Greetings Misty!
Welcome to the Forums and the world of Airstreams!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Misty
Hello everyone!
I just registered today and am excited to have found this website. Thank you for all the great info available here.
I am looking to buy a 20 - 27 foot long vintage airstream (1950-1970s) that has been either fully or partially renovated.
I want to use this as my part time home in California (bay area).
Here are a few questions I have:
1) Just how rare are these types of trailers? Does it take years usually to locate on that is in decent condition for the right price?
|
There isn't one answer to this particular question. You are located in one of the "active" Airstream markets where you are likely to see a wider variety of coaches for sale. The determining factors will be based upon your expectations and available budget. You are likely to find the 1970s models to be the most plentiful followed by the 1960s and then the 1950s.
With the model years that you are considering, you will find that there are a number of comparatively unique "eras" within your range. Some of the 1950s models may not have any waste holding tanks while those Airstreams produced in 1974 and later will have both blackwater and graywater tanks as well as the fresh water tank. Coaches built in
1964 and earlier will have jalousie windows beside the entry door with the entry door being the door-within-a-door type of entry. By the early 1970s, the Airstream interiors were typified by plastic laminates while prior to 1969, the interiors were varying species of quality plywood veneers. As you explore, you may find that you want to focus upon one era and size/floorplan which could influence the length of your search process.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Misty
2) How do I find an expert to help me in the inspection process?
|
There are a number of routes that you can follow. One of the easiest may be to check the list of volunteer inspectors here on the Forums (see the Forums homepage right-hand column for the link). It is also possible to hire an RV Technician to provide an inspection, but it can be difficult to find one with specific experience and knowledge of Airstreams outside of an Airstream dealership or authorized repair center.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Misty
3) Is it worth the additional cost to just hire an Airstream Renovation person and avoid the work myself?
|
This is a question that only you can answer. If you are adventurous, and have confidence in your ability to master tools, you can likely tackle many rennovations projects yourself. As something of a klutz with tools, I chose to hire profssionals to do most of the rennovations on my coaches . . . even using professionals, I still have spent less on my Overlander than I would have paid for a brand new Airstream of similar size.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Misty
4) Are there books written on this subject of Vintage Airstream purchasing and ownership?
|
There are a number of books on Vintage Airstreams, not necessarily on purchasing and ownership, but several that will supply pointers on ownership and use. Try searching the Forums (the custom Google search usually returns the best results) "Airstream Reading", and you will find several threads discussing a variety of books on the topic of Airstreams and Airstreaming.
Good luck with your investigation and search!
Kevin
Linear Mode
