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davidachoi · 01-09-2008, 06:41 PM

Hello, everyone. I just found this site this week and I'm currently shopping for my first AS or Argosys. I've located a few in the area, but I'm most afraid of finding something that I have to put a lot of $$ in to make functional and re-sellable if I don't like the hobby. This site has been incredibly informative so far as I peruse all the message boards. I'm learning a lot about trailering and about A/S. Thank you.

One question I have for everyone is: Is an Argosys considered and Airstream? And if anyone has any suggestions to me, that might help me in my search, that would be great. My budget for my entry level trailer is $5,000. I hope I can find a 1968 or older A/S or Argosys 24' or smaller, fully functional (meaning all appliances, plumbing, electrical, and axles are in good working oreder). The upholstery I plan to change no matter what so I can clean those things up. Thanks everyone for your time.

David (in Pomona, CA)

juel · 01-09-2008, 06:59 PM

Yes, an Argosy is an Airstream. They were made lighter and with some new innovations that Airstream wanted to try out before putting in the silver Airstreams. Argosy was made only for about 10 years, except for the Squarestreams in the 80's, that did not really look like Airstreams. I have both the Argosy and the Airstream and one is not better than the other. Actually if you have had one of either trailer, the other will look very familiar. You should be able to find a good vintage trailer for $5,000.00, but you should see the trailer in person or have someone here inspect it for you, and probably not pay that much for one unless it has been well restored or upgraded. Ask for inspection help. Checking these units out can be tricky if you don't know what you're looking at. You may find a 20, 22 or 24ft Argosy costs less than you have to spend; however, you will surely use the left over money on upgrades. Shop around until you find a good trailer at a good price. There is an Argosy in the classifieds now from Richard, who is an honest forum member and will tell you the truth about the condition of what he's selling. I had to travel more than 1000 miles for both my trailers, so don't limit yourself to buying only what's close to you. Good luck.

soldiermedic · 01-09-2008, 07:05 PM

Welcome to the forums, and good luck in the search.

Steve

Sugarfoot · 01-09-2008, 07:19 PM

Hi David and welcome to the forums. You are being smart to educate yourself before buying a vintage coach. This is a great place to start. Click Forum Listings and you'll find a list of all the subforums. Down the page you will find links to subforums for most models of Airstreams including the vintage ones. Another is the Vintage Airstream Podcast. If you can listen to the Episode 1, you will get a few pointers on things to look for when evaluating vintage. You will probably find some other episodes useful as well.

KeithC · 01-09-2008, 07:28 PM

Davidachol,

Welcome to the best Vintage Airstream Web site. Of course you are an Airstreamer, any product manufactured by Airstream qualifies. We welcome them all. We are glad to have you here.

Please take a few minutes to explore the archives. Almost every question you ever had will have been explained in detail in the archives.

CaddyGrn · 01-09-2008, 08:03 PM

Welcome to the forums!

Airstreams are the greatest! So, if you are new to camping/trailering it is a great place to start. Of course we all love aluminum, but the best thing is the great folks you will meet! You are at a good time of year to be looking for a good price, quite a few on the market. Do your homework, look everywhere and compare price with size, year, and functions. Check out the rally calendar, although there aren't many in the dead of winter, in SoCal there should be... you can attend a rally and talk to "real Airstream owners" and get their take on what is a good thing... you can also often get a chance to take a look inside and ask all those newby questions!

In addition, post questions here... they will be answered! Here is a good thread on what to think about when shopping for an Airsteam! http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...eam-22920.html Be sure you have a tow vehicle that can do the job you need for safety!

Good luck, and have fun! Happy trails!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson

**moosetags** · 01-09-2008, 08:05 PM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. You're on the right track. Good luck in your search.

davidachoi · 01-10-2008, 12:49 AM

Thank you for the warm welcome. Even the "go to" information was helpful. I've been reading many of the bulletins and they are so informative. Thank you all. I'll keep searching. I've really narrowed my search to A/S in the '60s, the smaller, the better, but also more expensive, so it'll probably be a Safari or Overlander. Does anyone have any idea how much it costs for a polish? It seems like I'm getting estimates all over the board. I've heard as low as $1000 for 22 feet, to $6,000 for the same thing. The $6,000 estimate was to remove parts, like runners and lights to polish. The $1,000 was to just polish. Does it make a big difference? I was just curious since I'm looking at A/S to purchase, I should deduct that from my purchase price. Thanks.

klattu · 01-10-2008, 01:29 AM

DIY Airstream polishing kits on ebay for $100
You supply power tool, like polisher.

juel · 01-10-2008, 06:24 AM

Just remember, you don't have to polish the cute Argosy. You may have to paint or touch-up paint it, but that's a snap compared to polishing those silver bullets.

CaddyGrn · 01-11-2008, 06:05 PM

One doesn't need to polish their Airstream... we prefer the Airstream Pattern Baldness look ours is sporting!

I would work on safety issues first, looks later. Be sure all equipment is in good order... especially for a long trip. Road grime will mess up your new shine anyway... go out and have fun! Don't worry about being too shiny! It might keep you from heading down a different road...

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson)

nilesrob · 01-11-2008, 07:27 PM

We just cam back from a rally (Can Opener) on the Floria panhandle, and there were 3-4 Argosy's in our group - and they were really cool!

Good hunting - and welcome to the Forums!

ROBERT CROSS · 01-12-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaddyGrn

One doesn't need to polish their Airstream... we prefer the Airstream Pattern Baldness look ours is sporting!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson)

Polishing is just an option....Safety and condition paramount!!!

davidachoi · 01-13-2008, 02:34 AM

I went to The Polishing Guru in Riverside, CA and I picked out a 1976 27' Overlander. It's in the process of being renovated completely, including the polish and Barry (the owner) said all safety mechanisms and appliances were fully functional (except maybe the a/c). I put half down today, and he'll have the renovation work completed in three to four weeks. I think it was a bit large, since I've never towed anything bigger than a 6' X 12' Uhaul trailer.

But I am excited about the adventures to come. It probably will get dirty, but the girlfriend likes the curb-appeal of the polished exterior. I wish I could have gotten something a little smaller, but the prices of the smaller ones were more than the larger ones and the condition poorer. I guess I'll get a larger one. I shopped around a bit and it seems like this was the best deal around me.

Anybody know much about wood floors? Barry is putting in wood floors. It's kind of neat, I think. I will post pictures once I get the trailer.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-13-2008, 04:51 AM

GOTCHA!!

juel · 01-13-2008, 10:08 AM

How exciting. You'll love the extra room, and it will not be much different from towing something shorter. May even be easier with the double axel. We put wood floors in our Argosy.

davidachoi · 01-13-2008, 12:14 PM

Wow, Juel. Nice floors and cabinets. I am having buyers remorse right now. I think it's because I went way over my budget and I bought an A/S that was a bit bigger than I had originally planned. I had originally thought of buying something like a safari in the low 20 foot range. But I couldn't find one in good working order that was well maintained, and purrty. I'm okay with it. I think I'm just a little worried since it's my first one and I don't know exactly what I needed. I just know that the one I got will be pretty immaculate when finished since it will be done up (I hope). I think we all get a little nervous after making large purchases on such customized items. Plus, I got into a little discussion with the girlfriend about my spending habits. She thinks my water flows too freely. This is actually a good step for the both of us since it will help make us or break us before we move forward with more forever plans.