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ollibell16 · 09-20-2007, 01:02 PM

I'm new to the forums and trying to purchase my first Airstream. I'm looking at a 1957 flying cloud listed for $12,900. Only upgrades are a/c, electric brakes and new alluminum propane tanks. Owner unsure if water heater is working and has never used the plumbing in 6 years. There is some water damage to top of night stand and areas of the floor near front door and side window are water damaged. However, owner insists it is dry and floor is solid. Under belly looks ok and the skin is in good condition. Appliances are working and stove looks brand new. All original cushions and lighting. The price seems high for how much needs to be upgraded. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

robandzoe · 09-20-2007, 01:11 PM

Sounds too high for me. From what you list, sounds more like a $7k trailer at the most. Is it polished? Sounds like it will need alot to bring up to camping standards.

rickandsandi · 09-20-2007, 01:13 PM

Welcome to the forum! You will hear from a lot of us crazy Airstream nuts on this one. For what it is worth, smaller older trailers, especialy in your part of the country, are going for really big bucks. For a 1957 I think this is way too much. One of the great things around here is that a bunch of us volunteer to go inspect trailer for folks. As around the forum and I am sure you will find someone to go check it out with you.

Rick

rickandsandi · 09-20-2007, 01:15 PM

[quote=robandzoe Is it polished?[/quote]

OK Rob, so if it's polished its worth $6K more?

robandzoe · 09-20-2007, 01:17 PM

No, just a question Rick.. for a 22 foot Flying Cloud, add another $2500 for the polishing.... one good thing is it is a 13 panel trailer. The So Cal area demand calls for higher prices - but still not worth that much.

rickandsandi · 09-20-2007, 01:30 PM

Just pulling your AS Rob! I do agree too high. I know where there is an awsome 1958 Flying Cloud for a very good fair price!

dmreilly10000 · 09-20-2007, 01:49 PM

I agree with you, it does seem kind of high. If it had been gone through and restored, then yes it would probably be a good price. Has it been polished?

Before committing to buying this one, I would see what else is available. You may want a more modern Airstream since I don't think this year has any holding tanks. To use the toilet, it has to be hooked up to a sewer line or it all goes onto the ground. Also, what type of heater does it have? Probably an old style apartment heater that may not be safe to use. Is the water heater electric or propane? Any 12 volt lights? Does it have a battery? Fresh water tank? Some sort of water pump to get the fresh water to the sink?

The point I am trying to make is that these really old trailers, like my 1953 Cruiser, do best when hooked up to a water supply, 120 volts, and a sewer line. I am not really familiar with 1957 vintage Airstreams. I once owned a 1963 Overlander (25ft) and it was fairly modern.

On the other hand, if it is as original as the man says and especially if it has 13 panel end caps, it may be a good restoration project for someone who has lots of time and money. This is more rare than most models and the shorter ones seem to be more desirable than say, a Cruiser at 25 feet.

Here is a site with a really nice restored example and folders with other 57 Flying Clouds:

57FC

Hope this helps a little.

ollibell16 · 09-20-2007, 01:59 PM

Thanks all for the comments. No it is not polished. I'm with you, California can pull off highr prices with how trendy its getting to own one. However, we, my husband and I are not handy and would have to higher all the upgraded work out. I think I'll stick to my guns and keep looking. It's just got such great lines and so much potential to be restored and enjoyed.
One question though. Are people putting black tanks in if they weren't standard back then?

dmreilly10000 · 09-20-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ollibell16

Are people putting black tanks in if they weren't standard back then?

Some people do, but it is a major project. Most people either use a portable blue tank hooked up outside the trailer or they remove the original toilet and replace it with a porta-potty. (Or they use only full-hookup campsites)

wkerfoot · 09-20-2007, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ollibell16

Thanks all for the comments. No it is not polished. I'm with you, California can pull off highr prices with how trendy its getting to own one. However, we, my husband and I are not handy and would have to higher all the upgraded work out. I think I'll stick to my guns and keep looking. It's just got such great lines and so much potential to be restored and enjoyed.
One question though. Are people putting black tanks in if they weren't standard back then?

I am completely rebuilding my 1954 Liner it will have black and gray holding tanks along with 110V and 12V electric. I know someone with an early 1950 Flying Cloud who installed a small combo (black and gray) tank. It can be done, but be prepared for a lot of work and/or a lot of money. I agree that $12,900 seems too high with the issues you have described. Check out Robandzoe's Sweet Sovereign of the Road blog (Sweet Sovereign of the Road) for some of the work involved in upgrading a 1950ish trailer.

Bill

CanoeStream · 09-20-2007, 02:49 PM

To quote Rob & crew on theVAP.com, "They all leak." If you're seeing water there will be problems. If the PO says, "I don't know if ______ works," you can almost bet that it's out of commission.

InsideOut · 09-20-2007, 04:00 PM

You may want to spend some time reading and digesting this Price vs Condition write-up. Lots of good info to help you determine value....if not for this one, the next one you look at.

Shari