New from Louisiana

[mc1960]

Hi all, well its been 10 years since our last camper got tore up during Katrina, we have been thinking about getting another one, its just me and the wife may take a granddaughter with us sometimes. I have been thinking about getting an older airstream. I have more time and talent than money, while looking at the vintage classifieds I notice prices from 3000/60000, could someone give me some guidance on what I should look for and expect to pay? I am thinking if the exterior is good, I can redo the interior. Thanks for any guidance you can give. Mark

[AWCHIEF]

Welcome, Depends on what you are looking for, size, condition, layout, year, location, etc. Start by reviewing the different sections here, classifieds and visiting Airstream rallies and dealership to get an idea of what may be available. Price? What ever the market will handle and people are willing to pay.

[Rich W]

Hello MC and welcome to the forums. Greetings from central Kentucky.

On buying the AS, set yourself a limit on what you're willing/able to spend, then go shopping. Do some comparison shopping on the airforums classified site. That's where we found Dora.

Prices will vary by size, age and desirability of the Airstream. Some are more collectable, so they will fetch a good price regardless of their condition, kind of like a '57 Chevy.

If you're thinking of doing the restoration yourself, you want to make sure to look at the mechanical things, like axles, no heavy frame rust and water damage that would require you to remove the shell. That is, unless you have the shop and skillset to do that kind of work.

There is a lot of information in here. Check out the restoration forum section for more information and advice.

[cwf]

Welcome aboard!

There are so many variables... Size, weight, age, condition exterior/interior, goal of 'camping'...?

Campers which have 'lived' on the coast.. or lots of rain.... without proper maintenance... can rot the floors and the trailer frame/outriggers. Have a look around some of the rebuild threads... search for 'shell off' .. where you remove the whole aluminum top after gutting the AS... you can then rebuild the trailer 'sub frame', outriggers, etc.. then replace the flooring, shell, then rebuild the interior..

check PMs.

[nrgtrakr]

Welcome!
The main things that we looked at or considered might need replacing when we bought our 75 Overlander 27' were -
Furnace
AC
Range
Fridge
Water heater
Plumbing
Battery and charger
Axles
Tires
Subfloor
Ours did not require too much work - the subfloor is okay and all appliances (except the furnace which is good) are newer. After intial cost, all repairs and replacements we have less in it than a new and much smaller plain white box.