Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-29-2018, 02:33 AM   #1
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 2
1987 345 for sale

Hey everyone this is my first post in the forum. Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions here. Today I am looking at a 1987 345 with 67,000 miles on it. So far everything on it looks great it’s for sale for $11,500 in Southern California... is that a good deal or could this end up being a money pit for me? Thanks again
ASNewbie2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 06:18 AM   #2
Dazed and Confused
 
Isuzusweet's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
Being honest is the best policy.

We have a saying in the Classic motorhome forum; "The purchase price is just the down payment".

There are a lot of variables when purchasing one of these old queens, but #1 is;

Is it used regularly? If it is and maintenance is being performed regularly, then up front cost will be minimal. If the coach has sat for an extended period of time or maintenance has been neglected, then prepare to ante up big time.

Possible things to have repaired immediately before driving it anywhere.

Tires- DOT date them, over 10 years, or checked from sitting; replace, 9 tires including spare.

Fuel system: Ethanol is crazy bad for old rubber fuel lines and engine fires result; change all lines including over the gas tank. New fuel filters.

Coolant system: Radiator flush and possible re-core, new water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant.

Braking system: Replace master cylinder, replace 30+ year old rubber brake lines as it makes a huge difference in braking. Replace fluid, lubricate and inspect callipers for seizing and pads.

Engine: New drive belts, engine oil and filter, sparkplug wires, sparkplugs, coli packs, timing; inspect for leaks.

Replace and inspect transmission fluid, filter and rear differential fluid.

Suspension: Front springs for correct ride height, steering crank bells, tie rod ends, ball joints, especially lower ones as they can let go. Inspect and grease all suspension points, remembering to tip off nipples before applying grease; don't forget driveshaft and hangar bearing. Inspect air system, compressor, air lines for leaks, front air bags; rear airbags for leaks and checking, (replacing these can be time consuming or expensive).

Lights, wipers, electrical.

If you cannot fix any, or most of this list by yourself, you can see how these queens can get expensive fast. On the upside; parts are fairly cheap unless buying Henderson SuperSteer stuff, however labour is not.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.

“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
Isuzusweet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 09:01 AM   #3
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
Los Angeles , California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Thank you so much Tony... cheers to you as well
ASNewbie2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1987 Airstream Argosy 29' :: 1987 Airstream Argosy Squarepants Airstream Registry Discussions 0 02-24-2012 08:25 PM
Shower door. Has anyone put one on a 1987 345 or similar airstream with curtain? MacInDaBox Airstream Motorhome Forums 2 05-17-2007 12:06 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:20 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.