Can anyone help me figure out the year of this camper?

[backcountry]

I'm looking to buy this camper but it has no title and I'm not sure the year. I would love some expert opinions.

Thanks

[Overlander & Sea]

It looks like a 1955 Safari

1955 Safari 22' - Vintage Airstream

Check out the photos and VIN on this link to vintageairstream.com

[reinergirl]

I would concur with above. That's pretty extensive endcap damage $$$$$ .... Hope the price is commiserate

[backcountry]

That's the one. Thanks Rick! It even has the same clock on the wall. Now the big question is what is something like this worth. It's not in too bad of shape. He backed into the front roadside and put a small hole in the skin. It's been sitting for quite a few years but I see some real potential in this thing.

[reinergirl]

Although the endcaps were fabricated from flat sheets ....so if you are handy with a buck rivet gun it is a DIY job. Value is dependent on the originality of the interior....and what your plans are for the trailer?

[backcountry]

It sure looks like it's pretty original to me. They did put an air conditioner under the table but everything else looks original. I'm not sure if any of it works.

I would love to eventually restore it completely but for now I would like to make is good enough to take the family camping.

The other issue is the fact that there is no title. I'm not sure how hard it is to get one.

[reinergirl]

The title all depends on your state laws, here in nh I only need bill of sale but I understand it can be very difficult in other states, Depending on the price it might be worth the trouble ....

[awryawry]

Here in CO, I had to obtain title for a sob purchased from the estate of a woman deceased. Regrettably, her son also passed. DMV required that I send registered letters to both deceased individuals asking if they were really dead. When returned as undeliverable, that was sufficient. No joke!

wry

[cwf]

Go ask your local title folks. Be exceptionally nice they might help.

Here in Texas they even did title search for free to ensure no liens, theft, etc..

[backcountry]

I spoke with the treasures office. It sounds like you have to give them your first born for a title but it can be done.

The gentleman who owns it doesn't know what its worth either but said to make on offer that I think is fair. I don't want to over pay but I also don't want to offend him. Does anyone know what a fair price would be for a "as found" 55 Safari?

[DKB_SATX]

The following link is to a useful site compiled by a disinterested 3rd party, so it may be helpful in setting a starting point for the negotiation.

Price vs. condition

[backcountry]

One more question for you guys. Am I correct in saying the number on the plate by the door is actually the vin on pre-60s airstreams?

Thanks for all the good info so far!

[BIGED52]

The plate to the right of the door does contain the Vin # and much more info. If you post the whole number sequence here someone can tell you exactly what it reveals about your found trailer. Ed

[NJtoNC]

neat trailer. while the end cap does consist of flat panels, the edge is rolled. perhaps a machine shop can fabricate new ones. i'd be thrilled if i got it for 1200. but i could imagine folks paying up to 3k; it's short and old and original. what more could you want?

my approach would be as follows " sir, i think this trailer is really neat, but i see how much work has to be done. would you consider $1,000? I have cash and can tow it away right now." (be prepared to pay cash , as much as you are willing to spend. you cant go over if you dont have the cash!) and bring temp tow lights, 2 spare tires mounted on the correct wheels (depending on how far you are traveling) , hitch, 2" ball, and a few other things (search "recover mission" ).

[backcountry]

Well... I'm proud to announce that I am a proud owner of a 1955 Safari 22! Now the real work begins. Thanks for all the help so far. I'm sure I will have half a million questions before I'm done fixing it up.

[Becky B.]

Congrats! Have a great time with your project!

[rumrunner]

Welcome to the 55 club
there are quite a few of us here, and frankly most of us started out with units much rougher than that on the inside. Take some time to evaluate thoroughly before planning your restoration. Might even be some streamers in your area willing to help inspect etc for the price of barbecue and beer.
take lots of pictures and copious notes, you will be very glad you did later.
tim

[backcountry]

Originally Posted by Overlander & Sea

It looks like a 1955 Safari

1955 Safari 22' - Vintage Airstream

Check out the photos and VIN on this link to vintageairstream.com

It turns out the reason my camper looks so much like the link you posted is because it is the same camper! I noticed it tonight while I was doing research. Vintage Airstream says it was restored by Ray Plumlee. I would love to pick his brain about the camper. Thanks again for posting the link!

[Abe-1974]

Good Day All
Im brand new to the Airstrem world, Im currentley starting to restore on a 1974 safari 24' and strated in the front by rehabing the original "wing Windows" took to a local glass shop to get them redone. well they lost a peace of the wing window and i am trying to find 2ea used or new comp alu frames for both sides No Glass needed. any one have a direction they could point me into
Thank you.

[MattB]

Pat,

If you are trying to license without any paperwork, or previous license plate, you will need to call the state DMV in Pierre to do a search for the vin nationwide. It will take a few days (four or five in my case).

I am a Belle native and still license my vehicles there. I bought a '55 FC last year, also without paperwork, and the ladies at the courthouse could not do much for me. They have taken care of everything else for me over the phone for 20 years, but building a new title they couldn't do. If it was previously registered in SD, the state office will be able to track it down, and you may have to untangle it with the previous owner.

PM me or email if you need anything else, but fear not, others have covered this path in your neck of the woods before.

Matt