Re: [VAC] Newbie needs help with first Airstream

["terry tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jay,

You asked about pricing guidelines on 
Airstreams from the 60's.
My reply:
"What the traffic will bear."

BUT - some sort of structure is helpful.
For purposes of illustration, here are 
the figures I use for a single axle vintage.

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. 

Example: New refrigerators cost $1500, 
rebuilt ones can be half that. You've
been on the list awhile and you know 
how to access Tom's archives. With a 
little homework, most cost data can 
be teased out, or at least an email
address can be found of someone who
has just done that job. A simple 
note asking costs is within the realm
of what most of us are ready to share. 

Example: For me, frame sag is no big deal, 
so I place a low dollar amount on that. 
Others may assign a higher price. 
That's okay, too. We do what we want 
with our money. I know I over pay on 
certain types of parts or labor, yet 
on others, I'm exceptionally frugal. 

Here's my system - right off the top of my 
head - now - at this keyboard. There are 
dozens of items I haven't included. That's 
because this is for illustration purposes 
only. It's up to you to decide which items 
are important to you. Think of your first 
chart as a prototype or as the first draft 
or as an evolving work in progress.

The advantage with this type of system is 
it's easy to do the math on your feet (in
your head) while talking to the seller.

$2,000  outside skin mirror shiny polished
$2,000  basic running gear in good order  
$1,500  all inside appliances work
$1,500  outside skin nearly blemish free
$1,000  solid floor (no evidence of rot)
$  500  two batteries and two solar panels
$  500  solid frame (no evidence of sag)
$  500  allow for generalized high quality
$  300  equalizing hitch (no bows or eggs)
$  200  propane bottles (30#) (no dents)
$  200  inside woodwork blemish free
$  200  interior decor looks new 
$  100  catalytic heater (clean pad)
$?????  allow for new parts within 1 year
$?????  other items not mentioned yet

Jay, you asked about web sites for pricing 
guidelines. You didn't ask for what I just 
gave you. Maybe these thoughts will tide you 
over until you find something more objective 
on the web.

Terry