Newbie

[mrflegel]

Hi all:
Just wanted to introduce myself, and let you know what a great forum you have here. My origional plan was to find a airstream to make the great american road trip this coming summer. Have been looking for a stream to rehab that would make the trip without much success. I finaly found one to look at, it was in sad shape. Half a bumper with damage to the curb side rear pannel , was a cool 70 model tradewind with the dinette rear bath etc. It also had some interior electrical and water leak issues etc. Some kid also applied a rock to the front curved glass corner window. I realy wanted to rescue the coach, but all I was seeing was dollar signs to get it in usable condition. The owner and I could not come to agreement on the price. They came down a lot but with the work and parts needed it wasnt enough.
Thanks to this forum I was able to keep my enthusiam in check and the cash in my wallet for a unit that will eventualy come along soon I can hope.
Thanks for having such a great tool for all to view and eventualy join.
Mike in Alabama

[Carlita]

Welcome Mike! Sounds to me like you know what you want and you're headed in the right direction. Towards your dreams! I agree with you about this site. It's full of fun and very wise fellow Airstreamers who have a wealth of information to share. I wish you the best Mike! Take care and hope to see you out there on the road to discovery. Ciao!

~Cari~

[Zeppelinium]

Welcome. Be careful of that first one, it can infect you.

For a newbie, I think the most important consideration is getting a shell in good shape. You can tackle almost anything else with local tradesmen, eg, welding, electrical, plumbing, cabinets.

Good luck on your search.
Zep

[tinman54]

Good luck hunting, the right one is out there! Its hard to stop once you start, nice to have a couple to pick from, aluminum is good. We haven't even camped in ours yet but soon but have enjoyed most everything in getting her ready! Hold out for what you want.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Mike,

Just make sure you visit the classified section on a
regular basis....a great resource and it's FUN!!!.

Remember there may be a member in your area that would be willing to help with an inspection....just ask.

Sweet Streams...

Bob

[Splitrock]

I was going to buy a newer, ready to use, wood frame camper and take a trip in 2010, but instead I bought an Airstream that needed "some" work. I still haven't taken the trip and I still haven't got the "some" work done on the Airstream. The Airstream has cost me more than a new wood frame travel trailer would have cost, and I'm not finished.

[Dan@LED4RV]

Another thing to keep in mind when you find one you like, copper water lines can be pricy to get repaired. If your going to do it yourself it can be a pain. Put water on any unit you consider. Also, for other repairs Out-of-Doors Mart lots of parts on-line so you can figure out if the parts are available. Inland RV also has many very hard parts to find. Knowing these resources and that water leaks can be pricy may help you decide what your will to give.

[mrflegel]

Thank you all for the encouragement. I think I am prepared to take on the rehab of a unit. Or i have friends that could help with welding or other things I dont think my skill levels are quite up to. I am a horticulturist, thus I have to do many things with my job, plumming, 12 volt lighting, etc. that have nothing to do with plants to complete the job.
The thing that through me on the unit I looked at was the small dent described in the add. Then showing up and the bumper is broken off and the rear pannels are riped open and ugly patched. Knew I was in trouble before I looked on line for the price of the replacement pannels and the window. It seems that there should be a great opportunity for a bone yard of these things.
At least I knew enough to walk away and price things before I opend my mouth which was hard. Thank you again for this forum! I stoped looking for things to fix on the unit and said would call which I did with a offer too low for them to take. Way it goes sometimes.
Thanks again for the encouragement.
mike

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by Dan@LED4RV

Another thing to keep in mind when you find one you like, copper water lines can be pricy to get repaired. ...

They are almost always frozen, so the pipe diameters are off, even if they are not split. This makes the whole system unrepairable. Go for PEX.

Zep