> Hi All,
>
> I'm new to the list and hunting my first Airstream. I did a little research
> and printed out a valuation model from vintageairstream.com. Armed with my
> newfound knowledge, I went out to see my first one yesterday. A 1972
> 27-footer.
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Jim - Hi. First - and this is the hardest thing to do....since it's great fun
to search and locate and buy stuff when you decide to become "hooked". Try to
have some patience! Otherwise it can get really expensive. (in fact it will
anyway....but if you exert patience in shopping....you'll possibly keep your end
costs a "little less expensive")
It's all too easy to find an Airstream (really...if you just start looking...you'll
find them lurking everywhere) (unless you live in Timbuktu...and even there...someone
will have an Airstream hidden someplace leftover from a Caravan...). Easy to find
and purchase...and then the fun begins.
Fun...or drama...or frustration...and usually all three.
First figure out what chores/projects you like to do - to save money and/or you are
good at.
Second - figure out (realistically...don't kid yourself...) what you don't like to
do.
After figuring out what you don't like to do....make a list...(for example: brakes
and electric issues) - then go out to a couple of dealerships and find out what a
brake job costs, a new air conditioner, a new power inverter etc...etc...
Then - keep asking around on the RV lists about what to expect in terms of
Airstream-specific issues that are part of long term maintenance and Airstream-specific
design flaws and Airstream specific very-high-maintenance issues.
You'll find every RV - no matter the brand/cost - has it's own personalities - and they
always cost money....Airstreams are no different. Period.
Two good things to begin Googling and archive-surfing are the topics of (1) the Airstream
axle designs - you'll find a complex topic - from the simple and conventional axles of
the 1940's and 1950's to the more complex and intelligent (and fairly expensive to replace)
torsion style's introduced in the 1960's. (2) Airstream "frame-sag" - a large issue -
with several logical design-flaw-causes and also something very expensive that "needs a
professional or well trained DIY'r" to repair.
Along the way - look into the history of tires and wheels and what you need to best put
on your Airstream today if you plan to put any miles on it. Make sure you look into what
it takes to maintain your tires while in storage (the sun is a major problem). You'll find
an interesting topic regarding tire "bloom" and the fact that tires are designed to be used
(roll) periodically...and in doing so...they release a compound from within to help them
cut-down on sun damage. (I don't know if all tires have this - but if you Google it -
you'll find some interesting material and then judge for youself....and this is a real
topic...not an urban legend!)
Good Luck - have patience and enjoy the whole process.
RL McFarland