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Old 06-15-2009, 09:09 AM   #1
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Is my '49 Trailwind Worth Anything?

Hi.

I have a 1949 Trailwind (#5022). It pulls nicely and the whole belly is in nice shape. There are some patches on the outside and the roof has lots of crinkles.

This inside is bare, besides the sink cabinet and a gas light. (It also has a stove, but I'm not sure if it original).

Does anyone have an idea of how I could get an estimated value? Is it still worth anything?

Thanks
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:17 AM   #2
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Yes it is. There are lots of people looking for restoreable Airstream trailers.

Consider an add on this forum asking for best offer in 60 days.
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:21 AM   #3
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Thank you for the reply. I'll keep that offer-asking option in mind for the future. Right now we are thinking of keeping it, but were wondering what it is worth as-is.
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:21 AM   #4
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It indeed needs a great amount of metal work. This is right up my alley. As far as worth, I'm sure it has value. Most likely more then what you think. I hope someone with more Airstream value smarts then I do can come up with a figure. I for sure would love to have this little gem and restore it to it's former glory.

Kip
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:38 AM   #5
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Poor baby!

Hmmm...it looks to be in pretty rough shape, however early Airstreams are always worth something to someone. It's certainly not destined to the scrap pile.

I would say in it's current condition, it would fall in the "As Found" category on this Price vs Condition price guide, but you never know. There's lots of good information on the link, may be worthwhile reading through to get a good assessment of it's value.

Shari
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:40 AM   #6
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Hello and Welcome to the Forums. The Trailwind is an unusual trailer for sure. Not a lot of them around. If you do plan to sell it, I am sure you can find many people interested in restoring your rare trailer.
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:44 AM   #7
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Thanks again for the replies.. and the link to the 'Price vs Condition' table.

What makes this trailer unusual? Was their production low in 1949? (making it rare)?
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:47 AM   #8
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Basically, the older they are = the more rare they are. In the early years, the production numbers were lower (most likely <50 this model, this year) than in the hey-day of the 60's & 70's and newer. So to find a survivor is rare, to find one in "great, original or restored shape" is very rare....those would be the ones that would really be "worth something".

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Old 06-15-2009, 10:50 AM   #9
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From the 'Price vs Condition' table I assume my trailer would be valued at the very low end of the 'As-Is' condition (i.e. $1100). Does that sound about right?
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:52 AM   #10
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Since my closet is gone, and so are the upper ceiling cabinets, is there any chance of coming across these items for sale?? Or do most restorations rebuild the closet with new materials, matching the original?
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Old 06-15-2009, 10:53 AM   #11
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Current value sounds about right...

Most likely, you will be starting from scratch with the restoration - finding a "donor-trailer" is going to be tough... it too will be missing parts. Check out the '49 Trailwind archive to get an idea of what could be done if you were to take on this project.

As a matter of fact...the trailer you mention is shown in the archives: 5022

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Old 06-15-2009, 11:01 AM   #12
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it just depends on how bad someone wants it.
Your $1,100 is a good value for insurance because it is worth "something" because of its age but is it a $20,000 herloom for your children? It depends on who is looking around when you really do decide to sell it at "Best Offer in 60 days".
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Old 06-15-2009, 11:01 AM   #13
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Thanks for the input. I am sure finding a 'doner-trailer' would be extremely difficult.
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Old 06-15-2009, 11:26 AM   #14
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Hold on to that sucker & restore it. Very nice, indeed.
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Old 06-15-2009, 01:32 PM   #15
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You could PM 47weewind for more info. I suspect he knows something about these older Airstreams.

Rich
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Old 06-15-2009, 01:50 PM   #16
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I've seen a couple like this on Ebay sell for +$5000.00. None of those was as old as yours. You have a very desirable trailer and it will sell very well on Ebay.
Custom shops love these. They will fully restore and customize it and resell it for +$40,000.00. List it and see what it will bring.
A few tips:
Set your start price at $1000.00 with no reserve.
Set your auction to end Sunday night at 7:00 pm CST
Use lots of good quality pictures.
Be sure you have a clear title and show all paper work and documents you might have.
Include a phone number in your ad.
Exclude any forgiegn bidders, just too much trouble.

Good luck.
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Old 06-15-2009, 02:40 PM   #17
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Thank you, everyone, for the many replies. This is a GREAT forum! What response. I'll take everything into consideration as I think about what to do with this Airstream.
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Old 06-15-2009, 03:12 PM   #18
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Okay once again, I am the guy pissing on the campfire....

Have any of you zealots (not including you Kip, you did point out the obvious, just more subtle than I am about to)looked at those photos? 80% of the panels are dented and severly damaged. The only good panels are the ones needing very little machining to reproduce. I LOVE OLD TRAILERS but would not give you $200 for that. It has a pipe frame that is inherently weak and on top of it all it lives in the dark damp woods. Sorry brother but these folks are giving you bad advice as to value and if I were you, I would unload it on one of these guys getting all excited here. Maybe I am just a jerk, but that trailer is a beyond basket case. You are looking at $45K in body work alone, new frame for sure, new floor, some windows. If a client brought that to me and said restore it, I would ask for for a 1/3 deposit of $30,000.

Sorry folks, you are not being honest with the man.
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Old 06-15-2009, 03:38 PM   #19
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This trailer reminds me of the VW beetle that I had in college. My father said that it looked like a sack of walnuts covered in white paint. Of course this AS isn't painted, but it does look like a sack of walnuts.
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Old 06-15-2009, 03:56 PM   #20
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I would listen to 62overlander

I would listen to 64overlander......he knows the what about stuff like this....Then again...it's worth what someone is will to pay...

I hope you get a good price. I love the look of this one.
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