1957 basket case...

[flyfshr]

Wow Paul. Looks like a project. You'ld have a great trailer when you're done. You can post pictures at AirstreamPhotos.com by clicking on the 'photos' button under one of your posts. Log in info is the same as on this site. Should be able to load a bunch of photos there. I, for one, would like to see the rest of your new baby.

FF

[MarkE]

Paul, Upon reading your 1st post I thought that this project was prob. not worth all the exspence, time, & effort. BUT, after viewing the photos I say, "As long as you can buy the trailer cheaply and have the ability to do the frame work yourself: Go For It!"
The coach shell appears to be in fine condition and that IMO makes this project one that is certainly worth considering.
Be sure to check out those threads concerning frame work and 'frame-off' restorations ('always seemed to me it should be called "off-frame'. Oh well) both on this forum and at the Vintage Airstream Club site.
It also appears that you'd have enough of the interior to work from.
Good Luck and keep us posted on your decision and progress.

[markdoane]

One thing I found very interesting was the aluminum fully rivetted interior endcap in the first picture. Must be very strongly built.

[InsideOut]

i am wondering... what would low and high purchase price range be for this ???

You may want to check out this Price vs Condition Link to get an idea on the price.

Shari

[p.dow]

that would be the pic of the bathroom sink i think.
all those rivets are prestine in appearance.


i am wondering what i ought to offer the lady who owns it.
she really does want to have it out of there but she is not ready to give it away just to have it hauled away......? any thoughts?

thanks
paul

i will put all the pics i have of this as it sits right now- on the photo site link - later tonight.

paul

[markdoane]

I would offer her scrap aluminum value and see if she bites.

[p.dow]

ok
that great site-
vintageairstreams.com-
catagorizes the range as
800-1300$

thanks
paul

[flyfshr]

I'd offer her 500 while mentioning the poor condition of the rusted frame throughout, the belly pan coming off in several places, pieces of wood showing through the bottom, droopy floor, and the general state of uncleaniliness. All this and you don't know the condition of the appliances to boot. Plus, you'll have to flatbed it out of there. I wouldn't mention that you have the skills to repair this diamond in the rough. You're actually doing her a favor

FF

[p.dow]

well...
the owner is asking for 900.
i said i thought 200
i really like the trailer. i have more ambition than money. and i always feel better about a deal if i feel i havent paid too much for the item.
i think and i am hopeing we will work something out.
probably 500 isnt really too much.
but it is such a unknown thing... i mean the extent of the repairs needed. its all relative of course

i will let you know how it goes
thanks
paul

[biggerbadbrad]

The owner could advertise on ebay and easily get $900. And probably more. I would offer her $500 and be happy to pay $600. I know of several people who are eager to purchase vintage airstreams like this just for their parts alone. Sure this is a major undertaking, but with some hard work and perseverence, you will gain an experience that money can't buy. The result will be the ownership of a rare piece of history that you will be proud to own. Sure, it will be worth considerably more than your initial investment and it will always appreciate in value. But if money is your only motivation for the purchase then I would pass on the idea. With the investment of your time and money, you will likely break even at best at resale time. And there are certainly easier ways to make a dollar. Love it or leave it! IMHO

bbb

[p.dow]

thanks for your perspective.
these have been some of the things i have been thinking.....

paul

[p.dow]

well.. i am now the new owner of a 1957 overlander...
came to good terms of 500$ with the owner.

does anyone know of some one i could consult with on the best approach to moving her onto a trailer or a flat bed... to move her the 12 miles to my place ? there is no way it can be towed. the tow yolk has total rust through- all the way back to where the rails go into the clad undercarriage.

before i start calling around here i think i'd feel beter if i knew of somethings i ought to think about.
one thing is - i am worried that if the transport isnot done carefully -damage can occur to the skin or worse collapse of some part of the trailer.....

thanks for any heads up...

paul

[flyfshr]

First things first, getting it home.

With all of this frame rust you mention, one must consider how this trailer will be winched up onto the flatbed of the truck. Sounds like the tongue will not be strong enough to support a winch line and the stress of pulling it. How is the rear of the trailer? Any better to use the rear bumper? Maybe there isn't enough room to approach this hook=up from the rear of the unit. Could the winch line be mounted to the frame just under the front of the rig? Do the tires hold air for supporting the trailer while being winched?

There has got to be a way to get this out of its old resting place and to its new home.

FF

[p.dow]

ff- thanks for the congratulations.... i think.
haha

there is no bumber- its missing. and the rear end has major droop.
what i think might work- off hand- is ...

if the rear wheels rotate..
and if the rear shackles or 'U' bolts on the single axle dont fail...
and if i can get a 'tote dolly' under the frontend/yolk area...
and if forces dont pull the axle clean off the frame....

then maybe a winch line can be attached to the axle and then carefully- very carefully it can be pulled onto a trailer or flat bed -rear end first.

seems like a logical possibility ?
what do you think ?

thanks
paul