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Old 02-26-2010, 02:28 PM   #1
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2009 27' FB International
Stevenson Ranch , California
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Looking at a 1987 325 Motorhome

I'm looking at a 1987 325 Airstream Motorhome with only 40K miles and has been stored indoors most of it's life. I think I can get it for around 20K. Anyone with thoughts? Things to look out for? Thanks.

Now, just talking my wife into the need for a Motorhome and an Airstream trailer...
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Old 02-26-2010, 05:34 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by airstreamski View Post
I'm looking at a 1987 325 Airstream Motorhome with only 40K miles and has been stored indoors most of it's life. I think I can get it for around 20K. Anyone with thoughts? Things to look out for?
Diesel?
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Old 02-26-2010, 09:40 PM   #3
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Allison transmission?
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Old 02-27-2010, 01:33 AM   #4
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Chevy 454 Engine.
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Old 02-27-2010, 08:39 AM   #5
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Silverton , Colorado
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The 454 LOVES gas, but it's worth it...check your systems out(H2O, electric, black & gray, heater(s), dash and roof ac...have the brakes checked(be sure they TAKE THE TIRES OFF to check them-well worth the hour or so labor charge)...I would have all belts, hoses, and filters changed...$20K for 40K miles sounds like a really good price...mike
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Old 02-27-2010, 09:01 PM   #6
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Thanks Mike.
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Old 03-21-2010, 11:13 AM   #7
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1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Waxahachie , Texas
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Airstreamski,
We bought ours 1 1/2 years ago and very much like yours. It was always kept indoors (even climate controlled), had 28,000 miles on it and appearred to be in excellent condition. we later found out that it hadn't been on a trip in nearly 5 years. I bought it from a lady who serves with me in our local Lions Club. Her husband had passed away and she no longer needed it. She let me take it home and check it out before we bought it. I kept it for 3 weeks and the only thing it needed was tires and a refrigerator. But once we started using it we found that alot needed to be looked at. In the 17 months we've had it we have replaced the tires, refrigirater, after being stranded twice due to problems with fuel delivery have replaced the lift pump, the mechanical pump, all three filters (twice), all of the flexible fuel lines, all belts and hoses(there is nearly 50 feet of heater hoses in the coach), hot water heater ( I would recommend everyone periodically check this item. Ours corroded at the hose inlet for the heat exchanger and when it erupted it soaked the carpet with hot antifreeze). We've also had the ice machine serviced, had an exhaust manifold develop a crack, replaced the brake master cylinder, water filtration system, had all lock cylinders replaced with new keys, replaced dash a/c compressor and hoses, replaced radio and amp, and both tv's. We've also done some elective stuff. When we noticed the crack in the exhaust manifold instead of just replacing it we put the banks powerpack on in its place. We also added an overdrive to compensate for the low gearing and help with mileage. We just completed a complete remodel of the interior to include flooring, drapes, and upholstry. It ma sound like I'm complaining but really I'm not. I wouldn't trade it for practically anything!! You should know there will always be something that needs to be tinkered with, and you can't afford to send it to the shop everytime. This is the best thing I could have done for my family, we really enjoy it. If anyone is interested I also have a 1995 Harley for Sale!!!
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Old 03-21-2010, 11:01 PM   #8
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
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but it looks good in the yard...

1987_345,
It almost sounds like you have...well...an Airstream motorhomem
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:44 AM   #9
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I had an '85 325 and loved it... BUT... every chassis repair (and there will be LOTS of them) is a $200 part and $300 labor. It's a P-30 heavy truck chassis. The brakes will need to be serviced, and possibly replaced (the wheel cylinders will be rusty from sitting). Plus most of what 1987_345 mentioned above. Eventually the front window tracks will need replacing, not a task to be undertaken by the faint of heart. They have a 2000 lb tow limit.

That said, they're one of THE coolest motorhomes ever built. Even if you end up sinking another $20k into it in repairs (not too likely) you'll still be WAY under the cost of a new moho from ANY manufacturer, and have a 325 that will last you for years and years.

I really only sold ours because the double bed just was too short for me to sleep in comfortably. Go for it, and have a ball!

Roger
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Old 04-03-2010, 04:41 PM   #10
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Did you buy it?
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Old 04-06-2010, 09:54 AM   #11
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Hey pdallas,
We debated back and forth, but we ended up not buying it. Not sure if it's still for sale or not. But we decided to stick with the 27FB trailer for now. Thanks everyone for their input. I'm sure I'll keep my eyes open for the right Classic MH. Thanks again.
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Old 05-10-2020, 10:22 PM   #12
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Hi Airstreamski,
My friend is interested in looking at that unit..any feedback would be appreciated. This would be her first Airstream Moho.
Thanks
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Old 06-01-2020, 09:15 AM   #13
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1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Menomonee Falls , Wisconsin
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Hey
If it's mint on the outside and look mint on the inside by it
Before you go bumming replace
Have a shop boil out the cooling system before you replace your hoses
All cooling hoses
Waterpumptoo
Replace both hot water shut off valves one right at the heater right side above pass headlight anthe other one under the couch to the aux heater
Replace all of those heater hoses too use heavy duty ag hose it's thicker than stock hose 50ft should do it
Go to high pressure fuel lines
Especially the fuel line from the frame up front to the fuel pump and the little .25 inch return fuel line off of pump
All fuel filters and by some spare ones
Replace engine fuel pump and the pump in the rear by gas tank
Remove gas tank and have it boiled
New fuel lines on it too
Put a filter back by the tank
Replace master cylinder and all four calipers
Replace all 5rubber brake hoses
All 9 tires new valve stems
At that time put on centermatic wheel balancers
You'll never regret it they eliminate almost all vibration
Check the front end bell cranks tie rod ends
Ball joints esp the lowers
Replace all four shocks and the stabilizer shock on the pass side bilstein makes that one
Belts buy a spare set too
You just eliminated 90 percent of the problems encountered when buying one of these queens
You drive coach with a broken fridge or heater but a fuel pump death not so much
Take a couple of days and go through the chassis stuff. The price of mind you ll get is worth the money sent DJ
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Old 06-01-2020, 08:29 PM   #14
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sounds like the list we have done over the last 34 years with ours .bit by bit year by year and now at this point doing new engine tranny and all the stuff hanging off the engine to prepare for the next 200,000 miles. it was the craziest thing I ever did in my 30.s to buy this and the best thing I ever did to keep it .
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Old 06-04-2020, 05:46 AM   #15
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1987 34.5' Airstream 345
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Hi Paul
I wish I had kept my 37 chevy coupe and our 73 GMC. I'd have two sweet ride and a lot more money in the bank
When you do your engine consider porting and polishing the heads. My head's were really rough. They had a fair amount of casting flashing inside the chamber smoothing that stuff off reduces hot spots that is one off the causes of detonation. If I had my way now I would have put a 6 speed allison instead of rebuilding the turbo 400 an overdrive would be nice. Might have gone with a 500 CID crate motor too. My dad gets smarter the older I get. Dj
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