HOTRODPRIMER
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1957 Shasta
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Oct 29, 2018 9:01:35 GMT -8
The desire to own a vintage camper came from my memory's traveling with my grandparents in their '56 Shasta camper and the fact that our youngest granddaughter had never been camping and I wanted her to experience the fun that I had as a child. Their camper was just a few years old when they took me camping and I vividly remember the crisp fall air, the smell of smoke from the camp fires and of course grandmothers cooking. So in my search for the ideal camper for the Berry family, it had to be a mid '50's Shasta camper. I searched for 5 years and had no luck and then one day a '56 Shasta that needed almost everything poped up on Craig's list, I called and told the seller I was on my way,upon arrival it looked rough but since I have restored cars for more than 40 years I knew I could do the work, the only thing missing was the original stove and I bought that from a fellow member here. The disassembly was going slow due to the weather but I did make some progress than the accident that screwed up my right shoulder and resulted in a replacement and severely limitedmy range of motion and the camper came to a stand still. During this time my friend decided he wanted a bigger/ newer camper and had restored his grandfathers '57 Shasta camper that had been used for hunting, long story short we agreed on a price that was lower than what I had budgeted for my rebuild and I bought his. It was the best thing for us, the '56 is still covered up behind the garage and I still don't have a title.Danny
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yarnia
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1956 Holly 20'
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Post by yarnia on Dec 13, 2018 17:50:19 GMT -8
I guess I want what most of us want.
#1 and a total deal breaker for me - unpainted mostly intact birch interior. Or other wood perhaps. I'm a beginner fixit person so I don't want one that is totally trashed.
#2 not meddled with - I would rather have to fix a leaked area than have to fix a bad repair. No window units hanging off the side. The person that invents a tiny little AC for vintage campers will be much loved.
#3 So far, I prefer older 50s or earlier. I see the cool factor in 60-70s trailers but I don't want one. Yet. haha. I am tempted by some of the 70s airstreams I see.
#4 A little chrome helps. I like shiny things! Give me those Original vintage handles and fridge trim!
#5 Just from a practical perspective, it can't be too huge or I won't want to tow it. My garage could prob hold a 23' max so that will keep me under control there as I believe strongly in keeping campers covered.
#6 I'm not paying extra for heart warming sayings applied to the body, or your fav sports team curtains, or any of that nonsense. I like a trailer than still has all the original bits and pieces. If the original upholstery is there and in usable condition I'll roll with it. Original formica gives me chills! wheeee
#7 two doors - even if one is just a little boyfriend door. I just love the concept and the safety as well.
#8 I don't really cook in a camper but I have to have a fridge. One that makes ice is the BEST. Wine + ice = happy me.
#9 I'm not a fan of the black and white square sheet vinyl. It was big in the 80s and to me it does not looks authentic. Love the VCT squares tho.
#10 must have a dedicated bed. I don’t like fighting with tables and cushions every night.
I have one with a bath and 2 without. That is not a deal breaker for me. If I were planning a long trip camping then I might feel differently. One of the things I have noticed in campground bathrooms...is big rig folks in there showering lol
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aries
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Post by aries on Dec 15, 2018 0:02:20 GMT -8
My first trailer was a free no title mini winnie,although wasn't much into the box style and always liked the older curved trailers of my time-any type really.All original appliances would be nice,but not necessary as mfg co are reproducing more efficient models and can be replaced with similar.I always look for a spare tire,tire mount,lug nut a jack even,sadly most have none?We originally were looking to buy an early 60's Scotsman before Aloha and with both needing repairs,opted for the head room of the "toaster"but still ponder if should have bought both?🤔
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violamomof4
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1954 Jewel
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Post by violamomof4 on Dec 30, 2018 7:53:25 GMT -8
It all depends on if I am building it for me or if I'm going to flip it. But either way, a lot of the above can determine what I'll pay for a trailer and whether I would even be interested. Vikx has the basics covered... I turn down a lot of trailers that are offered me. Price has a lot to do with it. I don't care what they are going for elsewhere. What can I get it for right now and again that all depends on whether or not I think it is marketable for a flip if I'm not building it for me. For me it must be a canned ham or a trunk trailer. I like trunks for some reason. I don't want any home builts. Mid to early 50s is my favorite era in time. Most of the parts must be there. Doesn't need to have a title I won't pay until I Know I can get one. I've got that down here in NV now and I had it down in CA when I lived there. Just have to get to know your DMV. For a flip, I just need to know if I can make a profit on it. I don't care what it is. Any year trailer if I think I can turn it. I have rules about flips. When the trailer leaves my driveway it is clean, safe to tow, titled and currently registered... New tires and all broken glass is replaced. Hitch works properly as do the brakes if it has them. Bearings are inspected and greased. Exterior lights all work. I’ve seen some jewels that have a shelf or a bunk bed above the bed, ours doesn’t. We’d like the extra storage and we also have a 7 yr old that could sleep there (not for long). What do you recommend? Should we just skip it altogether or should we add it? If we add it, how do we go about securing it? Any advice greatly appreciated !
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 30, 2018 17:13:21 GMT -8
It all depends on if I am building it for me or if I'm going to flip it. But either way, a lot of the above can determine what I'll pay for a trailer and whether I would even be interested. Vikx has the basics covered... I turn down a lot of trailers that are offered me. Price has a lot to do with it. I don't care what they are going for elsewhere. What can I get it for right now and again that all depends on whether or not I think it is marketable for a flip if I'm not building it for me. For me it must be a canned ham or a trunk trailer. I like trunks for some reason. I don't want any home builts. Mid to early 50s is my favorite era in time. Most of the parts must be there. Doesn't need to have a title I won't pay until I Know I can get one. I've got that down here in NV now and I had it down in CA when I lived there. Just have to get to know your DMV. For a flip, I just need to know if I can make a profit on it. I don't care what it is. Any year trailer if I think I can turn it. I have rules about flips. When the trailer leaves my driveway it is clean, safe to tow, titled and currently registered... New tires and all broken glass is replaced. Hitch works properly as do the brakes if it has them. Bearings are inspected and greased. Exterior lights all work. I’ve seen some jewels that have a shelf or a bunk bed above the bed, ours doesn’t. We’d like the extra storage and we also have a 7 yr old that could sleep there (not for long). What do you recommend? Should we just skip it altogether or should we add it? If we add it, how do we go about securing it? Any advice greatly appreciated ! You just need a support cleat on each wall and a piece of plywood in between. Cleat on the back wall as well.
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 30, 2018 22:08:10 GMT -8
Mine had 1x4 framing on the back and sides where the bunk is. Inside, it has a hinge on the back and L- brackets on the sides for the bunk to sit when lowered. The front of the bunk had latches on the sides that hold into holes in the walls , either up or down.
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jeremiah
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Post by jeremiah on Jan 15, 2019 19:18:51 GMT -8
This week, my items would be. 20 ft max, the Front Door NOT opening right into the sleeping area and a Shower of some kind
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 15, 2019 20:24:02 GMT -8
This week, my items would be. 20 ft max, the Front Door NOT opening right into the sleeping area and a Shower of some kind I'm seeing that the longer, larger trailers are in demand. I sold that 53 Kit for $8500... People want the luxuries. Shower, toilet, fridge, AC, and of course, no one can live without a HUGE TV.... You all know what I'm into. Small 40s and 50s Canned Hams. But I can see the larger models becoming more and more popular. Get out there and get the big ones while the prices are still low.
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jeremiah
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Post by jeremiah on Jan 18, 2019 6:03:58 GMT -8
On the 6 mo trip we are on. We used our 66 trailblazer for 6 weeks. It is 16 feet long, it has everything, but no shower. It did not seem to matter since we drove every day and used campground showers. We switched to our 68 19 foot which has a tub and shower. We are hooked up in a site for 4 weeks. Although they have showers here. What a difference 3 feet makes. We will put the 19 foot into storage here and switch back to our 66 trailblazerto travel the USA again in 2 weeks, until May 1st.
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