Quote:
Originally Posted by blumonky
...I currently live in ABQ, NM and I have this dream. I want to sell all my stuff, and buy a 23' Airstream and a vehicle to tow it and live out of it while I tour the country....I'm looking for used, late 60's into the 70's because I like all those windows, in decent condition in terms of systems, (the cosmetics I can fix along the way) and not longer than 23'.
What do you think? Can I make this fantasy a reality?
... looking forward to your feedback!
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Welcome to the Forum, and a huge good for you for asking questions first prior to purchasing the first cutie that comes along.
Reality check - I have looked at lots and lots of 60's and 70's airstream - and all - that's A-L-L of them have required floor and or frame repair/replacement. Add the requirement of axle replacement (it's an age thing - all probably needs replacement after 15 years max) so you don't beat the poor thing to death when pulling, and you are looking at a major major investment prior to getting on the road.
Is it possible to find one and immediately get on the road?...sure it is, but...you are simply delaying the unavoidable.
At some point in time you will HAVE to pull it apart and put a proper repair on it.
This is my opinion only - other's may vary.
Do your own "advanced search" from the right hand pull down options toward the top of the home page.
Carefully read the repair threads - here are just a few:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...elp-44269.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...tml#post359021
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ghh-60696.html
and especially this one:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...highlight=tomw
Spend a few hours carefully reading posts and save yourself thousands of dollars.
Most important - spend a few hundred dollars and get an honest and thorough inspection by a QUALIFIED person...qualified means someone who has actually properly restored a vintage airstream, or a repair station that has LOTS of experience properly repairing older Airstreams....a "new" dealer with "newly certified" (by Airstream) technicians may or may not be qualified.
Take your time and BE SURE prior to putting down any money.