Hi Phil Piper in Norfolk,
You wrote:
"I need a little advice as what to check before I
buy. The trailer looks really quite good inside
and out but there are some problems."
Suggestion:
You found this discussion list so you know how to
find the VAC home page. Some of the answers to
questions you haven't asked yet are included in
the "Frequently Asked Questions" section.
You wrote:
"First and most apparent is a plastic replacement
window glass."
Reply:
For a 1960 model, plastic replacement window glass
may be the best you'll get. If serendipity occurs
and you find another 1960 in a salvage yard with
glass/glass, then that's the best yet.
You wrote:
"Second is the original refrigerator is gone and
has been replaced with a "dorm" AC only unit."
Reply:
That is a common solution by owners who always
stay in campgrounds. If you plan on doing the
same, then enjoy it. If not, a new one costs
$1,000 give or take. A rebuilt one costs about
half of that. A bone yard (in Jackson,
Mississippi) with many refrigerators laying around
may be another option. If you want, they will
rebuild one for you that will fit your trailer
exactly.
You wrote:
"Other little things include the little flip clips
that hold the front traveling window down while
under way."
Reply:
This is a minor inconvenience at the moment. Flip
clips are available from Airstream dealers. They
may be for a later model year, but they work just
fine.
You wrote:
"Does anyone know the fair market value of the
trailer in the described condition?"
Reply:
Whatever the traffic will bear.
You didn't give enough information for me to
hazard a guess. BUT - I'll share with you my
guidelines for deciding how much I MIGHT pay for
another Airstream. This would be the fifth
Airstream in our backyard, which means I wouldn't
be as enthusiastic as you about buying and paying.
I think all of us eventually develop our own set
of guidelines based on what is important to us. We
place a value on each of the features we know are
significant to us. If a feature is there, it's
worth something. If it isn't there or has to be
fixed, it's a cost to be negotiated.
Here's a condensed version of a reply I offered to
another first time buyer on June 28, 2000. Perhaps
it will be helpful to you. These figures are
offered only for the purpose of illustration and
represent the maximum prices I'd consider paying.
In all my experience I've never paid the maximums,
but knowing what they are has always helped my
ball park thinking. There are items I haven't
included. It's up to you to decide what items are
important to you. Think of YOUR first set of
guidelines as an evolving work in progress. It
will change as you change and as your needs
change. The advantage with this type of system to
me is it's easy to do the math on my feet (in my
head) while talking to the seller.
$2,000 outside skin mirror shiny polished (very
few imperfections)
$2,000 basic running gear in good order (all
legal lights, brakes, bearings, tires)
$1,500 all inside appliances work (refrigerator,
stove, furnace, toilet, faucets, lights, etc.)
$1,500 outside skin nearly blemish free (no major
dents but minor imperfections are okay)
$1,000 solid floor (no evidence of rot)
$ 500 two batteries and two solar panels (solar
guard regulator that works gets top dollar)
$ 500 solid frame (no evidence of sag)
$ 500 allow for generalized high quality
$ 300 equalizing hitch (no bows or eggs)
$ 200 aluminum propane bottles (30#) (no dents)
$ 200 inside woodwork blemish free
$ 200 interior decor looks nearly new
$ 100 catalytic heater (clean pad) (more if on a
hinge)
$????? allow for new parts within 1 year
$????? other items not mentioned yet
Phil, in my opinion, it's a rare Airstream that
can measure up to half of these features and even
they will only get partial credit. The more you
know about each feature, the easier it will be to
negotiate a price that's satisfactory to both you
and the seller. Some 1960s in the 30' size have
sold for peanuts while others have sold for top
dollar. It all depends.
One last thought. It is often cheaper to buy a
more expensive Airstream in excellent shape than
to buy a less expensive Airstream that needs work
done to bring it up to your standards. At one time
or another, most vintage owners have experienced
the money faucet being turned on full blast to fix
a difficult problem. Many (probably "most")
vintage owners have spent more money on their
vintage than they will ever get back when they
sell it.
It's almost a requirement to consider owning a
vintage Airstream as a bold and unique way of
life, as an exquisitely satisfying hobby, as a way
for expressing individual lifestyle preferences,
as having value and worth unrelated to the
monetary world and perhaps, as a dream come true.
Whatever you do, have fun with it,
Terry
Terry
