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CBWELL · 08-17-2014, 04:37 PM

I don't like the look of the straps attached to the rear panels that look like they are holding the frame from dropping. Check for rear frame problems. Any Airstream this age is going to cost money to refurbish. Just depends how far you want to go.

aquinob · 08-17-2014, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBWELL

I don't like the look of the straps attached to the rear panels that look like they are holding the frame from dropping. Check for rear frame problems. Any Airstream this age is going to cost money to refurbish. Just depends how far you want to go.

That would be a big concern of mine too. Interior remodeling doesn't look all that good, lots of raw plywood, exposed pex on the wall, original AC or one at least over 20 years old, original fridge. Axles are shot, rust on lower rear frame. Unless you can visually inspect before you take possession, I would pass.

SpitFireRX · 08-20-2014, 09:17 AM

We'll he's not responding to my calls and txt now, oh well.

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/rvs/4618773517.html

This is already gutted and has had some frame work done. Probally gonna get a hitch installed on the TV this weekend.

Belegedhel · 08-21-2014, 08:23 AM

That abandoned project is way over priced. There may be some value in the labor the PO has put into gutting it, but if he didn't keep all the parts he took out of it (and do a good job of labeling/cataloging them), you will be at a severe disadvantage when it comes time to start the rebuild. I'm thinking at the very least in terms of the interior skins.

SpitFireRX · 08-21-2014, 09:43 AM

Yes I don't think I'd pay $3500 for it maybe 2500, I wonder what the cost would be to do the interior with aluminum, or a fabric style. [IMG]<a href="http://imgur.com/sURZYsg"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/sURZYsg.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>[/IMG]

Maybe it's Florida but it seems like everyone with a old air stream is trying to sell it over priced just because it's an AS.

I see 70s trailers going for 8k and nothings been restored! All o

SpitFireRX · 08-21-2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpitFireRX

Yes I don't think I'd pay $3500 for it maybe 2500, I wonder what the cost would be to do the interior with aluminum, or a fabric style. [IMG]<a href="http://imgur.com/sURZYsg"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/sURZYsg.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>[/IMG]

Maybe it's Florida but it seems like everyone with a old air stream is trying to sell it over priced just because it's an AS.

I see 70s trailers going for 8k and nothings been restored! All o

http://imgur.com/sURZYsg corrected link

Belegedhel · 08-21-2014, 11:17 AM

I suppose the true value of a trailer is whatever the market will support. You see seemingly overpriced wrecks everywhere, it all boils down to how badly you want that trailer. As discussed above, the price you pay for the trailer is just a down-payment, by the time you completely rebuilt it, you will dwarf the initial cost.

The problem with completely missing interior skins is that there are a lot of little puzzle-piece shapes. It would be nightmarish to try to recreate interior skins without a template.

I just went through the process of rebuilding my interior with fresh aluminum (but I have the original skins to use as templates). It has taken 10 4'x12' sheets to do a 21' Globetrotter. Sheets were $60 each, so $600 price tag for the aesthetics of a shiny interior.

Belegedhel · 08-21-2014, 12:35 PM

The problem you have with replacing your interior aluminum walls with fabric, is that the interior skins do serve the purpose of holding the wiring and insulation in place. I suppose you could use some kind of spray-in foam insulation, and imbed the wiring in it, and that might solve that problem, but spray-in foam is known to create a few problems as well--I wouldn't recommend it.

InsideOut · 08-21-2014, 12:56 PM

That is the definition of a hot mess. Run away! Fast.

Even a bath would have helped the sellers...but they obviously don't even care enough to do that.

Shari

SpitFireRX · 08-21-2014, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the input belegedhel, I suppose it would be pretty difficult to do aluminum without templates.

Seems like with my budget I'm going to be dealing with some obstacles.

Belegedhel · 08-22-2014, 01:49 PM

When I was looking for my Airstream, I thought I had a budget in mind as well. I spent two years looking for the perfect combination of size, floorplan, genre, and condition. Ended up buying one that fit most of my criteria, but made the mistake of driving so far to "look" at it, that I couldn't go home empty handed, and bought a trailer that ended up needing a lot more work than I would have preferred. I am now three years into a complete overhaul, and have thrown away any preconceived notions I had about a budget.

To make some gross generalizations, I would opine that any trailer that is 40+ years old and hasn't already had either a lot of refurbishment or a lot of daily maintenance done, will require a lot of work/money to make it safe and comfortable. There is certainly lots of middle ground between an "as-found" wreck and some of the works of art that you see being rebuilt here on the forums, but if your budget is too tight, it is easy to blow it if you need to replace any large appliance, let alone your entire floor. I know that there are some people who pick up an ancient trailer and camp in it on the trip back home, but those are likely to be rare examples.

good luck.

Isuzusweet · 08-22-2014, 04:42 PM

Very smart of the OP to post pics and ask for advice from all us "experts". It's amazing what we can see that an over emotional prospective buyer will over look due to brain blindness.
I remember commenting to a friend after looking at pics of his new 2 him Classic MH that the one rear wheels was steel and the side wood vinyl decal was missing from the back side. Both of these had escaped his attention the day he went to go look at it, (among other things).
We won't even go into what I missed from my "mint condition" rig.

Cheers
Tony

tinbender · 08-22-2014, 07:25 PM

SpitFireRX -- No advice either way here but if you do buy it and decide to part it out please post on the forums classifieds. I could really use a set or 2 of the window arms and have been looking for them for quite some time.
Thanks,
tb

SpitFireRX · 09-29-2014, 09:15 PM

This one just came up. 1973 Airstream

Looks OK from the front,I tried to check that serial number but it's like it's out of order. Can any make sense of it? I have a PDF guide about what it means but there should be additional letter no?

Belegedhel · 09-29-2014, 09:24 PM

Looks like a 1965 to me, with an A&E awning from the 70's kludge do onto it. It's a mess.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

SpitFireRX · 10-01-2014, 12:52 PM

Yeah no way its a 73 im sure thats why you only see the front. i asked if he had title and no response soooo yeah its a pos.

Heres another 1979 Airstream 31ft Excella 500 Aluminum RV Travel Trailer Motor Home

it looks like its been sitting for a while, and the interior is a mess. but if the outside is mostly dent free and the frame is holding up.... maybe

Also the Excella 500 Isnt listed in the Trailer Weights PDF From AS i guess this model is a little bit more rare since its top of the line?

**Janet H** · 10-01-2014, 01:17 PM

I imagine this rig is in the 4800 - 5000 lb range. You can see one in better shape here: 1979 Excella 500 31' - Vintage Airstream

SpitFireRX · 10-01-2014, 01:19 PM

Cool and thanks for the photos, I really am liking the excella 500 model

SpitFireRX · 10-01-2014, 07:01 PM

Yep its center bath, he said he's got a few people coming Saturday to see it. Im thinking of taking off work early on Friday to go see it. Anyone see anything I'm not?

aquinob · 10-01-2014, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpitFireRX

Yep its center bath, he said he's got a few people coming Saturday to see it. Im thinking of taking off work early on Friday to go see it. Anyone see anything I'm not?

Are you talking about the one for 3800? From the pix I'm not too impressed. With that much neglect, there is probably a good amount of water damage which means either bad floor, frame or both. OBO on that should be about 1500 to 2000 and plan on a complete shell off and maybe a new frame as well as new appliances. It's a 31 footer, and they are not that desirable for most folks looking these days. The one Janet linked to would be a much better candidate. You really need to start with a rig with good bones rather than a basket case. Unless of course you live for challenges.