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kmarr · 03-03-2008, 02:33 PM

Hi,

I'm wondering what folks think about the value of painted vintage trailers. Would a painted skin typically reduce the value of a trailer?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

TomW · 03-03-2008, 02:53 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Are you referring to the Airstream Argosy, or non-Argosy Airstreams painted a silver color (and THAT color only) in lieu of polishing (or to cover damage)?

Tom

Inland RV Center, In · 03-03-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMstream'n

Hi,

I'm wondering what folks think about the value of painted vintage trailers. Would a painted skin typically reduce the value of a trailer?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

Most Airstream owners are aware of the cost to replasticoat every 5 years or so.

A "GOOD" metallic silver paint job, therefore increases the value.

By "good" is meant a paint job that will last 20 years or more, if waxed once a year, like the paint jobs that we do.

That also means that the top grades of primer, metallic silver and clearcoat, must be used.

It also means proper preparation of the metal.

For a 31 foot trailer, expect the "cost" of just the paint materials, to exceed $1200.00.

Anything less than the above, will more than likely, have a short life span.

Andy

markdoane · 03-03-2008, 03:11 PM

RMstream'n,

A big welcome to the airforums!

My opinion is a silver painted airstream is worth a lot less than a real one. If you wanted to paint it red, white or blue I would have a better opinion.

Just keepin' it real. Only my opinion.

balrgn · 03-03-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMstream'n

Hi,

I'm wondering what folks think about the value of painted vintage trailers. Would a painted skin typically reduce the value of a trailer?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

Have you seen Vintage Thunder, it looks awesome.

ckelly617 · 03-03-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Have you seen Vintage Thunder, it looks awesome

I love the Vintage Thunder. See it's okay to be different.

2airishuman · 03-03-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMstream'n

...I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

is the question related to ONE specific model or year or a particular unit?

instead of painting with such broad strokes...

or relying on answers that gloss over the dollar issue...

how about YOU outline the specifics of the trailer in question...

or fill in the blanks about y u wanna know...

then the answers will be more to the point.

a 'stream/gossy that came originally painted is a different issue than painting old or new units after the fact.

and like all personalized changes, should just be enjoyed by the owner...

most cosmetic tweaks and touch ups LOSE VALUE unless the next buyer loves polka dots and velvet as much as you...

that certainly applies to things painted, used and resold later.

cheers
2air'

kmarr · 03-03-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

is the question related to ONE specific model or year or a particular unit?

instead of painting with such broad strokes...

or relying on answers that gloss over the dollar issue...

how about YOU outline the specifics of the trailer in question...

or fill in the blanks about y u wanna know...

then the answers will be more to the point.

a 'stream/gossy that came originally painted is a different issue than painting old or new units after the fact.

and like all personalized changes, should just be enjoyed by the owner...

most cosmetic tweaks and touch ups LOSE VALUE unless the next buyer loves polka dots and velvet as much as you...

that certainly applies to things painted, used and resold later.

cheers
2air'

Thanks for all the responses!

The trailer in question is a 65' Globe Trotter. It has been painted a silver-grey that appears to be a fair color approximation. The current owner bought the trailer already painted (it was painted by the original owner). When she (the current owner) tried to have the paint removed and have the trailer polished, she was apparently told the polish was a no-go, so she elected to have it repainted. When I asked about the possibility of the paint covering any body damage, she said no, not to her knowledge (I do believe she was being honest).

I'm far from a vintage AS expert, but I know enough to be a little dangerous- I really don't know what to think here...

InsideOut · 03-03-2008, 04:58 PM

If removing the paint was determined to be a "no go" by the PO, it may be because the skins were sanded or textured prior to painting the first time. If so, they are probably too damaged to be polished without an whole bunch of grief! As I see it, you have two choices:

1) If you have your heart set on a polished trailer > keep looking.
2) If you are okay with a silver painted one > go for it!

Shari

2airishuman · 03-03-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMstream'n

... I know enough to be a little dangerous...

don't we all fit that description!

do you have any photos of the unit to share here...

again more good advice might follow some visuals.

cheers
2air

empresley · 03-03-2008, 05:09 PM

Check this tread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...und-39124.html

Find post #14

Scroll down until you see a silver Argosy. You can click on the image for a larger view.

em.

maxandgeorgia · 03-03-2008, 05:21 PM

Our '95 Airstream had two painted panels when we purchased her; clearcoat was failing in other areas, some more noticeably than others. Today, the clearcoat failure is much worse, but the painted panels are fine. Give me a fully painted Airstream with the paint/clearcoat done well anyday over the slow but continual spoiling of the "original" aluminum trailers with their clear coat failure. I wouldn't have said that five years ago, but experience has changed my opinion. ~G

**Stefrobrts** · 03-03-2008, 05:27 PM

I'd say a nice little GT is hard to find. If you like everything else about it, I wouldn't skip it because of the paint, especially if it looks like it's a good job that won't cause you trouble in the near future.

soldiermedic · 03-03-2008, 05:40 PM

My trailer was painted after sanding and priming. It also has clearcoat for protection like Andy from Inland described. I believe that I will have no issues with corrosion like so many others are having.

Steve

2airishuman · 03-03-2008, 05:49 PM

yep a painted gt might look pretty unique and could have way less care issues than a polished unit of the same year....

here's another thread on paint...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...sic-20562.html

and even wally gilded the lily

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286...ned-20478.html

cheers
2air'

bjond · 03-03-2008, 06:35 PM

The gold trailer was anodized rather than paint. But Wally had some painted Airstreams. On the 56 European caravan, his #1 Airstream was painted white . Also the Commodore trailer that Wally and Cornelius Vanderbilt took to the 52 Presidental Conventions in Chicago was painted blue with a white top. This trailer also seems to have no segments in the front cap (fiberglass or steel ?) much like the Argosy that would come along later.

kmarr · 03-04-2008, 12:19 PM

Thanks for all the feedback! I wasn't too concerned about how the paint job would specifficaly effect dollar value. I was more interested in what other Airstreamers thought about the desirablity of a painted vintate trailer, based on their experiences. This tread has certainly helped! Thanks again.