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Old 10-30-2014, 09:18 PM   #1
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1984 34' International
Harrisonville , Pennsylvania
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Thinking of buying. Any advice?

I am thinking of buying a 1984 34 foot international. It has not been used in about 6 yrs. Buying from an elderly widow so no history. Looks to be in good working order but in need of cleaning. I am a mechanic so repairs are no problem. I have never owned an airstream or even been in one before.
Any advice?
Things to beware of?
How much is it worth?


Thanks
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Old 10-30-2014, 09:37 PM   #2
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Old 10-30-2014, 09:47 PM   #3
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I am saying you will have some floor rot in the back and under the front windows.

Chances are high that the freshwater plumbing and hot water heater have frozen and broken.

Pipes are easy to replace with Pex, depending on the extent of floor rot fixing it can be easy, and it can be difficult if a person elects to do a shell off to fix.

IMO the only major problem that a capable DIY guy wont want to deal with is if the frame is rusted out.

The frame unfortunately is hard to inspect without dropping the belly pan, not really practical on a pre purchase inspection. You can maybe gat an idea by checking in the frame visible inside the stair recess.
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Old 10-30-2014, 09:52 PM   #4
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1984 34' International
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Thanks, I think pipes are fine. Couple did a lot of camping before he died. Found a jug of antifreeze in trailer. Any idea what it is worth?
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Old 10-30-2014, 09:57 PM   #5
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offhand, wild guess..$8-15k.. condition is key.. might be more if realllllly good.


if bad, under$8k..pics and inspection...
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Old 10-31-2014, 10:51 AM   #6
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Jug of antifreeze? about $4...
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Old 10-31-2014, 10:57 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by m.hony View Post
Jug of antifreeze? about $4...
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Old 10-31-2014, 11:28 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by racer57 View Post
I am thinking of buying a 1984 34 foot international. It has not been used in about 6 yrs. Buying from an elderly widow so no history. Looks to be in good working order but in need of cleaning. I am a mechanic so repairs are no problem. I have never owned an airstream or even been in one before.
Any advice?
Things to beware of?
How much is it worth?


Thanks
Keep in mind, that torsion axles must be used some what frequently, if not, the rubber rods go bad. Rubber must be exercised, or else.

Most likely, the axles in that trailer, will need replacing, because of non use.

Also, when in use, torsion axles rubber rods, only last about 25 years.

Andy
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Old 10-31-2014, 11:31 AM   #9
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Probably going to need new axles, tires, and shocks. Plan on $5000 for that. If original A/C you will probably have to replace. Same with fridge and possibly H/W heater. I bought a 1994 34' in the spring for a good price, and have put over $7000 in it, including new axles, tires, and shocks. Before you buy it, try and have someone that knows Airstreams look at it. Good luck!!
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Old 10-31-2014, 01:28 PM   #10
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On the portal page, the right side about 2/3 down you will find Airstream inspectors. You may find someone near you that will look at the trailer with you.
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Old 10-31-2014, 01:48 PM   #11
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Advice?
Go ahead and by that beautiful, long trailer and enjoy it...
I tried to buy a 34 footer before I bought my 30. We just couldn't get together on price.
It was a 1988 not in the best condition and he wanted $18,000. He would go down to $15,000 and I thought that was still too much for that particular trailer with an odor and a broken window.
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Old 10-31-2014, 01:57 PM   #12
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Some real good advice here


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Old 10-31-2014, 02:05 PM   #13
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A good budget number is $10k without regard to labor cost

Throw in a Pro Pride hitch as well

FWIW I expect to have $30k past purchase in mine at some point. Best not to cheap out on any aspect (curtains as example) as what one might get away with in a house is just wrong in a fine TT. After all it still has another thirty years or more to go. Plan that way.

Good luck


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Old 10-31-2014, 05:25 PM   #14
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1984 34' International
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From what u guys are saying it sounds like the 2k asking price is pretty good. Only reason I question price is online price guide that says 3500. Are they worth way more?
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Old 10-31-2014, 05:49 PM   #15
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If pipes broke and froze and AS sat....you could have mold issue which is a big issue and shut down a deal I had on a very clean like new beautiful 2007 barely used. This deal fell thru couple years ago, the fabreeze that triggered my asthma on first visit wore off on second visit and the real smell came thru. It was a same to back out but I was not prepared to deal with that issue.
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Old 11-01-2014, 04:38 AM   #16
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Two grand!

Run!
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Old 11-01-2014, 05:23 AM   #17
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1984 34' International
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I have looked at it. It's not in bad shape. They just want it gone now. AC, fridge, and water pump work no staining inside from water.
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Old 11-01-2014, 05:30 AM   #18
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BUY IT, and post some pics....
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Old 11-01-2014, 07:09 AM   #19
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Two grand is a bargain! Even if it needs new appliances, that's cheap.
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Old 11-01-2014, 07:46 AM   #20
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I have bought 2 mid 80's trailers. I put about $6000 in repairs and upgrades to each one. I had Airstream do most of the work so it some of it could have been done cheaper. I had to have the A frame changed on one of them. I have not done the axle change yet but am considering it on one of them. The trailer pulls really good even with a little droop in the axles. Sounds like you have found a good deal. I paid slightly north of $10,000 for each of the trailers I bought. You are gonna need a 3/4 ton or really solid 1/2 ton to tow it with. I use the Reese straight line hitch and you will need something like that to move it home. You might need to do the 9p to 7p conversion on the trailer wire or rig up a jumper. Good battery for the brakes while towing. I would want some time and $6000 or so in my pocket for repairs if I was starting this project.
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