel qualified, then get a friend or other person with experience to help you check these things out. Consider warranties to protect against premature failures and understand that you may have to ask the seller to truly demonstate that things do work.
If the owner balks, then walk away. There's lots of fish in the sea and you will find another.
Regards,
Jack
Amen. I couldn't have said it better myself......pj
__________________
Suite Spot
WBCCI # 22353 Air#13593
1968 28'Ambassador
Jack, good points in your message, especially if the owner balks comment.
But, I must add this observation.
My wife and I were selling our houseboat. We advertised it and had a lot of lookers. After awhile we realized we were just giving people who had no means to buy the boat or wanted to buy the boat, boat rides.
I started telling lookers if they wanted a ride, they would have to put up $50 for fuel. If they bought the boat, I would take that amount off the price. If they didn't buy the boat, they paid for a $50 boat ride.
Lots of lookers and the boat rides stopped. The first looker who agreed to the $50 bought the boat. He was moving up to a bigger boat and understood the cost of operating a boat.
Am tore between brand new and something more"classic" from someone that does very professional work.
If you are prepared to spend what a new one costs but would like the looks of a "classic" you are in a good position to get what you want. Most, if not all of these restorers will have or be able to help you find the correct trailer to be restored. It's unlikely you will find one that has been already completed since it generally costs more for these restorations than they can be sold for on the open market. This will be a labor of love for which you'll be willing to pay whatever it costs. Don't let this scare you off... if you are willing to spend the cost of a new one... you'll be in the ballpark. In the end you will have a trailer that can't be bought in any Airstream showroom and IMO worth every penny.
If you are prepared to spend what a new one costs but would like the looks of a "classic" you are in a good position to get what you want. Most, if not all of these restorers will have or be able to help you find the correct trailer to be restored. It's unlikely you will find one that has been already completed since it generally costs more for these restorations than they can be sold for on the open market. This will be a labor of love for which you'll be willing to pay whatever it costs. Don't let this scare you off... if you are willing to spend the cost of a new one... you'll be in the ballpark. In the end you will have a trailer that can't be bought in any Airstream showroom and IMO worth every penny.
Good Luck!
This is the route we have chosen and are just beginning. We have just purchased a 1968 28' Ambassador. Everything will be redone from the bottom up. We are very excited about this project. pj
__________________
Suite Spot
WBCCI # 22353 Air#13593
1968 28'Ambassador
Thanks to all,
Great info to ponder! Could someone please tell me why this did not turn up under new posts? Just opend my email and found your responses.
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