To sell or finish AirBus?

[TheAirBus]

I have an 87 345 that belonged to my in-laws that has not had a road trip in 15 years. I just got it back this week from getting a complete upholstery job including the captain chairs (using all original frames) and new flooring carpeting and Pergo. It came out beautiful in my opinion.

The engine needs a tune up, there are a few dents, one in the rear right corner is pretty big and there is some corrosion around rivets on one side.


All the appliances and systems seem to work fine. It runs and drives and could be camped in as it is, but needs some TLC.


Just before I sent it off for upholstery, it got some hail damage, so it has a salvage title, but the damage has since all but disappeared.



My dilemma is whether I continue and put another $5k into cosmetic and mechanical things, then use it a couple of times a year, or sell it as it is to someone who will love it and use it more often as it should? If I sell, what would be a fair asking price?


I love the old bus, and it holds great memories, but don't feel that I would use it as much as it deserves.



I fully understand that this is my decision alone, but I am looking for some unbiased advice.


JB (AirBus)

[kidjedi]

All new upholstery and flooring and NO pictures?!


I would start there (posting some interior pics), so we can at least get an idea of the vehicle's current condition. Values for vintage motor homes are *all over* the place, so the more details (and photos), the easier it is to provide a meaningful estimate.



Welcome to the forums!

[TheAirBus]

Thanks. Good idea. I'll take some this afternoon.

[Mike1997]

Your Airstream is an ageless classic. Examples of these are around with entire new interiors and modern upgrades. Think of it as a classic 65 Mustang or 63 Jaguar. Both are temperamental and require lots of attention. Restoration of vehicles like these are not for everyone but the rewards are awesome!! Biggest issue is if you have a place to keep it out of the weather when not in use.

[TheAirBus]

Ok. Here are some pix. Sorry it took so long. Family visitors the past week or so.
The Laminate floor and carpet are brand new as is all of the upholstery including the captain chairs.
Tires are good. New brakes. New master cylinder and other misc.
Engine runs rough, probably due to old gas and not being run in a while.
Front leveling units need to be rebuilt. Dash has some loose wires to radio and heater.


More pix to follow.

[TheAirBus]

...

[TheAirBus]

Last ones. What do you think?

[OTRA15]

Is there some reason you still have multiple threads going? I thought you were aiming for one? Here is your other active thread:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...us-211589.html

Good luck,

[TheAirBus]

It hasn't been used since the upholstery was finished and it was delivered to my house a couple of weeks ago. I did sit on the chairs and couch.

[TheAirBus]

Not really sure I know what I am doing with the threads, to be honest. Can I delete the duplicates?
JB

[OTRA15]

Hit the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page, in the blue menu bar, and ask a moderator to combine the threads IMO.

The "Classic Motorhomes" sub-forum would be the logical place, where your other thread is.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f311/

Yours is a beauty by the way!

Good luck,

[TheAirBus]

So, my new friends, would $25,900 be a fair asking price for AirBus?

JB

[OTRA15]

I thought you recently said that you wanted to combine the two threads into one -- the other one per your recent post over there:

[click on orange arrow in quote to go there]

Originally Posted by TheAirBus

I am attempting to combine the messages from my two threads into this one so I can delete the redundant one.

To sell or finish AirBus?
I have an 87 345 that belonged to my in-laws that has not had a road trip in 15 years. I just got it back this week from getting a complete upholstery job including the captain chairs (using all original frames) and new flooring carpeting and Pergo. It came out beautiful in my opinion.

The engine needs a tune up, there are a few dents, one in the rear right corner is pretty big and there is some corrosion around rivets on one side.


All the appliances and systems seem to work fine. It runs and drives and could be camped in as it is, but needs some TLC.


Just before I sent it off for upholstery, it got some hail damage, so it has a salvage title, but the damage has since all but disappeared.



My dilemma is whether I continue and put another $5k into cosmetic and mechanical things, then use it a couple of times a year, or sell it as it is to someone who will love it and use it more often as it should? If I sell, what would be a fair asking price?


I love the old bus, and it holds great memories, but don't feel that I would use it as much as it deserves.



I fully understand that this is my decision alone, but I am looking for some unbiased advice.


JB (AirBus)

[TheAirBus]

I think I did.

I asked Admin to combine them. I think they did it....?


I'm tryin'.


JB

[OTRA15]

There are still two separate threads. All you have to do is be consistent about posting only in the one thread you said you wanted to keep:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...us-211589.html

So don't reply here unless you also want to keep this thread going. Just copy your Post #12 here, and post it in the other thread.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by TheAirBus

So, my new friends, would $25,900 be a fair asking price for AirBus?

JB

If you would ask me, if I would buy Airbus for 25k, I would respectfully decline.
It has nice captain chairs and new flooring, but thats about it. According to you it hasn't run in 15 years, has wiring issues behind the dash. So it needs EVERYTHING maintenance wise and that's a very long and expensive list, which may include pulling the fuel tank. Remember you are selling a vehicle thats 35 years old and not a trailer.

The main awning is messed up, it does not have the drivers side or rear awnings, you are missing the rear tire compartment lid, the gray paint is fading and center decal is bad.

Not knowing about the engine, the trans, the generator and major things like the brake system and the Air suspension, puts this 345 in 12-15k range. Now if you are willing to dig in, make it reliable and roadworthy and spent at least 10k, you may get a premium of 25k-30K.

Just for the record, the last 1987 345 I purchased had a new transmission, a new yet uninstalled generator (5K) all new upholstery and flooring for around 15k. Yes, it needed more work, but not on the scale of yours
Please remember you asked!

[Stefrobrts]

This thread is being closed at the OP's request. Please continue discussion at

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...us-211589.html