Post by redheadkara on Oct 11, 2014 13:16:19 GMT -8
So, for frame of reference, I am completely new to campers and have no experience at all on restoration. I have liked the vintage camper idea for a while, but assumed it would be out of reach budget-wise. We have just been given an old camper as a gift. It seems, to my untrained eye, to be in reasonable condition. It's been stored in the Nevada desert for many years, and was, judging from the footprints in the dust, home to a cat, so there's no evidence of rodent infestation. The only water damage we can find is under the back window and a small area around the roof vent. My husband is a contractor and pretty familiar with identifying rot/water damage, so I think this is the extent. Some of the luaun on the cupboard doors and the frame by the roof vent is delaminating, but it doesn't show typical water signs.
Neither of of us have any experience at all with metal work, so we're afraid if we undo the screws and remove the aluminum skin we'll never get it back on, but everything I've read here and on other vintage camper sites indicates skin off to work on the interior. First, are we right to assume we're basically risking the skin if we remove it? Is this less difficult (I mean reinstalling) than I'm making it in my head? How did people here learn how to do this type of work? Is it only required if all the interior wood needs replacing, or it needs to come off even for smaller sections?
Any insight on this piece of things would be appreciated. The person who gave it to us was traveling when we picked it up (tows like a dream, btw) so I don't yet have the paperwork, but as far as we can tell it's a Tear Drop brand (any tips on googling a Tear Drop brand camper that isn't an actual tear drop would be welcomed) from maybe the late 60s or early 70s if that helps. And, yes, I've gathered that getting that paperwork and sorting out the title transfer and registration here in California are key before we invest any significant time or energy into the fix-up.
Thanks for for any insights you all can provide!
Kara
Neither of of us have any experience at all with metal work, so we're afraid if we undo the screws and remove the aluminum skin we'll never get it back on, but everything I've read here and on other vintage camper sites indicates skin off to work on the interior. First, are we right to assume we're basically risking the skin if we remove it? Is this less difficult (I mean reinstalling) than I'm making it in my head? How did people here learn how to do this type of work? Is it only required if all the interior wood needs replacing, or it needs to come off even for smaller sections?
Any insight on this piece of things would be appreciated. The person who gave it to us was traveling when we picked it up (tows like a dream, btw) so I don't yet have the paperwork, but as far as we can tell it's a Tear Drop brand (any tips on googling a Tear Drop brand camper that isn't an actual tear drop would be welcomed) from maybe the late 60s or early 70s if that helps. And, yes, I've gathered that getting that paperwork and sorting out the title transfer and registration here in California are key before we invest any significant time or energy into the fix-up.
Thanks for for any insights you all can provide!
Kara
