Buying an AIRSTREAM w/ Body Damage?

[tendegrees]

Hi - I'm looking into buying an Airstream but am not sure about body damage. Can someone take a look at this and give me their opinion about the possibility of repair on damage like this? Otherwise, this airstream is in pretty good shape and going for $3500. THNX!

[Janet H]

Do you know how this damage happened?

[thecatsandi]

You need to find out how it happened. The wheel well dagage looks like a tire came off or shreded. The other who knows. It is expensive to replace those panels. get an estimate first if you are thining about repairing.

[CaddyGrn]

By all means ~ get an estimate! And follow up on Janet's suggestion...find out how it happened! Make sure everything under the floor (in the you-can't-see-it area) is okay! Compare the same model/make with others of similar years for price without damage.

Good luck.

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

[dwightdi]

Fixing it right will be quite a bit of money. It depends on how fussy you are and what you intend to use the trailer for. You could use aluminum duct tape and make it waterproof as it stands for no money and just use it as is. Not pretty but usable. Fixing it right would likely run over $1,000.

[jkcru]

With that amount of damage I belive panel replacement would exceed $3000.
I also belive a wheel came off.

[overlander63]

With all the damage, and the fact it is all on the right side, and down low, starting at the front, it looks like the trailer went into the ditch.

[azflycaster]

The front curbside wheel is missing the insert that covers the hub. This might be a clue. The wheel may have left the trailer and the cover was damaged or never seen again...

[InsideOut]

If it were me, I'd get an estimate on the repair and add that to the cost of the trailer - then decide if the total cost is "fair" and still "a really good deal". I defiantely would not leave it as is - way too much potential for water getting into the floor and causing bigger problems with rot & frame rust, especially in the humid south.

Based on the dimples in the first picture, it looks like someone already tried to pull the dent out or "make it better" - to no avail.

What model/year trailer is it? Looks to be pretty "late model" ~ my intial guess is you can do better for less hassle.

Shari

[Boondocker]

Looks like the perfect oportunity to keep shopping. There are lots of units out there without the traumatic history that this one seems to have had.

[safari57]

I can easily repair interior and mechanical components and even some body damage problems without issues about weather or usage or costs getting out of hand since I'm doing the work.

The problem with body damage of this nature is that if I want it done quickly, and properly, so I can use the trailer for camping, I have to farm it out and then I'm at the mercy of the repair facility. Some are outstanding and really take care of their clients and others are less committed to service excellence. Finding the right one, in your area, who can take it in and get it done in a time frame that you need, becomes a bunch of work right up front. With this kind of damage I can't help but wonder what else is damaged behind. There's a good chance that there are at least a "few" surprises that will add cost, time to repair, and make your purchase a burden rather than the exciting event it should be.

I'd be taking a pass on this one and continue my search. There's a reason it's a "good deal" up front. There are a lot of outstanding Airstreams for sale and you will find the one that fits your budget and needs.

Good luck with your search.

Barry

[urbanfood]

Originally Posted by safari57

I'd be taking a pass on this one and continue my search. There's a reason it's a "good deal" up front. There are a lot of outstanding Airstreams for sale and you will find the one that fits your budget and needs.

what barry said

[DesertDog]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Looks like the perfect oportunity to keep shopping. There are lots of units out there without the traumatic history that this one seems to have had.

This would be my advise also.
I looked at one that showed simillar damage and he had a tire come apart. I went inside, lifted the bunk on that side and I was looking at the ground. There was a 6in hole in the belly.

[LJH]

Keep lookin.

[richinny]

Originally Posted by DesertDog

This would be my advise also.
I looked at one that showed simillar damage and he had a tire come apart. I went inside, lifted the bunk on that side and I was looking at the ground. There was a 6in hole in the belly.

tire inspection hatch?

[brunoffrance]

look at that... Reapairing by replacement of two panels costed me ( ... hum... for the insurance...) 9000 Euros ( 1 Euro is $1,40 today).
AIRSTREAM, HARLEY-DAVIDSON and The American Dream in FRANCE.: 15 avril 2004

Buying an A/s $3500 and made repaired it after is really not a good deal.

Bruno

[Ron Schafer]

If you Have any mechanical ability and are not in a hurry you can purchase new parts from factory and install them your self. I have a 1978 31' Sovereign that was hit in the back end and made it a 29' trailer. I was able to repair it. I,m a very senor citizen.

It requires removing a lot of rivets and putting in new ones. I have all the information you need to do this and happy to pass it on by email or phone.