I have located a vintage Airstream...

[Inlikeflint]

So, I am a noob here, but I thought I would start in this thread since contemplating buying an Airstream.

I am not sure what to look out for or what to beware of when I go Airstream shopping, but I thouhgt I would ask some questions here amongst those who have already made the jump to travel trailer bliss.

I have to admit, this is sort of like a bad addiction that I have never tried. It's like I think I have to have this trailer even though I know that deep down that I have no idea what I am getting myself into.

Anyway, one of the threads that I have been following (that I am trying to find again.) is a guy who completely tore apart a 1963 Overlander. I found the thread because I am looking at a trailer almost identical to this one. His thread is like travel trailer porn which, is loaded up full of great blow by blow photos and good information.

I have found an early sixties Overlander that I have found locally that needs to be completely tore down and built back up because it has been sitting in a farm field with the door off and some windows broke out for a few years. The trailer still has a lot of appliances, but I am not sure if they work... I am sure that I am going to need new axles and tires... and the propane tanks are gone... and the floor is soft and spongy... They guy wants $1500.00 for it... He said something about the recycle value on Aluminum was $600.00 so I am guessing that I might be able to get it for $700.00 - $800.00 if the guy will flex. I have seen other trailers for $2000 to $4000 that look like they need little work, but they are not the older AS trailers either. (I don't live to far from the Airstream guy in Kansas City... so I have that option too.)

If you have some input or advise or would like to talk me out of this, please feel free to do so. I have the Tin Can Fever and I have a building with 13 foot ceilings and a 10 garage door ... ( I have it bad.)

[wkerfoot]

Was it this thread? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ler-11687.html

Bill

[loudruff]

If you have the patience, the money, the skills, and the time...go for it! This sounds like a really big project. Alot of folks have done it and this is definitely the place to come for advice and help!

[Wazbro]

If you get it make sure you get it registered before you start working on it.

It would be bad to work on it for a year spending thousands and find out you can't get the title.

[tlavergne]

Agree 100% with Loudruff. Lot of fun but a lot of work. You have to make sure you are up for it and have realistic expectations, i.e. time and money. Many projects get half done and sold for a loss when burnout hits. Make sure this is what you want to do, and if it is, go for it. Lots of help here. Saw a shell off restoration a few weeks ago that was beautiful and the the folks that did it were happy as clams with the results and to finally go camping in it.
Tom

[Inlikeflint]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Was it this thread? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ler-11687.html

Bill

Nope, that isn't the one, but I will be reading though that one tonight!!!
Thanks!

[Inlikeflint]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

If you get it make sure you get it registered before you start working on it.

It would be bad to work on it for a year spending thousands and find out you can't get the title.

YES! this one of the things I was worried about. If the guy does not have a title, I can still use a bill of sale to get a title... but I know with things like motorcycles, the DMV will confiscate the vehicle if it is on their "hot" list.

There is always a hassle somewhere, but the great thing about living a few miles from several state lines makes titling more flexible!!!

I am thinking I might visit the guy pick up the number and then call the DMV and ask them if they can look it up or something if the guy does not have the title.