What's it worth?

[dvhendrix]

Going to look at a '67 Ambassador that's been gutted, missing 2-3 windows. Owner has clear title.

1967 Airstream Trailer -Reduced-

Any ideas of its value would be appreciated.

[mutcth]

Poor trailer. Gutted and missing windows. If the missing windows are side windows, those are curved Corning glass and are expensive to replace correctly.

If you were going to completely fabricate a new interior anyway, I would bargain down from the $1500 - but in the overall scheme of the costs of a trailer restoration, and given that big vintage Airstreams garner less than the little ones, it probably would cost less in the long run to start with a more complete trailer.

Tom

[Lumatic]

I just got a 67 Tradewind missing windows Interior complete but damaged for $600

[tschat]

Offer 1k with the intent of putting it out of it's misery. You should be able to get more than 1k out of the aluminum and misc window hardware/windows and use that money for a different trailer.

[Foiled Again]

I'm normally a person who believes in "fair bargains" - economical but not something that strips the last nickel from a distressed seller's hand.

However if it's gutted and has had long term glass loss, you're 99% sure to need a floor replacement, and major repairs if not outright replacement of the frame. And then new axles are a sure bet, and every new appliance, wiring, plumbing, and on and on and on.

Give them a little more than they'd get if they sold it for recycling. That's about $500 - $600.

That way you can thoroughly examine the unit and rebuild it if you want, or if it's too far gone on closer examination... you can sell it to the recycler and break even.

Paula

[triplenet]

Can you locate Caldwell, Ne?
I lived in Neb. for 29 years. Name sounded familiar.
After numerous searches this is result:
Sorry, No Data for a "caldwell, Nebraska"


Craigslist is a great tool, but realize that one really needs to check things out.


Bob

[CanoeStream]

This is hardly worth the time to match windows with R.J. Dial's photos. 29' suggests Ambassador (28') or Sovereign (30'). Actual measurements were originally based on bumper-to-ball length.

The shell stiffness that supports the whole structure is shot to he** when they've ripped out the inner skin.

Value? It's off the bottom of R.J. Dial's scale...

That's a piece of cr**. It's worth something more than the aluminum recycling value (not much). Somebody screwed this sad Airstream up royally. You should almost pay them to take it off their hands. I'd say you are being charitable with a $500 offer, but have them throw away your phone # if they don't accept that. I'd bet you'd have to flatbed that away from there.

You'll spend thousands getting this back to barely restorable but, hey, it's a clean slate. <sigh>

Definitely plan on the laborious process of riveting in new interior aluminum skin if you want to pull this along the road. Axles. New Wiring. Total re-do on the plumbing? This one is kinda sad...

There are plenty of needy Airstreams out there in the $3-8K range that will wear on your patience. Guaranteed, you will put in 2-3x what you could recover on resale to get this one back to "rustic." Please look quite a bit further.

[snake]

Originally Posted by triplenet

Can you locate Caldwell, Ne?
I lived in Neb. for 29 years. Name sounded familiar.
After numerous searches this is result:
Sorry, No Data for a "caldwell, Nebraska"


Craigslist is a great tool, but realize that one really needs to check things out.


Bob

Try Caldwell, TX, it's in the Houston craigslist.

[dvhendrix]

Thanks for all the great feedback! We are primarily interested in restoring it enough to use as a getaway on some land we have nearby. Being an utter newbie, I fear I'm getting in over my head. Your thoughts?

[BIGED52]

This trailer is a "I would pass on this one" candidate! You are correct to say you are over your head. Keep looking... I bought my '67 Safari for $1000.00 in '04 and have yet to pull it from my driveway, and it was complete on the inside but needed plexiglas windows replaced. Your money would be better spent on a more complete trailer to restore/update. Happy Trails, Ed

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by dvhendrix

Thanks for all the great feedback! We are primarily interested in restoring it enough to use as a getaway on some land we have nearby. Being an utter newbie, I fear I'm getting in over my head. Your thoughts?

Originally Posted by BIGED52

This trailer is a "I would pass on this one" candidate! You are correct to say you are over your head. Keep looking... I bought my '67 Safari for $1000.00 in '04 and have yet to pull it from my driveway, and it was complete on the inside but needed plexiglas windows replaced. Your money would be better spent on a more complete trailer to restore/update. Happy Trails, Ed

Here's one in your area, that may be a good one to start with:
1968 Airstream Ambassador

[tschat]

Check out this one also in Houston. This would be a better bet even withougt any pictures of the inside.

1967 24' Airstream - $2000 (Dickinson)

http://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/1538806290.html

[ts8501]

Originally Posted by dvhendrix

Thanks for all the great feedback! We are primarily interested in restoring it enough to use as a getaway on some land we have nearby. Being an utter newbie, I fear I'm getting in over my head. Your thoughts?

I cannot speak to whether you are over your head, but I would be, and I am restoring/refurbishing a '64 that was basically complete (but rough). I would not touch this one; too much time, and way too much money required to put it in any kind of shape.