1954 Airstream Flying Cloud Trailer Auction by Orvis

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12-05-2011, 06:22 AM
John Rhoades

1954 Airstream Flying Cloud Trailer Auction by Orvis

Its not too late to bid on this trailer: http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?dir_...9&subject=9460
The auction doesn't end for another week. I just looked and the bidding was over $80,000, and the reserve had not been met.

In case you think that's a lot of money to spend for a restored vintage travel trailer, keep in mind that
"The forward end of the trailer, with its semi-circular natural leather sofa and ample counter space, is suitable for comfortable dining and small party hosting, as well as quiet time tying flies." And it includes an Orvis bonus gift: Orvis Edition HMH Spartan Vise!
12-05-2011, 07:42 AM
flyguy66

Well, I guess we know where all those high-dollar fly fishing equipment buyers that Hardy says they've lost in this bad economy have gone. They're over at Orvis bidding $80k on a 50 year old travel trailer! LOL
12-05-2011, 10:36 AM
Lotech

Life would be empty without it's fantasies. I can absolutely see my wife & I in it, at the Idaho Fish-In.
12-05-2011, 11:52 AM
Dave E

View before bidding.

:wink::wink::wink::wink::wink::wink::wink:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...geQuality=Full

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...geQuality=Full
12-05-2011, 12:26 PM
John Rhoades

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy66

Well, I guess we know where all those high-dollar fly fishing equipment buyers that Hardy says they've lost in this bad economy have gone. They're over at Orvis bidding $80k on a 50 year old travel trailer! LOL

There must have been some of those same buyers there last year as well when Orvis auctioned off a restored 1959 Land Rover Series II Model 109.
What a cool fishing vehicle!

It sold for ONLY $160,900!

You can see it at:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=3Y8E
12-05-2011, 01:32 PM
chewydog

Why not restore one yourself? Here's a vintage one slightly longer for $74,000 (currently) cheaper.
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/rvs/2732034720.html
12-05-2011, 03:21 PM
flyguy66

Well, I think that settles it then! Hardy is just missing the boat. They said people aren't willing to buy high-end, big ticket sporting goods items during this bad economy - especially in America, where most of their export business is. That's why they said they laid off 30% of their work force last week. (Blame it on the Americans...LOL) Obviously, Americans are still more than willing to blow ridiculously obscene amounts of money on name brand crap we don't need. In fact, Orvis has been selling the heck out of their high-end fly rods, the Helios line, too. So maybe...just maybe...Hardy's problem lies within the hallowed halls at House of Hardy, Ltd. Maybe they just aren't selling what their target customer wants to buy at a price they're willing to pay. Ah-ha! Yep. That'll trigger a down-turn in your biz every time.
12-11-2011, 06:52 AM
Flybyknight

I own an Airstream and have polished it to a very shiny finish. The problem is the mirror finish disappears after about 3 months, due to oxidation and I have to buff it all over again. There is no way to stop the oxidation unless you paint it.
To get a mirror finish like that on a 22' trailer, I estimate that it took at least 400 to 500 hours with a good polisher like a Makita, and 3 different polishing compounds and
a lot of wool bonnets and rags. The more you polish it however, the easier it gets to restore the luster.
Dick
12-11-2011, 09:09 AM
Kaboom1

Y'all better hurry if you are going to bid...auction ends at 9:00PM EST today. She is up to $107,000 dollars and the reserve has been met. She is going to sell, may as well be you!!

http://benefitevents.com/auctions/de...02&eventid=693

Brad
12-11-2011, 10:00 AM
flyguy66

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybyknight

I own an Airstream and have polished it to a very shiny finish. The problem is the mirror finish disappears after about 3 months, due to oxidation and I have to buff it all over again. There is no way to stop the oxidation unless you paint it.
To get a mirror finish like that on a 22' trailer, I estimate that it took at least 400 to 500 hours with a good polisher like a Makita, and 3 different polishing compounds and
a lot of wool bonnets and rags. The more you polish it however, the easier it gets to restore the luster.
Dick

Once you get it polished up that way couldn't you just get it clear coated? ;)
12-11-2011, 10:02 AM
flyguy66

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaboom1

Y'all better hurry if you are going to bid...auction ends at 9:00PM EST today. She is up to $107,000 dollars and the reserve has been met. She is going to sell, may as well be you!!

http://benefitevents.com/auctions/de...02&eventid=693

Brad

Yep, this is where I jump in and steal that puppy. Not! I mean...I would, but I don't want to spend 500 hours keeping it shiny. :D
12-11-2011, 12:55 PM
DaveMac

$108,000 and reserve has been met. Who has this kind of disposable income these days? Not me :)
12-11-2011, 02:14 PM
flyguy66

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveMac

$108,000 and reserve has been met. Who has this kind of disposable income these days? Not me :)

It's easy if you just save up the money you normally spend on $13,000 Hardy fly reels. :D

(now you know where those Wall Street bonuses go)
12-11-2011, 02:23 PM
forthebirds12

Brad, just imagine the fantastic trip you and Jack could make to the ID Fish-In next year. And Jack could help you keep it shined up. :D

Jerry
12-11-2011, 06:29 PM
Kaboom1

Jerry

Concidering the cost, I would be just as happy in the camper we brought this year.

Brad
12-11-2011, 06:39 PM
Lotech

Quote:

Originally Posted by forthebirds12

Brad, just imagine the fantastic trip you and Jack could make to the ID Fish-In next year. And Jack could help you keep it shined up. :D

Jerry

But where would Gnorm ride?
12-11-2011, 07:34 PM
kbproctor

Clear powder coat. There are powder coats that cue with UV rather than heat. I polished a shiner fuel trailer with a slurry of water and flour. Lasted for years.
12-11-2011, 09:21 PM
Flybyknight

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy66

Once you get it polished up that way couldn't you just get it clear coated? ;)

Yes you can, and it has been tried, however the adhesion is lousy and you loose the mirror finish. It gets duller.
I'm still working on mine:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Feb2010005.jpg
12-11-2011, 09:51 PM
flyguy66

Hmmmm. I think I'd have to cover that bad boy in Rhino Liner and some cool laser cut graphics then. :cool:
12-11-2011, 10:05 PM
Kaboom1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotech

But where would Gnorm ride?

Joe

We would just build him a seat. Maybe on top with a protective bubble to keep him clean and dry.

Brad
12-11-2011, 10:16 PM
Uncle Jesse

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbproctor

I polished a shiner fuel trailer with a slurry of water and flour. Lasted for years.

Kevin, Is that a little bit of a confession there. Down here shiners try to keep that information under cover and do not put it out over the internet.
12-11-2011, 10:24 PM
John Rhoades

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybyknight

Yes you can, and it has been tried, however the adhesion is lousy and you loose the mirror finish. It gets duller.
I'm still working on mine:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Feb2010005.jpg

Dick -

That looks nice even under all that snow.

John

p.s. I owned a 2004 Airstream 30' Classic Ltd for several years.
12-11-2011, 10:29 PM
DaveMac

$157,000 winning bid...Holy Mackerel :)
12-11-2011, 10:29 PM
kbproctor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Jesse

Kevin, Is that a little bit of a confession there. Down here shiners try to keep that information under cover and do not put it out over the internet.

I hate auto correct! :lol: