69??? Scotty Hilander - Worth Rescuing from a backyard?

I am with RJ on this one...get it home and ask questions later. 

This is one that, as mentioned, you need "eyes wide open"...The hundred up front is not going to translate into some sort of huge bargain in the longest run.  It really will be a total rebuild to restore it.  These were made with tin-over-plywood walls so there is no stick framing.  It is a bit different sort of rebuild.  Those upper windows were notorious for leaking and destroying everything from there down.  The interior indicates exactly what one should expect for this...it has some original templates that need restructuring, some panels that need replacin', and some parts that need scouting...It also lends itself nicely to guiding you to a layout that works but leaves room for modernizing it for your own taste.

All that being said, the Scottys are quite desirable among them that  love 'em.  The Highlander and the Sportsman are both pretty cool units.  I would be willing to bet that you could have this re-sold before you could tow it home, if you decided you don't want the project yourself.

On another note that is a cool old Chevy next to it, about late 70's with a mid-60's cap.  My Dad had one of those camper toppers on an old Ford he had once.  It was nearly as heavy as the whole truck.  It had crank-out  windows, headroom enough to sit in the truck bed in a lawn chair, and I think it was aluminum-over-brick-and-mortar construction....

RJ- Yes, there is a stove, but no fridge. I was hoping for an oven (mainly because they look cool.) I think I have access to one for free.

Ten- I do agree that it won't be a bargain, but I'll still consider myself at least $500 ahead. The other campers I've been seeing are priced around $800 and they'd still need nearly a full rebuild.


Ladywendolyn- Yes, I love the style. When I first saw if from the street, I could only see the back. When I came around to the back yard, I absolutely fell in love with the front skylights. (even though I quickly realized they'd likely be a constant water issue.)

Thanks for the input. I'll likely try to bring it home tomorrow.

Man, the Nomad isn't bad either!! This guy has treasures to me. Love the truck.

Read up on Scotties as Larry suggested. They are different to build with plywood walls. The frame might need some repair and some Scotty owners like to add a new axle with adjustable height.

Kirkadie- Good eye on the paint vs woodgrain paneling. I had checked that resource, but somehow overlooked that. Either way, it is sitting in my driveway now. I managed to find the VIN under lots of paint, and I now see that it is a '71.

I took an air compressor and a few tools to pick it up today. Tires aired right up and held long enough for the 1 mile drive home. Of course I didn't even bother checking the bearings for such a short trip, but I will. She made it home in one piece. I've already cleaned a pickup load of trash and debris out of it. I also scrubbed the lichens and mildew off one side. What a difference!

The owner originally told me he'd take $100. Today he said I could just take it for free. If he can find the title, he'll take the $100. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Now to determine whether or not to keep her. While I was picking her up today, I noticed 2 more vintage campers sitting in the neighbor's back yard. Both of them under sheds. One was too big for my taste, so I didn't even investigate. The other was a Mid-Jet. I peeked inside, and all of the paneling seemed pretty good at first glance. The fact that it is under roof leads me to believe it would be in better shape than the Scotty that has been sitting out for at least the last 30 years. I didn't have my camera with me, so I don't have any pictures. I knocked on the door, but they weren't home. I looked their number up and left a message though.

On the subject of hunting- I need to be careful before I have a wreck. I can't stop myself from peeking into backyards as I drive around. I even make myself carsick whipping my head back and forth while I'm driving. I seem to be pretty good at knowing the types of neighborhoods to look in. I spotted 2 more on my way home from church this morning. I could see someone flipping these by finding them in backyards, getting them for cheap, cleaning, or doing minor repairs to make them towable, and them posting to Craigslist as a project camper. I wouldn't feel too guilty about doing this since I'd likely be saving them from eventual scrap, and I'd make sure that I was upfront in selling them as a project camper. (rather than a lipstick restore)

Anyway, here is a better picture of the Scotty in my driveway.

Milesboyer, 3 posts and we discover you have been addicted for a while... Welcome to the madd club!

I recommend our 12 step program, the first of which is Check Craigslist multiple times a day...