Buying my first clipper

[calebolson23]

Hello!  I am on the lookout for my first clipper.  I live in Virginia, and so far, the closest I can find any for sale is Colorado; which is fine if that's what it takes.  My question is:  Is it smarter to buy a 1979 with a broken windshield and a working generator, or a 1980 with a broken cab A/C and no generator?  Both mileages are around 90K.  Is finding a windshield gonna be a huge process or can safelite or whoever just come slap on a new one?

While I'm here, I am wondering; is the club is still active?  I notice most of the updates are several years old.  If I fill out the membership form and pay the fee, can I still get the back issues of the newsletter? 

Any help is appreciated!  I'm sure I'll be frequenting this site as my adventure unfolds.

[Toedtoes]

Hello and welcome!

Yes, the club is still active and you can get back copies of the newsletters. As a member, you also get access to the technical sections of the forum - lots of info there.

Broken cab A/C often cannot be repaired on these older rigs.  No cab A/C and no generator to run the house A/C while driving or dry camping (without electric hookups) might be a deal breaker in Virginia.

Broken windshield - call Safelite and ask.  It does appear that you can get the trim online, so you should be OK.

The generator itself is a personal decision.  I don't have a generator and am happy. In hot weather I camp in the mountains, I don't use microwaves, etc.  My power usage is minimal.  Another person will say that a generator is a must have.  You can always buy a generator later on if you decide you do need it.

So, my biggest concern would be how the heat in Virginia will be dealt with.

[calebolson23]

Thank you for the advice.  I will have to drive it back from Colorado, so I was thinking that it would be a miserable trip with no AC in the summer. 

I'm looking forward to getting started!