New to Argosy, need your help in purchasing and renovating advice

[luforia]

Hi All, our dream to own and renovate an Argosy may be one step closer. Came across this beauty in our storage lot and contacted the owner to see if he’s willing to part with it. He is.

He’s the original owner of this 1974 26D. He hasn’t used for 10yrs plus due to health. It came from Illinois in early 80s and has lived in California sun ever since. About 20,000 towing miles.

I am meeting him tomorrow at storage lot to take a closer look and ask more questions. Bearings last packed more than 10yrs ago, original axles, copper pipes, essentially no modifications since.

Based on photos provided and his report that “everything works,”

1. How much do you think it’s worth?
2. Approximate price to get it road worthy?
3. What kind of renovation am I in for? And how much roughly?
4. Would live to have it painted. Any advice on pros/cons on stripping paint down and keep its original aluminum shine vs. painting it?
5. Looks like it’s missing awnings, how doable is it to get new ones from ZipDee to fit?
6. What other questions I should be asking?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Lu

[1973Argosy]

I wouldn't pay more than about 3500.00 for it. It will need tons of work either from you or a shop that will make your wallet their best friend. Climb into every cabinet looking for any signs of floor rot. Check for rear end separation by stepping on the bumper and looking for movement at the body frame connection. Plan on axles, appliances, tires, subfloor, paint, ect. I will warn you that they are definitely addicting. They are very worth saving. You will cuss it at times but when, if ever you're done they are beautiful units.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by 1973Argosy

I wouldn't pay more than about 3500.00 for it. It will need tons of work either from you or a shop that will make your wallet their best friend. Climb into every cabinet looking for any signs of floor rot. Check for rear end separation by stepping on the bumper and looking for movement at the body frame connection. Plan on axles, appliances, tires, subfloor, paint, ect. I will warn you that they are definitely addicting. They are very worth saving. You will cuss it at times but when, if ever you're done they are beautiful units.

Haha...true true. We got it for 3650 with two new aluminum bottles, new set of tires, and reese hitch. Plus all kinds of time capsule treasures seller left behind. Floors look okay amazingly. Yes, first order of business is wheels, tires, and axles to get her rolling to the shop. Electricity fired up fine (except water pump), propane hussing/leaking at regulator (already ordered new one).

Will also need to replace 7pin trailer connector to hook to truck.

But so happy with rescuing from storage neglect. We'll take it nice and slow to do a good job.

[Boog]

Congratulations, sounds like you got a good deal on a very usable and all original Argosy. We had a 1976 like yours and loved the layout. Our only problem area was some rear bath floor rot from water entering at the rear bumper/hatch. I wish that we still had it – enjoy!