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utee94 · 03-03-2009, 11:07 AM

Steph,

Before I found the one I settled on, I was considering a very cool '58 Overlander with no title, and the idea of a mechanic's lien or other types of liens came up. I think it's a workable solution, as long as you absolutely trust the person who is helping you. Because in reality, the second he gets the title in his hand, HE owns the trailer, and it will be up to his goodwill to "sell" the trailer back to you at your agreed-upon price of his fee. But if he's a good friend, then you should be all set.

Definitely read through the major renovations, I find them to be incredibly inspiring, and they will give you a good idea of what you are in for. It can be daunting, but keep in mind that many of the people who have done the major renovations, are not car mechanics or carpenters or welders or anything else that might give them a huge advantage. Many are just oridnary folks who have a vision and follow it through.

I am deep in the midst of a frame-up restoration on my trailer, and I read each and every one of those Major Renovation threads at least once every couple of months, and some every few weeks. I learn something new every time I read through them, because my perspective changes as I complete one project and move on to the next. Feel free to read my blog, linked in my signature below, and ask me if you have any questions.

As for your question, I don't want to venture a guess as to what you might have paid, but I will point out a link that gives you some national average prices versus condition. Yours will definitely fall into the "as-found" condition, so take a look and you'll have at least one view of the "Answer" you are seeking.

And, don't feel too bad if you paid more. I can tell you that in my Search and research, I found that the prices in Texas were running as much as 40% over the national averages.

Here's the link:

Price vs. Condition - Airstream Values

Good luck!
-Marcus

Elephant · 03-03-2009, 11:32 AM

Marcus. You rock. plain and simple.

That is a great link and now I feel ok. I am in the range for 'as found'.. so I can live with it and sleep at night. LOL.. I like the price/cost estimations too.

I am headed to check your blog now.

Thanks for all the info and link and basic support. Means a lot.
S

Oh and also, I trust my guy a ton. I know a lot of people here as I have been here all my life. He's a good guy and does what he says, so I feel ok. Plus, even if it cost me a couple hundred bucks, it will be worth it to get a title.

Elephant · 03-03-2009, 11:37 AM

Vhord,

Yep.. that is exactly what it looks like he did. Here comes the learning curve!
So am I going to have to remove the shell? Can I secure this from below with additional lumber? Or best just to take it all apart and fix it proper?

Whoo hoo! This is gonna get big! Exciting and intimidating all at once! Hoo hoo!

vhord · 03-03-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elephant

Vhord,

Yep.. that is exactly what it looks like he did. Here comes the learning curve!
So am I going to have to remove the shell? Can I secure this from below with additional lumber? Or best just to take it all apart and fix it proper?

Whoo hoo! This is gonna get big! Exciting and intimidating all at once! Hoo hoo!

Steph,

You first need to make a closer inspection to see exactly how they did it. It doesn't look like the belly pan is on so you should be able to accomplish this from underneath. The subfloor should run from side to side (and end to end) and extend to the outside edge of the trailer. I suspect you will find that they butted it up to the inside wall. In that case you have lost a lot of structural strength and it should be replaced. It is kind of difficult to see from just the one picture.

The subfloor can be replaced without removing the shell depending on what shape the frame is in. I did it that way as have many others.

Let us know what you find.

Bearstream1 · 03-03-2009, 12:40 PM

Hey there, I'm in Waco and have owned my trailer for about 3 months now. We've been having a great time with it, you will too. Central Texas is a great place to own an Airstream as there are plenty of opportunities for easy camping and the market is strong should you ever decide to sell.

I don't know if it is appropriate to ask but I'm intrigued to know exactly how cheap a trailer in this condition with no title goes for?
a. 0-1000
b. 1-2000
c. 2-3000
d. >3k

No worries if you don't want to answer. Good luck and keep us posted.

Elephant · 03-03-2009, 12:54 PM

Thanks Vernon! I will check it out when we head out there next. You guys give good info and fast! I will post more when I get a chance. Pics too.

Bear, thanks for the post.

My answer is "B" and I feel ok about it. I think it is more than we expected to do, but that's ok... I am sure we will learn a ton! I am really getting pumped up after finding this great site. I am learning so much already. Heck.. the NEXT ONE will be a breeze!

Bearstream1 · 03-03-2009, 01:23 PM

I think you got it for a fair price. I'll have to drive down for a mountain bike ride and a massage in the trailer when you're finished.

pablo · 03-03-2009, 02:23 PM

Just wanted to say hey from S.A. Town...it looks like you found the right place.

have fun with it.

Pablo

Elephant · 03-03-2009, 04:28 PM

Thanks everyone. You guys have done a bang up job at making a new girl feel really welcome! I am so glad I found you all.. I am really inspired to make this into something great. Holy cow... I just saw the safari renovation by was it Carlos?? WOW....

VERY Inspiring!

utee94 · 03-03-2009, 05:47 PM

Carlos Ferguson's Sarari renovation is exceptional, definitely one of my favorites. As you read through those major renovations, you'll continue to be impressed. Lots of bright minds on this forum.

As you begin your own renovation, you will find that you are limited only by your imagination.

Oh yeah, and your wallet!

-Marcus

VIKING · 03-03-2009, 05:57 PM

Welcome Steph, It's good to have you aboard!
I started on my renovation very recently, and it's easier than I thought it would be so far.
Don't be discouraged if you have to go a few steps back to get rid of the POs "repairs". It's not unusual at all for strange things to be found as you learn what it's supposed to look like.
I've had mine for about five months now. We took it on one shakedown trip to see what it's like and now it looks like this inside!
I'm learning a lot from this site and finding inspiration from the great folks here also. I hope you have the same or better experience too.

Congratulations on your find! Rich

Elephant · 03-04-2009, 05:11 AM

YIKES!! Now that's what I call a SHAKEDOWN!! LOL...
Thanks for the welcome Viking!

juel · 03-04-2009, 05:34 AM

You may be able to get a Title for your trailer from another state if you have friends in a state that doesn't put you through what Texas does. In Oklahoma you can get a title on a trailer with just a Bill of Sale. I know because I have done it myself. Some states don't even accept titles from vintage trailers. As I said, Texas is an extremely hard state to get a title on a trailer if you don't already have one. There are independent services that will work to get you a title; however, they do charge for it. Getting the title for my old 56 Airstream took about 3 weeks and cost me about $30.00. The tag agency did have to see the trailer to inspect the VIN number before I got a title in hand, but the trailer was registered in the state before that. Oklahoma just won't give you a paper title until they walk outside the tag agency and see that you actually have the trailer and the VIN number is the same as on the Bill of Sale. Hope this may help you in getting your trailer "legal" and on the road.