Learned something yesterday...

[CMSmith]

So, my wife and kids and I went out to look at a few older (70's) Airstreams to get an idea a out what we are looking for. What I learned is that my wife learned she does not want an older model to fix up. She doesn't like the smell, the look, or the feel. So, instead of looking for one to work on a bit while we use, I realize I need to find something done OR what I would prefer is one that has been gutted, floor/rot fixed and is an empty shell (tin tent) to camp in while we complete the rest.
So here is the question, what is the best way to go about finding an empty shell that has been repaired and ready to build out? Looking for a 27ish footer.

[TouringDan]

Collin

I'd say that you are looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Your best bet would be to find a good solid fixer upper in the year and length that you want and then have it gutted and repaired to the level that you want it so you can take over and finish it off.

Dan

[CMSmith]

That is what I was afraid of and expected.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Collin

That is what I was afraid of and expected.

Good luck in your search.

DW takes all the credit for our purchase of a new Classic in 2004, after 18 Seasons in a 63 22' Safari.

Remember......"she's not happy, 'til your not happy".

Bob

[wasagachris]

It's not too hard to find gutted units. There are plenty of folks who start a project like this. They tear it all down zealousy then loose steam once the real hard work starts and give up. Usually they have destroyed good parts in the process.
Finding a unit with the floor/frame repaired is much harder. I would want proof positive of the repairs done with photo documentation of it.
Be very wary of units with hardwood floors installed. I've seen plenty of new owners who discover that the beautiful hardwood floors are hiding severe sub floor rot.

[sandlapper]

Collin, the Region 3 Airstream Rally is just down the road from you at Ocean Lakes this April 22 - 29. Should be a hundred or more streams there, all years, lengths, models, etc. Usually there are some for sale. Might be a good place to start with some ideas. I will be there, let me know if I can help. John

[Aage]

I'm with Chris, there are lots of trailers where the owner had fun ripping everything out, but lost interest.

They even show up on our own Classifieds here! Check in from time to time, you will see one. In the meanwhile, read a few of the really long restoration threads, just to make sure that you feel up to the work...

[sandlapper]

Originally Posted by wasagachris

It's not too hard to find gutted units. There are plenty of folks who start a project like this. They tear it all down zealousy then loose steam once the real hard work starts and give up. Usually they have destroyed good parts in the process.
Finding a unit with the floor/frame repaired is much harder. I would want proof positive of the repairs done with photo documentation of it.
Be very wary of units with hardwood floors installed. I've seen plenty of new owners who discover that the beautiful hardwood floors are hiding severe sub floor rot.

Sad but true!

[CMSmith]

Thank you for all the input. And I do hope I can make the rally at Ocean Lakes.

[Mr.Bill]

I don't understand your post. If your wife doesn't like old trailers, why would she feel different about one that has been gutted? Sounds like what she wants is a brand-new trailer.

[Not Done]

If you buy a gutted trailer you may have trouble getting a particular piece of gut that you need for it later.

[CMSmith]

That question makes sense Mr. bill. What she has a problem with is going into a trailer and not wanting our kids to sit or touch on anything because it looks so gross. Looking through the current condition is difficult for her. Seeing an empty slate that gets to be finished out is not so difficult. Which leads me to my next question: I have seen several for sale that are "reconditioned", what does that usually include? Most listings say that it is still retro or vintage, but does it mean that the grossness and smell has been taken care of with no real repairs?

[xrvr]

If she doesn't want the kids to touch something in a used trailer, what is she going to do when you are camping. Campgrounds are not the cleanest places in the world. jim

[CMSmith]

In the last year, we have spent about 30 nights in our pop-up (purchased used) at state parks and campgrounds. God's dirt is very different than 25+ years of use and stains on carpet and upholstery, especially when those stains and things are not yours and from unknown origin.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I'm always a little wary of anything that smells of Mr Kleen...or dirty litter boxes.

Bob

[xrvr]

Dirt at campgrounds can have almost anything in it. Just read some of the posts here about gray and black water use or misuse. Dogs, children, stupid adults dump or put almost anything on the ground. Compound that with the campsite may be used by different people every night. jim

[wasagachris]

Originally Posted by Collin

That question makes sense Mr. bill. What she has a problem with is going into a trailer and not wanting our kids to sit or touch on anything because it looks so gross. Looking through the current condition is difficult for her. Seeing an empty slate that gets to be finished out is not so difficult. Which leads me to my next question: I have seen several for sale that are "reconditioned", what does that usually include? Most listings say that it is still retro or vintage, but does it mean that the grossness and smell has been taken care of with no real repairs?

You would have to look at each individual trailer to determine exactly what has been done. Like I said earlier make sure they can prove that the frame and floor have been repaired properly or at least inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Pictures of the repairs/inspection are proof positive.
If the trailer is a 1973 or older it did not come with grey waste water holding tank because in those days dumping grey water on the ground was acceptable. Not so today so look for one that has been retrofitted or be prepared to do the work yourself.
Most of the odor you can smell in older trailers is trapped in the "soft furnishings" like the drapes, upholstery and also in the insulation. Ask if they removed the inner walls to reinsualte. Again pics are proof.
Retro or vintage may mean that they kept most of the original cabinets, furniture and appliances. Fridges and ranges if properly restored can often provide years of trouble free service although parts will be difficult to obtain. Water heaters and furnaces should be updated to modern versions with more user friendly features.
Ask what has been done to the elecrtical systems. Most early vintage trailers had rudamentary electrical systems at best. Have those systems been updated and new wiring installed with more circuits to lessen the load per circuit. As an example on my 73 the 110VAC system was one circuit running everything and a second cicruit for the A/C and the 12VDC IIRC was only 4 circuits. Older trailers 12VDC were often even fewer circuits and the methods of wiring are very crude.
Has the fresh water plumbing system been updated to modern pex pipe?
I could go on but this should give you some information to think about while looking at various ads.

[Splitrock]

Fixing up a 70's Airstream is SPENDY! Rebuilding a gut job requires access to a shop OR one must drop more cash! If time is worth anything, I wouldn't do it. Mine has never been in condition to travel in. It takes about two days to gut one with zero cash out . . . and about two years and north of ten grand to put it back together.

The thing to do would be to find a newer one in nice shape and drop 20 or 30 grand on it. If ya hit the lottery, you can always find a fixer for 3 to 6 grand. I've seen gutted ones advertised for less than 3, but the frame and floor repair could double that. New fixtures, appliances, cabinets, countertops, furniture, upholstery, drapes, carpet, running lights, batteries, wiring, and a good hitch will get a fixer to 15 to 20k pretty quick.

Here they sell brand new wood frame trailers with warranty for less than 15k.

[Condoluminum]

Depending on small budget size, you may want to expand search to consider post-1995 models in 28-30' range.. Many can be had in good condition for well under $20K, and odds are better that floor and appliance/systems in good shape. Can be redone with complete interiors (upholstery/mattress/curtains/blinds/flooring or carpet) for a couple $K, and are better built than 1970's models, and wider with more interior room...

[CMSmith]

Great idea. I really hadn't even thought about newer ones, thinking they would be way out of my budget.