Drake
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Post by Drake on Dec 20, 2013 21:53:28 GMT -8
The trailer is about 90 miles south of where in live here in Utah. If I decide to make the ride to look at it, I'll be sure to check all those areas, thanks Mobiltec.
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Dec 22, 2013 10:39:49 GMT -8
Just be aware that if you're looking to resell in a couple years, the older ones will bring a better return on your "investment." Either way, the more you look at the more you'll know what you want. Best of luck and have fun in your hunt! So, Up until 1965ish are the most desirable years or earlier?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 22, 2013 10:56:00 GMT -8
Just be aware that if you're looking to resell in a couple years, the older ones will bring a better return on your "investment." Either way, the more you look at the more you'll know what you want. Best of luck and have fun in your hunt! So, Up until 1965ish are the most desirable years or earlier? In my world the desireable years stop at 61 but yes... 65ish is where the canned hams pretty much changed into the boxy toaster shape. And as with all things, new trailers are now being built to resemble the old styles. Retro....
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Dec 22, 2013 18:34:08 GMT -8
So, Up until 1965ish are the most desirable years or earlier? In my world the desireable years stop at 61 but yes... 65ish is where the canned hams pretty much changed into the boxy toaster shape. And as with all things, new trailers are now being built to resemble the old styles. Retro.... Mobil's right, the canned ham styles (and the more cannish the better) are the more desirable as far as resale goes. They also tend to be a little more expensive to purchase. Mobil - Retro, that's how I like to think of myself. Unfortunately the mirror reminds me that I am an original (pre pre pre '61). Does my upgraded hip qualify me for "refurbished" status?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 22, 2013 19:12:18 GMT -8
As long as you aren't a frame up rebuild you qualify.
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Post by vikx on Dec 22, 2013 22:19:34 GMT -8
I agree the 50s Hams are much more desirable, especially with Golden Glow wood inside... That's what people are looking for most of the time. Hamlet is right on price: I haven't FOUND one in a year or so... The pickers are really on the prowl. Prices are outrageous, often 2K for a frame up junker.
Around 1970, trailer manufacturers started using MDF and other combo products rather than real wood. Not only is MDF heavy, but it swells badly and turns to sawdust after it gets wet. The paneling was often vinyl over plywood and peeled with age. When doing restoration, it's easier to work on anything older than 1969 because of the materials. That being said, late 60s paneling is very hard to replicate.
Also, most buyers are searching for a smaller trailer (better gas mileage and tow-ability). Trailers kept growing and growing until tandem axles became the norm. Then, you're into a bigger tow vehicle and more $$ for tires, gas, a brake controller, etc.
So *most* people looking for a vintage trailer are looking for 60s and older. Going back to the good ol' days, when life (and little trailers) were simpler and easy to manage. The trailers could boon dock for days, complete with running water (well, hand pumped) gas lighting and working stove) The charm of a vintage trailer can't be beat.
If you're building for yourself buy what you LIKE. Age doesn't matter. If you want to re-sell, do research on what is in demand.
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Dec 23, 2013 7:17:39 GMT -8
Thanks Mobiltec, Hamlet and Vikx. I'm looking for myself but I'm sure I'll sell it at some point and I'm all about maximizing my investment of time and money.
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Dec 28, 2013 15:06:36 GMT -8
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 28, 2013 19:50:31 GMT -8
Drake this is how I like to find trailers. Keep knocking on doors and the right one will drop into your lap. Don't get shot...
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Post by vikx on Dec 28, 2013 20:25:26 GMT -8
You've been very busy Drake!
Mid to late 60s on the Roadrunner. It has extra clearance lights on the rear... The Fireball looks to be in very rough shape. The dome types generally have severe rot in that area. Mid 60s on that one too.
The blue trailer looks to be late 50s. It seems "low" like a Metzendorf but a little larger than a Metz, I think. Could be many brands; Check out photos on the web and look for the jalousie windows and wheel well shape, as well as the door. (no window, metal pattern) Cardinals used jalousies but they were a higher built trailer. I friend of mine has a 57 Field and Stream that favors this trailer as well.
Good Luck!
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Jan 7, 2014 11:16:48 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Jan 7, 2014 22:30:17 GMT -8
The Oasis might be worth having. I've restored two, a 64 and a 65; both came out really nice. Exterior looks to be complete and fairly straight...
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pathfinder3081
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Post by pathfinder3081 on Jan 8, 2014 5:58:02 GMT -8
Jeeper! I just flipped through this thread again.. Dude! You are surrounded by these things. It's like you have an old camper graveyard in every county. Good bird doggi'n on your search... I'm gettin' a "Trailer Identification" lesson with every page in this post.. Thanks Team!
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Jan 8, 2014 7:29:15 GMT -8
Jeeper! I just flipped through this thread again.. Dude! You are surrounded by these things. It's like you have an old camper graveyard in every county. Good bird doggi'n on your search... I'm gettin' a "Trailer Identification" lesson with every page in this post.. Thanks Team! Believe it or not I live in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah and all of these trailers are less than 8 miles from my home. I have been looking in the old parts of town and in the areas that used to be farming communities but have been over taken by new subdivisions and strip malls. I have found a lot of early '70 trailers but haven't mentioned anything about them. They are a dime a dozen around here. Hopefully I'll be able to buy the blue one or the Oasis. I have left messages for both owners the past few days but they have not returned my calls.
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Drake
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Post by Drake on Jan 9, 2014 19:24:06 GMT -8
You've been very busy Drake! Mid to late 60s on the Roadrunner. It has extra clearance lights on the rear... The Fireball looks to be in very rough shape. The dome types generally have severe rot in that area. Mid 60s on that one too. The blue trailer looks to be late 50s. It seems "low" like a Metzendorf but a little larger than a Metz, I think. Could be many brands; Check out photos on the web and look for the jalousie windows and wheel well shape, as well as the door. (no window, metal pattern) Cardinals used jalousies but they were a higher built trailer. I friend of mine has a 57 Field and Stream that favors this trailer as well. Good Luck! I got a call back from the owner of the Baby Blue trailer today. He thinks he is the second owner and says its a '57 Corvette. He has a title and we are trying to meet in the next couple of days so I can check out the inside. He said the paneling on the ceiling is starting to fall and that there is water damage around some of the windows. How much rot is too much for this one or is that only a question I can answer? From what I have read about the corvettes' they were only built from '57-'59. I would think that makes them fairly rare. I have only seen one other picture of one this same size, all the other pics I have seen are the smaller size. Based on the pics I have posted of it what would you pay for it??
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