Sell as is or repair/restore?? 1961 Globetrotter

[adevoto0702]

Hi all,
We have a 1961 Globetrotter that the original propane refrigerator died and it needs some repair to wood floor, locks are missing and it has the original features in it. No recent upgrades like electrical. Would you replace with another propane refrigerator if you could find one and fix floor and then sell or just sell as is and call it a day?

[rideair]

Sell, call it a day.

[Bill M.]

Somebody will want to start from scratch.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

What is fun and what is work? If rebuilding trailers is in the "fun" category, then rebuild it. If going out camping this summer is the "fun" item and rebuilding is work ... there's your decision.

Bob

[Wazbro]

With normal prices for used trailers if you deduct $5 for each hour you spend working on the trailer from the cost of materials you might break even.

With the crazy high prices used Airstreams are going for now if the prices go back to normal you wont do nearly that well.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

With normal prices for used trailers if you deduct $5 for each hour you spend working on the trailer from the cost of materials you might break even.

With the crazy high prices used Airstreams are going for now if the prices go back to normal you wont do nearly that well.

Hi

If working on the trailer is entertainment then your time is "free". If this is work, you can likely get $20 an hour in many parts of the country doing this or that. No, it's not ever going to be a black / white decision or quite that simple.

When I dive into one of these projects, the time estimate is *always* off. If it only takes 3X the original estimate, that's doing really well. Yes, it probably would go faster the second time.

If you factor the two issues together, you might use $60 an hour ....

Bob

[InsideOut]

Sell it "as-is".

Generally, when people are just "fixing-to-sell" rather than really restoring "to keep & use" they incorporate shortcuts that the next owner will need to undo/re-do.

Shari

[JohnnyRV]

Working diligently it took me 2 full years to completely remodel my 1962 Tradewind. The last two months were polishing, and I developed "Trigger Finger' in both hands from the constant vibration from the polisher. In my 60's, it has turned into Arthritis so I would NOT recommend taking the chance. Sell it or hire a young lad to do the final polishing. 🤔

[guskmg]

If you want to repair the refrigerator call:
RV Cool-Refrigerator Repair
60 Hwy 287
Greenbriar, AR
800 515 6823
wick /stacey@rvcool.com
Wicks/Stacey
They will ship you a rebuilt cooler. Wick has been doing this for 25 years. He uses all new plumbing with better swirl tubing than Dometic. Very reasonably priced.
guskmg

[Ken J]

Everyone may be missing a point here - are you interested in vintage - some of us would way rather have a vintage than new - all you described is very fixable - even the fridge might be brought back to life - if you want new than sell as is

[skyguyscott]

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

Hi all,
We have a 1961 Globetrotter that the original propane refrigerator died

Not unusual, fixable. Some love original propane refrigerators, esp as AS no longer using them, replaced with electric compressors.

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

and it needs some repair to wood floor,

Super common issue. Super hassle and/or expense to DIY or have done. Replacing with Plywood is cheaper, with Composite better and will last forever, never rot again ever, but more expensive in material. Labor is same.

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

locks are missing

Easily fixed

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

and it has the original features in it.

Highly desirable condition on used market

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

No recent upgrades like electrical. Would you replace with another propane refrigerator if you could find one and fix floor and then sell or just sell as is and call it a day?

Like everyone else says -- what do you want? Big job/Big Reward or Easy Money?

[KLK]

I agree with this comment that there are a lot of people who prefer the vintage Airstreams because they don’t have all of the glue and other chemicals that chemically sensitive people avoid. Also, your repairs are minimal. I bought mine practically sight-unseen for just these reasons. It’s a 1966 30’ Sovereign Airstream. I have lived in it full-time for ~5 years. People are always asking me if it’s for sale.

[bobstock]

Originally Posted by adevoto0702

Hi all,
We have a 1961 Globetrotter that the original propane refrigerator died and it needs some repair to wood floor, locks are missing and it has the original features in it. No recent upgrades like electrical. Would you replace with another propane refrigerator if you could find one and fix floor and then sell or just sell as is and call it a day?

Sell it as is and let the next owner do what he wants with it. More than likely the person looking to buy wants a fixer upper anyway.

[Linda Stream]

Originally Posted by KLK

I agree with this comment that there are a lot of people who prefer the vintage Airstreams because they don’t have all of the glue and other chemicals that chemically sensitive people avoid. Also, your repairs are minimal. I bought mine practically sight-unseen for just these reasons. It’s a 1966 30’ Sovereign Airstream. I have lived in it full-time for ~5 years. People are always asking me if it’s for sale.

Question for KLK and others-
I have a ‘87 27’ Sovereign that I would like to restore. What was the glue and chemical situation in that decade? Also, any recommendations as to whether restoration is worth it and if so, a referral would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Linda Stream

Question for KLK and others-
I have a ‘87 27’ Sovereign that I would like to restore. What was the glue and chemical situation in that decade? Also, any recommendations as to whether restoration is worth it and if so, a referral would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi

They started using "nasty stuff" in glues for things back in the 1930's. That continued well into the 60's when folks started to drop this or that due to "issues". No, that in no way says this "fixed the problem".

Bob

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

They started using "nasty stuff" in glues for things back in the 1930's. That continued well into the 60's when folks started to drop this or that due to "issues". No, that in no way says this "fixed the problem".

Bob

True.

I believe the main thing in the other post is, KLK meant that after a few decades practically all of the off-gassing is done and will no longer bother most people.

That may not apply to disturbing things when working on the trailer though.

[skyguyscott]

Originally Posted by Linda Stream

Also, any recommendations as to whether restoration is worth it and if so, a referral would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Depends on what you mean by "worth it." If you mean you can fix it up and "flip" it for more than you have invested in labor and materials, a big NO. (unless you are being paid for your labor, and time like say, Timeless Travel Trailers or P&S trailers or are the owner of a similar business)

If by "worth it" you mean fixing it up for your own satisfaction and enjoyment, only you know the answer to that.