Found a 1972 Cayo (Avion) C-11

[bobzdar]

I found a remarkably complete Cayo C-11 - only thing that appears to be missing is the plastic external shroud for the a/c unit (looks to have been broken off as pieces are still there).

Externally it's in good shape, no broken windows or missing doors/covers with exception of a dent in the upper front corner of the sleeper that would need to be repaired and a broken door handle; the knob is still there, but the striker isn't. Interior everything appears to be there, bathroom fixtures, lights etc. but the floor is shot near the bathroom (bathroom flooded according to owner) and I can tell the wings are shot as well due to some bowing where the P/S jack is.

So, good news is everything there, bad news is the interior would have to be gutted, floor (looks like just the rear) and wings would have to be replaced and then interior cleaned/refinished and installed. I also have no idea if any of the appliances work but it appears there are reasonable replacements for them if they don't.

Question is, what would something like this be worth, both in current condition and in camp-able (ie everything working) condition? I can get it for $500, which on the face of it seems pretty good given it's all there. What would be best value wise: original, or new more modern finishes? I went that 2nd route with my '67 airstream keeping the original pieces where possible but with different colors and finishes and am very happy with it, but given I don't know that I'd keep this when done, what would be best value wise? I'm thinking it would be worth $3k ish if in good camping condition and $5kish if completely refinished. I've looked through a lot of restos on these and they seem fairly easy as the shell doesn't need to be removed, unlike an AS. The main attraction for me is that everything is there and other than the one spot of damage, remarkably clean outside.

[xrvr]

500 dollars is a steal.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by avionstream

500 dollars is a steal.

Ditto.

[AldeanFan]

If I was closer I'd buy it for that!

[Jim & Susan]

OH YEAH, baby! Hand 'em 5 crisp C-notes and run before they figure what a gem they are letting go. I would love to find one of these in that shape.

As far as "how" to restore? Make it your own. We never worried about resale value. Hopefully, the kids will inherit our '73 some day. We never intend to sell it.

Enjoy!

Jim

[Sovereign25]

You’ll need at least a ¾ ton long bed truck.

$500 is a great price. Most of the ones that I see are priced from $1250 – 3500. When you’re done, it should be worth between $3500 – 5K… but the cool factor will be a lot higher.
While I have no direct experience with Cayos, one thing to check is the width across the back where it slides in at the tailgate. Newer trucks have narrower tailgate openings and older slide-ins can be too wide to fit without modification. I found that out when I bought my 1978 Alaskan (in Richmond). The Alaskan was 64” wide behind the wheel wells and my tailgate opening was only 61”. Some sawzall action and later repair was required, but the end results can be worth the effort.
Bob

[bobzdar]

That's a beautiful interior on that camper!

This doesn't slide all the way in like yours as it has the overhang. Looking underneath it's 4' wide all the way to around 8' in length, then has a 30" overhang.

Problem is I have a half ton 6'5" bed, so I'm probably going to borrow a 5x10 utility trailer to get it home. Not sure what I'll end up doing with it once it's fixed, but I have a few ideas.

[bobzdar]

That's a beautiful interior!

I don't think I'll have an issue with the width, it's 4' wide all the way to the overhang (which starts at 8') which hangs out around 30" past the end of the bed.

Problem is I have a half ton 6'5" bed truck, so will probably borrow a 5x10 utility trailer to get it home.

Here's a pic of the worst of the exterior damage:

[m.hony]

You better go get that camper before I do!

[Bob Cooke]

I've got a 1966 Avion C-10 (same as yours) PD $2500 and had to do some work, floor etc. Ended up to be nice camper and very usable. Carry it on a Dodge 2500 D. Buy it and run. The Hut

[bobzdar]

Completed the deal today and will be picking it up in the next couple of weeks. First order of business will be to evaluate all of the appliances and then remove the interior to replace the floor and wings and go from there.

[Sovereign25]

Congratulations on your new camper! That cushion fabric is definitely 1972.

[PaulnGina]

Congratulations on your C11!

Which I had one in my back yard!

[Sovereign25]

I just saw this and thought that you would enjoy it...

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/50s-camper-restoration/#

[bobzdar]

Originally Posted by Sovereign25

I just saw this and thought that you would enjoy it...

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/50s-camper-restoration/#

Very cool!

I actually have a plan to use mine as a cabin in a treehouse set up in my back yard. The way I plan to build the platform I should be able to easily back up right to it and put the camper on the platform and use it as a very cool guest cabin with a deck that overlooks the valley below.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by bobzdar

Completed the deal today and will be picking it up in the next couple of weeks. First order of business will be to evaluate all of the appliances and then remove the interior to replace the floor and wings and go from there.

Hi Bob

Congratulations on your new Cayo!

I have had a C-11 for a number of years which is for the most part in unrestored, but carefully maintained, original condition. Send me a PM or email if you need advice, if you wish.

I may have some usable door latch parts left over from my own repairs. Not sure if it's what you need.

If you decide to repair the dent in front, I believe that the panels are still available from the Cayo brothers.

I ended up making extensive repairs to the plastic pieces in the bathroom. Be sure to save yours no matter how bad they look as it is easier to repair them than to find something else that will fit the space. I repaired the existing holding tank and added a greywater tank. I have some writeups and photos here on airforums that you can find if you search for my past posts.

As with Airstream restorations, in most cases it is best to keep the old interior and repair and refinish it, or at least use it as a pattern, as it is nearly impossible to improve upon the layout by much.

Best wishes for your project.

[bobzdar]

Thanks Jammer! I plan to keep all of the original pieces with some updated finishes on them. That's what I did in my airstream and it turned out really well.

I think one of the few changes I'll make is to add a grey water tank,seems to be a no brainer if I'm going to replace the floor anyway.

[bobzdar]

Well, got it home yesterday morning and spent the rest of the weekend replacing the left side wing as it was completely rotten and the jack was starting to buckle the body work, not to mention it almost fell over while we were loading it.

That repair went pretty well all things considered and I was able to unload it from the truck without fear of it falling over. The water was coming from the refrigerator vent as it was pretty beat up and not sealed. The sky light was also in pieces on the floor of the camper so the wood for the bed will obviously need to be replaced. I'm going to get everything sealed properly and then start working on the floor extension. The floor is remarkably solid except for the last two or so feet by the door, so once I get the fridge vent and skylight replaced,I'll start working in removing the rear skirt to assess how much needs to be replaced.

[AlinCal]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5987323675.html

[bobzdar]

That's...one way to do it I guess .

I found a '73 F350 super camper special locally, so may go check that out. It has an extra long wheel base (but same 8' bed) and a funky cabinet in the side of the bed that holds the spare. GVWR of 9900lbs, heavy duty frame, 390 motor and specifically designed to haul a slide in camper, so worth checking out at least as it would be close to perfect as a mate for the Cayo. I didn't even realize they existed until I saw the ad pop up.