Hoping this is it.

[WildastheWind]

I just went and looked at a 1978 Ramada.  It seemed to be in great shape and has seen little use over the past few years.  There is some work to be done, but it looks like it will not be beyond my capabilities.  I've been looking since last year for an Apache.  I responded to a Craigslist ad last year and had a deal and was headed to pick it up when the guy had told me he sold it to someone who showed up on his door step.  Since then I've been looking and researching.  I'm absolutely convinced that the Apache is for me.

So, here is hoping that this deal will work out.  The price was a little steep for the condition, but location was perfect.  If it works out, I could have one by next Friday.

I took a friend with me who had no idea about Apaches.  Needless to say, I may of hooked another!   

[aaronanalog]

Good job spreading the addiction 

[Redwood]

Hope you get it.  Those 78s are a great model year. Good Luck

[WildastheWind]

Gee Whiz...

So, Once again I lose out on an Apache.  The person I was going to buy the Apache from ended up selling it to a dealer.  Now, the camper has gone from $1800 to $2400.  I'm posting the pictures on here.  Can anyone tell me if it is worth that much?  The dealer only paid $1500 for it.  I'm going to try to talk to the dealer, but it looks like this one might be out of my reach.












I've been looking for a while now, but it is so hard to find anything close to New Mexico or South Texas.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[WildastheWind]

So, after all that, I have a second chance at it.  Tomorrow will tell.  Then I'll go from being a wanna-be to a newbie!!!!  Woo-Hoo!

Any tips or advice on owning my first Apache?

Thanks for all of the support!

TL

[findlayjeff]

yes being a newbie myself......... make sure you have some time on your hands because all i want to do is work on mine but have been really pressed for time.haha this weekend i'm going to hit it hard

[Parkland]

Its well worth $1500 at very minimum. But $2400 is a bit much, unless it means that much to you. You can easily find one just as good for even less then 15.

[WildastheWind]

Well, I'm no longer a wannabe, I can now proudly say I own an Apache 1978 Ramada.     I ended up paying $1,800 for it.  The original awning comes with it and a vintage mint green catalytic heater.  The lift system seems to be running pretty good, but I do have it on my task list to pull the gears off and grease them up pretty well.  I know it hasn't been done in 4 years.  The stove works and everything seems to be in fairly decent shape.  Some of the caps on the bed ends are in need of some repair as is the spare tire cover.  One of the bed ends looks like it could use some new living hinge, but I could take it out and camp in it tomorrow if I wanted.  If I wasn't on call, I would!

The dealer that bought it and sold it to me ended up being a pretty decent guy.  He gets some really awesome vintage camp trailers and such in.  Down here in the desert, they seem to be quite the time capsule.  He showed me this Air Stream that had every receipt and paperwork on it since the owners bought it new.  He found it in back of their barn and bought it.  The green and gold shag carpeting with gold cushions was awesome.  The thing looked a little faded, but really nice inside.

Thanks everyone for your help.  This site has been great in educating me and in keeping me sane while I tried to find my Apache.

Now, my next dream will be to go to a round-up!   

[Parkland]

Congrats on getting one.

[MrArcade]

I think you made the right move. Like you said....being so far south it might be a while before you see another for sale. Most fans of Apache solid states will say they consider 1978 to be the best year to own as they continually made improvements each year until 1978.

I am sure you will do a little work to it right away. If you decide for some reason that you want to sell it, I would bet you can get what you have invested within a week or two. If you get the major issues taken care of you can probably make money. And that is only of you decide to sell it....which I doubt you will.

[FitzFolly]

Congratulations,
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. If you want to make new curtains and need a color pattern, let me know. I'll send you a remnant of an original 78 curtain.
Take care,
Mike

[Redwood]

To bring back the shine in your abs and paint, This really works Collinite's Fleet wax #870. Find it on eBay

[Redwood]

Check out Tom's video on collinite fleet wax #870   http://apachepopupcampermessageboard.yuku.com/topic/919

[WildastheWind]

Thanks for the tip on Collinite.  Being military, I'm sure I'll be a polishing.  All things must shine!

I have begun to dig out my camping stuff I've been squirreling away for awhile.  I loaded some pics in the Gallery.  I think my Primus stove will be a great match!

[Family Force 6]

Well, I'm no longer a wannabe, I can now proudly say I own an Apache 1978 Ramada.     I ended up paying $1,800 for it.  The original awning comes with it and a vintage mint green catalytic heater.  The lift system seems to be running pretty good, but I do have it on my task list to pull the gears off and grease them up pretty well.  I know it hasn't been done in 4 years.  The stove works and everything seems to be in fairly decent shape.  Some of the caps on the bed ends are in need of some repair as is the spare tire cover.  One of the bed ends looks like it could use some new living hinge, but I could take it out and camp in it tomorrow if I wanted.  If I wasn't on call, I would!

The dealer that bought it and sold it to me ended up being a pretty decent guy.  He gets some really awesome vintage camp trailers and such in.  Down here in the desert, they seem to be quite the time capsule.  He showed me this Air Stream that had every receipt and paperwork on it since the owners bought it new.  He found it in back of their barn and bought it.  The green and gold shag carpeting with gold cushions was awesome.  The thing looked a little faded, but really nice inside.

Thanks everyone for your help.  This site has been great in educating me and in keeping me sane while I tried to find my Apache.

Now, my next dream will be to go to a round-up!   

Would you mind giving me the dealers contact info?  I've been looking around for a while myself and have had a hard time finding them here in Denver.  A trip to new mexico is not out of the question.
It looks your camper is in real nice shape, congratulations.
-Sean