Buying an Airstream Without Windows?

[bobbyquatro]

Hi Everyone. Hope you all are doing great! I am new to the Airstream world and need advice.

I've been researching Airstreams for some time and want to buy one that I can renovate starting at the bones.

There's one Airstream that I've found for $700 but it doesn't have any windows. It's a 1977 31' International. Serial I31-A7J-1666. Picture is attached. It's being used as a chicken coop now but I figure it's already been stripped down a bit! I plan on taking it straight to a trailer shop for a shell off frame and shell reno.

Question - is it a mistake to buy without windows? Or would I be ok? The windows seem to be in short supply and expensive.

There are a few dents but I'm not as worried about that.

Any other things I should be aware of?

I am going to see it live on Friday and would love any input before then as I'll be buying it that day.

Thoughts? Thank you!

Robert

[terryV]

Oh no. That is so sad. Somebody should be horse whipped.

I hope you do buy and restore it. It looks like it will take a lot of work, and money, to do that though. Good Luck.

[mojo]

Could be a good deal if the chickens come with it!

Looking forward to the Friday report.

[thesignlady]

If the frames are missing as well as the glass I would pass on it. If you have frames to work with and you have someone near you that can bend glass...maybe... But honestly you will pay more to replace frames and glass than you would to by a slightly better one with windows. Obviously you are confident have skills to fix up a trailer or you wouldn't even be looking at this one. Take the time to look at window prices online at inlandrv and vintage trailer supplies and that will give some some ideas on the cost at hand for repairs, labour not included...

[Toriander]

I would be really careful about that big dent. I know small dents can be smoothed back out to some extent but that big one might require panel replacement. I'm no expert, but you might look into that before you commit to anything. I've seen several local AS on Craigslist never sell because of dents like that.

[Kevin245]

This is a center bath model which is desirable, but 31 footers are a dime a dozen. The shell damage and missing windows equate to an extensive amount of cash. If it were me I would look for better opportunities, there are better deals out there... Much better deals.

Good luck,

Kevin

[dkrug]

Run!!! I would tell them to pay me to haul it away

[Aktundra]

And the floors.....I can't imagine it would be suitable for human inhabitation without replacing the subfloor.

[idroba]

Sorry, but I agree, this is one to run away from. It is not a rare or uncommon trailer, and the cost of renovation will be much higher than buying one which is in better condition to begin with.

[Melody Ranch]

You are about to make a BIG mistake....even the gas money to go see it is a waste.

[CBWELL]

The rims are worth $50 each. The rest is sold by the pound!! Don't waste your time or money.

[Lumatic]

Even buying salvage windows you will spend more than a thousand. New windows are available but will cost a whole lot more. I have never heard of bending glass although Lexan can be used. For these windows you will need the frames.

[jump]

With all the money you ll spend on this one making it road worthy, you could get one that is in very good condition and is ready to go. Give this some serious thought and do comparisons with some you can see here on the classifieds.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by jump

With all the money you ll spend on this one making it road worthy, you could get one that is in very good condition and is ready to go. Give this some serious thought and do comparisons with some you can see here on the classifieds.

I second that

[TouringDan]

Yup. I agree. Run, don't walk away from this one!

Look at lots of them and learn. Buy the best one you can afford. But this one is way too expensive.

Dan

[J. Morgan]

If you got it for free you would be three times in the hole by the time you got it habitable when compared to what you could get for your money at five times the price.

Even if you did the work yourself you will be in for a 20K investment to get that trailer in a useable and respectable position.

If done by a shop the price tag is going to be more like 50K at the LOW end.

You can do much better than this wreck. Buy it only if you need a chicken coop.

1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[r carl]

Originally Posted by Aktundra

And the floors.....I can't imagine it would be suitable for human inhabitation without replacing the subfloor.

And the frame.

[streaminwild]

This trailer is too far gone. Try ''craigslist'' and find a nice trailer at a good price .If the ad has a phone number, most likely it's not a scam. You have all winter to search. Shopping for one is half the fun

[bobbyquatro]

Hey y'all. You convinced me not to buy this one! I already had dreams of my own TV show... chicken coop to airstream dreams!

What do y'all think about this one?

1977 Airstream Sovereign 31 - North Carolina

I believe I could get this one for a decent price this weekend. Just need to buy tires.

Or this one below. I like it but not sure I want to invest $5k before a complete refurb. But I think this might have better re-sale value.

Airstream 23' Fixer

I've been looking for a 31' as I have a family of four plus I'd like to have room for my parents to join when possible.

Thoughts?

[J. Morgan]

I would recommend a 31er for that many folks.


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow