derek
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Post by derek on Jan 25, 2024 14:47:20 GMT -8
Afternoon, my wife and I acquired a 1964 19ft Little Gem trailer which was on some land we purchased. Hadn’t been moved or used for years so you can imagine lots of critters and works need to be done. We have been looking for a trusted company in central Iowa to help us bring her back to life. Would you all have any recommendations?
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Post by vikx on Jan 25, 2024 17:17:57 GMT -8
Haven't heard of any in Iowa. The closest one I heard of is in Wisconsin. Be careful to thoroughly vet anybody you choose to do the work. Ask to see previous builds and photos of work done. There are a lot of ignorant flippers out there that "think" they can do work on a vintage trailer. Also read lots of threads here so you know what to look for. Larrys site is Here: cannedhamtrailers.com/ He has a lot of videos of his work and you will learn a lot.
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Post by Teachndad on Jan 26, 2024 13:19:59 GMT -8
Hi Derek, I wish we had an experienced member from that neck of the woods on the forum, but I don't think so. It's a nice dream to bring it back, but from your brief description it would take a lot of time energy and money to bring back. People have trailered their trailers on a flat bed to their homes And it could be an option, but tow service cost would most likely be expensive and the trailer would have to be checked and possibly reinforced for the journey so it doesn't blow apart on the way to it's destination. Here is a thread that is somewhat related if you look for a private party to take on the project. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/13032/new-trailer-talk Just my two cents. Rod
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Happy Camper
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1963 Shasta Deluxe Airflyte
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Post by Happy Camper on Jan 28, 2024 2:30:04 GMT -8
Knowledge is your best tool. I am new to wood framed trailers covered in metal but have restored other things. Before you hire someone, read as much here and their recommendations. Even if you hire an "expert" you need to be educated beforehand for the best result. I've learned a lot here since I joined this month and I have much more to read. I am not a know it all and can be wrong and I surely don't want to discourage you as the end result can be very rewarding. I don't know how handy you are, but I would get out an icepick and investigate. If it needs a lot of work, you could be paying someone more than it will be worth. It sounds like this one fell in your lap when you bought a property it is on which makes me question how much passion you have to take on an alleged project if you possibly didn't work hard to find one. Many times, it is cheaper to pay more for a restored one or one in great shape. Do you have a top price in mind of what you're willing to put into it? Does it even matter if it costs more to restore than its restored value? I would rather overpay for a vintage trailer than a newer one. Seems like the only way to properly restore one that needs lots of love is to completely dismantle it to the floor or frame. At the very least you will need to peak under the exterior skin and most likely have to replace some wood just to stabilize it before doing anything inside. Take some pictures where you see water damage and other issues and post them here to get feedback. Maybe yours won't need too much. Whatever you do let us know. Good Luck
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 28, 2024 23:57:43 GMT -8
Welcome!
After browsing different threads and watching Larry's videos, you might be inspired to take on the project yourself.
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