[A/S] Sue & John's 1965 Ambassador questions

["Richard McFarland" <estatewagons@xxxxxxx>]

Sue & John - as you are just beginning your Airstream education - 2 things
stand out in your question:

(1) 1965 is a significant year - as it was the last year for the old style
window design.  The 1966 models introduced a new (and very expensive to
replace) window design using Corning glass.

*Having just said that...keep in mind with Airstream - that they often
introduced "changes" a little at a time...so there is no guarantee that
Airstream did not sell a few "1966" models that were actually the old style
"1965's.

I believe that the Ambassador was updated to a "5 panel" end cap design in
1964 (more or less) - so that is something else to watch for - (counting end
cap panels).  In fact there are many variables when it comes to trying to
figure out "when" a particular Airstream model had it's end cap panel design
updated...but it is an area to watch and think about when trying to figure
out history and the sometimes mysterious ways of Airstream design updates

Also - there could be some "1965" models that sat for a long time on
dealership lots and by the time they actually sold it was 1966 or even
1967...and in some places (each state is different as to how careful..or
not...they are) those trailers may have been "registered" by the year they
were first registered...and not the "actual" year they were built new.

*This same concept of "year built" versus "year first registered" could
apply to any Airstream - so double check the V.I.N. tag on the trailer to
know what is really what.  In other words - the 1965 you are looking at
might actually be a 1964 or even a 1963...so double check it.

Once again - go to www.vintageairstream.com and browse through the photos of
1964 and 1965 and 1966 models to see what I am talking about in terms of
significant changes - and you will also find some information regarding the
I.D. numbers on various models - that may assist you in figuring out "where"
an I.D. number fits into the sequence of things.

(2) You mention that the floors are solid in the Ambassador you are looking
at.

How did you determine this?

Just by walking up and down the aisle and testing the threshold as you
stepped in?

That is not enough.

Did you open all the access doors and look in from the outside?  From the
inside did you look under everything that you could?

The model you are looking at probably has a rear bath.  Do you see evidence
of former leaks and water damage?  If so - there are probably areas that you
also cannot see into or under..."ask yourself what that might mean".  Time
and time again we read on the Airstream e-mail sites about owners removing
their bathrooms to replace rotten flooring.  This is not unusual in older
units.  Also - it's not something to be shocked by - as it just is what it
is.  As you read about the history of the trailers - you will find that
water damaged flooring/sub-flooring is a major repair item.
There are many - many different reasons why the water may have happened - so
I won't begin to list the possibilities.

The windows are another place to check for leakage that has damaged the
flooring - and in many places you may not be able to see the flooring
beneath the windows - so just keep this in mind.

That is a lot to say just about 2 topics - but you are asking very general
questions - so I am trying to give you a wide perspective on 2 important
questions.

The term "good" and "looks" and "solid" are very - very subjective.  Those
words have different definitions to different people.  If you interviewed
someone who'd owned their Airstream only 24 hours and someone who'd owned
their Airstream 24 days and someone who'd owned their Airstream 24
months...you'd get totally different perspectives and stories.

Another way to say this is....an old car with a new paint job usually looks
good to everyone when viewed from a distance of 100 feet.  As you walk
closer and closer to that car...depending on how much experience you've had
with autobody repair...that definition of "good" will change.

Best Wishes.  RL