Banquets

[tradguy]

Im looking at a used Airstream that mentions "some of the interior banquets are missing". What exactly does this mean? Is this beauty going to fall apart the moment I buy it? Just looking for some opinions.
Thanks
Tradguy

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by tradguy

Im looking at a used Airstream that mentions "some of the interior banquets are missing". What exactly does this mean? Is this beauty going to fall apart the moment I buy it? Just looking for some opinions.
Thanks
Tradguy

I would guess they mean "dinette seating & table". No, it's not going to fall apart based on that...

You can always build new ones if you want...I did.

Do you have any pictures? They could help determine the condition...

Shari

[driftwood]

That unit is, at least, on its second round in Ebay. I have twice sent that question directly to the seller and have never received a response!

[tradguy]

Norm-- Any thoughts on why this unit isn't getting bids and hasn't sold before?

[driftwood]

tradguy,

I cannot tell you precisely why this unit is not selling, wish I could. If I could do that, then I could then also predict the stock market!

Since you asked, I will give you my personal observation and attitude toward the marketing aspects of the ad display.

1 - The interior is not original. Appears to have been painted. For most vintage buyers this is a huge negative.
2 - The seller is not responsive to questions, possibly discouraging bidders.
3 - The starting bid is too high, just about at what a high bid should reach if there was active - even agressive bidding.
4 - The airconditioner appears original. Replacement with a current model would incurr a cost to the average person of ~ $ 700.00+
5 - The "partial remodeling" of the interior stated in the ad is nebulous.

On the plus side though, the exterior skin does appear in good condition in the photographs presented.

Shari may have made a good call ... the interior 'banquets' most likely refer to the dining table or at least the multiple leaves one uses to extend the table top. There could also be more original 'furniture' missing.

Don't let me discourage you from buying and restoring a vintage unit. My life wouldn't be complete if I didn't have something that rolled-on-wheels to restore. Each individual has a different level of originality they strive toward. For some, this unit could be exactly what ther were looking for for years.

If your serious about buying, maybe you could get someone experienced in the Charleston, SC area to check it out for you. [ conduct a search for inspection volunteers] Or if it turns out to be a 'no-bid' then email the seller and ask try to cut a deal. Personally, I would have to inspect it 'hands on', others are not so prudent.

Good luck. If you buy this or another one, you will find this Forum an invaluable source of information on restoration experiences.

Regardless. the one thing I am confident in is that I will assure you any vintage unit you purchase is going to require a moderate to extensive amount of restorative work and expense. Therefore you must be prepared to invest sums over and above the purchase price.

[tradguy]

Dont have any pictures at present, but you can view it on ebay.
Thanks,
Phil