1972 Safari land yacht

[jbknowso]

First timer looking to buy a 1972 AS Safari. Has a big dent up top in the rear and the banana skirt is best up (dented) in the front. I'll be looking at the inside this weekend but I can assume I'll find some soft spots in the floor.
My question is, what would be a price that I can't loose on?
I'm guessing based on reading some of the posts I've seen that the frame will have some damage as well.

Thanks in advance
Jerry B

[Isuzusweet]

Free!

If the trailer was parked over grass, expect serious frame damage and rotten subfloor; not to mention rodent damage to wiring and plumbing. Seriously, you could be looking at a shell off restoration to say the least. Replacement panels are very expensive and difficult for a novice to replace. It's the stuff you can't see that will cost you.

If I were looking at a trailer with dents, frame and subfloor damage, I'd expect them to pay me to take it off their hands; but that's just me.

My advice would be to have an AS expert in your area come and evaluate the trailer, your DYI skills, budget and decide if it's doable or not.

Cheers
Tony

[jbknowso]

I've been told by numerous people that if you could buy it for 2,000.00, you would be ok assuming I could do most of the work.
Wish more people could way in

[SeeMore]

So what is your budget and completion timeframe? Accomplished DIYer or tinkerer? Full-time or weekend repair schedule? Just get if functional/useable, livable, or showroom? Total DIY, occasional contractor, or professional rehab? Space & shop on property to repair, or rental space? $15-20K free cash and credit line for more?

I suggest you get a useable unit and learn all the RV systems to better evaluate what you are facing. Way too many people have dreams of a quick fix and end up disillusioned. The task is not small!

[kdickinson]

From the little you have said and not knowing how you plan to use the trailer I'm thinking even a take it off my property for $0 is still a "can lose" price. Like the other posters - be crystal clear about your end goal and your tolerance for elasticity on refurb costs. If it's a flip project to make some money spend some time looking at the usable AS trailers for sale on the forum and on craigslist and their asking prices and be realistic about total cost of refurb + what you can realistically sell it for (not always what you ask for it). For point of reference my 1969 23' Safari is a one family owned trailer and no damage to frame or dents on the shell + solid floor. After several projects to repair it and bring it to livable & safe condition including a new AC I'm well over $12-15K out of pocket. Could I sell it for that now? For me it doesn't matter because I use it and enjoy it and don't plan to trade it or sell it.

[Hikia]

I just purchased a 1971 Safari for $1800. It was on grass near a barn for 16 years. The owner tried to move it 14 years ago and pulled the entire back bumper off. He was going to melt it down and began selling off the windows so it was missing 3 windows. It is now a beautiful show piece. None of the interior is original but it's vintage I will try to post pics but you can see the entire Reno on my Instagram it's @AirstreamLoving

The complete interior was done for under $500

[Hikia]

What state do you live in?

[Monza]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

So what is your budget and completion timeframe? Accomplished DIYer or tinkerer? Full-time or weekend repair schedule? Just get if functional/useable, livable, or showroom? Total DIY, occasional contractor, or professional rehab? Space & shop on property to repair, or rental space? $15-20K free cash and credit line for more?

I suggest you get a useable unit and learn all the RV systems to better evaluate what you are facing. Way too many people have dreams of a quick fix and end up disillusioned. The task is not small!

Pretty much what ^^ said. I have 15k into parts and just starting my '72 reno.

Your kind of asking - 'how long is a piece of string?'

Can't loose price is also different for every location, and every trailer
.

[jbknowso]

You said a lot in that reply. It all makes sense. I'm new to AS. i think I'll pass on this unit and do as you say like you did.
Buy a unit that has better bones with the idea you can figure on putting 10g's into it real quick.
Thanks for your advice.
I understand you should never judge a book by the cover. I

[TxDave]

We purchased our 1971 Sovereign 31' for $4000. All of the pieces were there...no expensive Airstream hardware to purchase. We did new wiring, plumbing, flooring, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. Also new brakes, shocks and tires. Doing all of the work ourselves the reno cost under $5000. So, for under $10,000, including the initial purchase price, we have a fully functional and very enjoyable home on wheels.

[Hikia]

If you are within 10 hours of Ohio there is an AMAZING shop in Amish country. They have so many Vintage Airstreams to choose from. When you find the one you want they can even do all the work for you for a fraction of the cost of many other Airstream shops. Or you can buy one from them (super cheap!) and do all the work yourself.

*I am not a paid spokesperson just a grateful customer of theirs who loves what they did to My Airstream.

[TxDave]

Wow! Absolutely beautiful, Hikia.

[jbknowso]

I would love to get more info on your post.
Anyway you can give me the a
Dress or phone #
Be with the trip to go see em
Thanks hikia
My number is 630-802-7653

[jbknowso]

I'm trying to send you the AS I'm looking at.
You did well on your AS. I'm very impressed.
I think I might do as you said to see what they have. If you could send me an address or any other info, that would be great

Have a great Day😎
JB

[jbknowso]

Tony, I wanted to send you some pics.
Thanks for your input.

JB

[jbknowso]

Originally Posted by Hikia

I just purchased a 1971 Safari for $1800. It was on grass near a barn for 16 years. The owner tried to move it 14 years ago and pulled the entire back bumper off. He was going to melt it down and began selling off the windows so it was missing 3 windows. It is now a beautiful show piece. None of the interior is original but it's vintage I will try to post pics but you can see the entire Reno on my Instagram it's @AirstreamLoving

The complete interior was done for under $500

How did you shine e'r up so pretty?

[Hikia]

Originally Posted by TxDave

Wow! Absolutely beautiful, Hikia.

Thank you!! I would LOVE to see your insides!!

[AldeanFan]

With those dents I'd want it for close to free!
Unless you're retired and need something to do and count your time for free, you'll have a lot not in to that trailer than it will be worth fixed up.
And that's assuming you have the skills and tools to do all the work yourself.

Best advice I got was don't buy the first trailer you look at.
We looked at a '71 31' for $1500 asking and had to walk away because it needed too much work and was longer than we wanted.
Later that summer we found our '77 Safari, good thing we waited

Good luck with your search