[A/S] Re: new buyer

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings perroapt!

There are a number of potentially expensive items that should be 
checked on any coach prior to purchase.  A guide that can help you 
to evaluate a Vintage Coach can be found on R. J. Dial's website at:

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

Concerns with about any coach start with determining the condition 
of the floor - - any rot or soft spots will need repair or 
replacement.  If you find any rot in the rear floor, there is also 
concern about separation where the body moves independent of the 
frame (can be identified when the bumper moves independent of the 
body when weight is placed on the bumper).  

On larger coaches (usually 28' or larger), you may also encounter 
frame droop - - a condition where the frame bends and or cracks in 
the vicinity of the axles creating wrinkles in the skin near the 
wheel well(s).  If this condition is found, it can be repaired with 
a factory repair kit.

Coaches of this vintage may also need axle replacement.  Henschen 
axles are available, but can be costly when they are not an 
aticipated expense.  You can learn about evaluating a Henschen axle 
on the Inland RV website at:

http://inlandrv.com/articles/dura-torque-axle-92001.htm

If the coach has been exposed to salt air and/or salted winter 
roads, you will also want to check the frame for excessive rust - - 
surface rust isn't a particular issue other than appearance, but 
rust that is nearly through the metal or that is causing the metal 
to flake or spall from the beam can be a problem - - checking the 
exposed frame ends (hitch area at front and bumper area in the rear) 
and lightly rapping on the bellypan with the palm of your hand while 
you listen for metallic rattling sounds that might indicate rust 
spalling of the frame.

To learn more about Vintage Airstreams, you might also want to read 
through the Frequently Asked Questions area on the Vintage Airstream 
Club website at:

http://www.airstream.net/FAQ/FAQ_index.html

When it comes to the interior, it is like inspecting a house in many 
ways.  Cabinetry, floor, and wall finishes may need nothing more 
than a thorough cleaning or may need restoration/refurbishment to 
meet your needs and/or desires.  Critical issues with the interior 
would be the functionality of the appliances.  It has been my 
experience that when having my Airstream dealer replace 
malfunctioning major appliances, the lowest cost was around $500 
while the most expensive (Dometic 3-Way RV Refrigerator) was well 
over $1,000.  A table on R. J. Dial's website gives you a "ballpark" 
cost for most of the major appliances.  Have the owner demonstrate 
that each of the appliances operates on a coach that you are 
considering if at all possible - - the one thing to remember is that 
even if the appliance works today, it may not tomorrow as most of 
the appliances (if original) will be at or beyond their expected 
useful life.  As an example, the only original appliance in my '64 
Overlander is the range/oven - - in my '78 Minuet the Dometic 2-way 
RV Refrigerator and furance are the only original appliances still 
in the coach.

If you have specific questions about a particular coach, there will 
likely be someone on this list with a similar model who will be able 
to assist you.  If you haven't already discovered them, there are 
also two other resources of interest to Vintage Airstream 
owners/enthusiasts:

Airstream Forums discussion group at:
http://www.airstreamforums.com/

Vintage Airstream Discussion List at:
http://www.airstream.net/vaclist/index.html

Good luck with your investigation/evaluation!

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)