[A/S] Re: 1970 Intenational

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Bob!

In 1970, the title International denoted a trim level that was 
available on virtually every Airstream.  The coach is likely a 
Tradewind, Overlander, Ambassador, or Sovereign - - each was a 
tandem axle coach that was often equipped with the twin bed 
configuration.  In 1970, the typical twin arrangement would have 
been a rear bathroom with twin beds over the axles near mid-coach on 
either side of a central aisle.  

If what you are considering is an "island-type" double-bed, one of 
these center twin coaches would not lend itself to an easy 
conversion.  When these coaches had a center double arrangement, the 
double bed was usually a folding lounge arrangement that was 
necessitated to permit a hallway to the rear bath during the day - - 
on the opposite side of the aisle, you would usually find a double-
wardrobe with vanity arrangement.

To get a better idea of the sizes and weights of the 1970 Airstream 
coaches, you might want to check out the Airstream Weights and 
Measures page at:

http://www.airstream.com/airstream/product_line/customer_service/docs/weights-1.pdf


A point to remember when looking at the weight and measures page for 
the 1970s coaches is that the stated weights are empty or dry 
weights and do not reflect any options, accessories, fluids (water, 
propane, etc.) supplies, or personal possessions.  As a baseline, it 
isn't terribly difficult to add 1,000 to 1,500 pounds to the listed 
weight to arrive at the actual gross weight of a coach ready for an 
extended trip (my Overlander is nearly 1,600 pounds beyond its empty 
weight when it is fully loaded for an extended trip).

To get an idea of the value of the coach as you inspect it, you 
might want to check out the Vintage Airstream Price vs. Condition 
guide on R. J. Dials website at:

http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_topics_pricevscondition.html

With a Vintage coach, especially with the larger coaches, condition 
has a tremendous impact on value so thorough inspection will be 
critical in establishing a value.  It would not be uncommon to find 
certain major appliances nearing the time when replacement or major 
overhaul may be needed - - furnaces, air conditioners, 
refrigerators, and water heaters all would be potential suspects 
(my '64 Overlander needed all mentioned components in 1996 while my 
Minuet only needed a water heater and air conditioner when I 
purchased it in 2001).  Axles are another component that often needs 
attention - - both of my coaches needed to have their Henschen 
DuraTorque axles replaced.  It is also possible to find Vintage 
coaches with separation problems (the body becomes detached from the 
frame due to floor rot causing the body to move independent of the 
frame) and/or frame droop (more common with longer coaches post '74 
where the frame would actually bed or droop behind the axles 
creating a bulge behind the wheelwell).  My Overlander needed to 
have a rear separation problem addressed, but it escaped the rear 
droop problem.

Good luck with your inspection!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 
Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)