Motorhome Serial Number/VIN

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Snap, especially as it was a mid-year '76, only 4 months before the 20ft '77 (which was actually made at the end of '76).

Maybe it was a '77 'model year' thing and they went into product half way through '76. It would not be an inconceivable, but very time consuming, job to change the front quarters to take the later grille and bumpers but why do it?

Maybe they ran out of the lower front valances for the wrap around bumpers. There is no doubt that Airstream works in mysterious ways

[1987_345]

I can't believe I never saw this thread!. Don't want to be left out. 1987 345 13407

[66Overlander]

I want to note the announcement of the new 1959-80 Airstream and Argosy Serial Number Decoder in this other thread:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f49...er-210031.html

The 1974-79 Motorhome portion of that decoder was largely created from the information posted in this thread. Thanks, everyone!

But keep posting your serial numbers. There may be new details yet to learn.

[Beltran]

I have just purchased sequence number 010971

For the record...

[asellers]

Interesting, please add;
81 Excella 28 009568 on 79 chassis

[ForexTreeGuy]

Shaggy is 1989 345 le just had the 50k miles checklist last 5 of VIN 11122

The Scooter is 1987 345 81k last 5 of VIN 10857

[Eric914]

In early July I acquired a 1993 Classic 360. Last 5 of VIN 13900.

[brockgarrett]

79 Excella Motor Home last 5 numbers on VIN plate 13550
Brock Garrett member 06287

[John79MH]

79 MH. 24’. Vin ending in 021. Converted from 454 to 6.0LS with 6L80E. 1st post in the forum.
-john gittus

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by John79MH

79 MH. 24’. Vin ending in 021. Converted from 454 to 6.0LS with 6L80E. 1st post in the forum.
-john gittus

Welcome to the forum John

It would be great if you could start a thread covering the conversion, for example did you start with a Connect & Cruise kit, or a lift-out, or a complete donor vehicle?

What about the harness and throttle pedal etc?

[Yannett1]

I have a 1990 345 with the last 4 of the VIN - 0422

[GabbiiGoose]

We have a 1979 Excella 24’ ending with 2745

[Jeremy Krug]

1981- 28' Excella with rear bath Last 4 VIN 0903.

[HeathG]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Wow! From the information I've compiled your's is the earliest recorded Argosy motorhome.



Your information means mine is now the 4th oldest known Argosy. Hopefully you'll post pictures of your rig and provide more details.



I'm in the process of trying to resurrect my 20' Argosy so don't be surprised if I ask you a bunch of questions!



By the way welcome to Airforums



Brad

Hi Brad, I am new to the forum and have enjoyed reading all the wonderful information and knowledge from everyone. I was impressed seeing Peanut’s transformation. As I was exploring, I ran across this post of yours and thought this would be a good way to introduce myself and our 1974 Argosy 24’ Motorhome. My wife and I just bought it last year and already, have met some great people in the Airstream/Argosy family. Here is our VIN # to add to your list. M24T4V0032.

Heath

[HeathG]

Originally Posted by heathg

hi brad, i am new to the forum and have enjoyed reading all the wonderful information and knowledge from everyone. I was impressed seeing peanut’s transformation. As i was exploring, i ran across this post of yours and thought this would be a good way to introduce myself and our 1974 argosy 24’ motorhome. My wife and i just bought it last year and already, have met some great people in the airstream/argosy family. Here is our vin # to add to your list. M24t4v0032.

HeathAttachment 428304

[martin300662]

That s a lovely looking early 24ft Heath

Welcome to the craziness

[GabbiiGoose]

Here’s our 1979 Airstream Excella 24ft
CPS3793302745

We are Canadian, we bought it with 40,000 miles - currently at 55,000. It’s our home, we’ve been around Mexico and the US with it so far.

We have been refinishing it as a “temporary build” because it truly needs to be gutted but we can’t do that anytime soon.

Would love to know if anyone has info on it for us. We certainly don’t hear about many people have the 24ft’s.
I’ll also be writing a book about our crazy adventures.

[HeathG]

Originally Posted by martin300662

That s a lovely looking early 24ft Heath

Welcome to the craziness

Thank you Martin. So Peanut belongs to you…I love it. Did you finish it yet? As soon as I can figure this forum thing out I’ll start a post of mine with all the photos and plans we have for it.

Heath

[martin300662]

Hi Heath

I think many of us think of ourselves as simply custodians of these old motorhomes, trying to look after them long enough that we get some pleasure but are also able to pass them on to the next guardian!

Peanut was a good example, he was heading to oblivion (I was the old bidder on an eBay auction before the previous owner had him scraped), so if we can keep him going, great.

It reminds me a recent post on the Sprinter section; the chat was about abandoning their Sprinter and having a custom van built. 'Owners' of classics make whatever changes are needed, and still have an Airstream classic, just updated for a modern world.

I guess I am lucky that I can chose a different van to use for day/weekend camping, or longer periods rather, than force a square peg in a round hole!



In the UK the Nissan and the VW get much heavier use - both give 50mpg (diesel) and both hardly notice running at motorway speed limits (70mph but typical averages are 70-80mph) and we have many width and height restrictions that make Bella's use less practical (she will happily run at 75mph due to the GearVendor overdrive, but drops to 8-9mpg). Both also have drive-away 'tents' that attach if we want to camp for longer (sleep inside, live in the tent).

So Bella is going back to the US (I'm 60 years old and have spent 25% of my life in the US, and even now spend a week per month over here (I'm sitting in Lexington, MA as I write), so she still will be used) and Peanut is coming to the UK to have the interior fitted....once shipping prices normalize post the pandemic!

[martin300662]

I forgot to add one other benefit of the little pop-tops.....

The Nissan is my company vehicle; last week I was on a 600mile business trip, when I needed to sleep I simple pulled over, extended the bed and settled in for the night. This week it is sitting in the long-stay car at Heathrow, whilst I work in Boston. Effectively it is a compact car that functions as a camper, yet has a kitchen and toilet on-board.