gambler
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Post by gambler on Jan 30, 2015 7:50:32 GMT -8
I just wanted to say hello to all of the members. The reason that I am here is because my wife's aunt just gave us a 1974 Shasta compact. I have only seen pictures of it and have not personally seen it. I know that it will need some TLC and I hated to not take it as she seemed so excited to give it to us. I came here looking for info on how to rebuild campers because I am sure I will be rebuilding part if not all of it at some point.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 30, 2015 7:58:09 GMT -8
to our forum, Gambler. You are LUCKY! Not many of us had our trailers come to us so easily and none of us had to think twice about feeling bad or not taking one! There are several Compact owners here. I have a 62 and and 65. Check out RJ's Compact thread. Even though yours is not the same year, it should be the same body style as they stayed the same from 65 on up. And we love pics, so upload some to a photo sharing site and link here so we can see what you have!!!! Here's a link to RJ's thread. He has documented his work nicely and the pics may help you to see what it looks like under those skins. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3388/1972-shasta-compact-journey-begins
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RJ
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Post by RJ on Jan 30, 2015 8:21:11 GMT -8
Welcome to the forum gambler. You've came to the right place to learn about how these old trailers are put together and probably a bit about their history. Starting your learning curve early, before you pull the little gem home, is the way to fly. I'd highly recommend you start reviewing mobiltec's trailer restoration videos; they'll start you on the right foot for the journey ahead. Please post some pics of your Shasta when you get her home. Again, welcome!
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gambler
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Post by gambler on Jan 30, 2015 10:48:06 GMT -8
Thanks a bunch for the welcome. I will try to post a couple of pics. Looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me!!
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chukar52
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Post by chukar52 on Jan 30, 2015 15:07:54 GMT -8
Not an expert by any means, but seems to me "sno-roof" sealants have been pretty much frowned upon in previous threads!
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 30, 2015 19:43:51 GMT -8
Looks like a fun project...but not the snow shovel part.
Think Spring.
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Post by vikx on Jan 30, 2015 22:40:26 GMT -8
Don't listen to Chukar52, Gambler. He's making an inside joke... LOL Welcome to VTT!
And oooo... looks like it has some interesting goodies, too....
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gambler
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Post by gambler on Apr 14, 2015 3:41:17 GMT -8
Well, I got her home this weekend! I had to tow her 42 miles and I was scared. The trailer towed fine but I swear the tires are original. I had no spare tires or wheel bearings. But we made it. I have looked it over some and it is in decent shape. The aunt has hacked out the roof vent because it was leaking so I need to come up with a fix for that. The floor is in really good shape and the sides are still solid where attached to the floor. I think there is some water rot on the front below the window maybe from the vent leak. But the front lower boards (what ever they are called) look in ok shape but are not attached to the floor joists which are in good shape. How were these attached? nails? I know the trailer should be totally torn apart and redone but my wife wants to fix what needs fixed right now and use it a few times this summer. She seemed deflated when I told her we won't be able to use it for 2 years or so. I will get some pics of our gem!
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Apr 14, 2015 6:26:40 GMT -8
Well, I got her home this weekend! I had to tow her 42 miles and I was scared. The trailer towed fine but I swear the tires are original. I had no spare tires or wheel bearings. But we made it. I have looked it over some and it is in decent shape. The aunt has hacked out the roof vent because it was leaking so I need to come up with a fix for that. The floor is in really good shape and the sides are still solid where attached to the floor. I think there is some water rot on the front below the window maybe from the vent leak. But the front lower boards (what ever they are called) look in ok shape but are not attached to the floor joists which are in good shape. How were these attached? nails? I know the trailer should be totally torn apart and redone but my wife wants to fix what needs fixed right now and use it a few times this summer. She seemed deflated when I told her we won't be able to use it for 2 years or so. I will get some pics of our gem! Congrats on getting it home. You aren't the first to take a chance on old rubber. Her disappointment is a good sign, sounds like she likes to camp. Clean it up (with her help of course) and take it to the nearest campground for a weekend so she can get have a taste of what it will be like. All the while, point out all the shortcomings and she'll have a better understanding. Look forward to seeing more pics.
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Post by vintagebruce on Apr 14, 2015 6:29:18 GMT -8
Welcome to VTT. There is always the desire to enjoy your "new" vintage camper right away. If you start reading comments/threads and watching some of mobiltec's videos, you can learn how to see how solid your Compact is, as she sits. I bought a 1961 Compact a few years ago that is still waiting for a rebuild. I have done some preliminary inspection, and feel that if I wanted to tow it 20 miles to the nearest state water park/camping/fishing area and do some basic off-grid weekend camping, it is solid enough for that. I can tow it on a couple of country roads and not have to worry about interstate type traffic all around it. If you can camp close by and make easy tows, maybe you could use it as-is, but you must feel confident it is solid enough on the frame that it will not come apart on the short distance low speed tows. Many may disagree with these comments so I will qualify them by saying these are my thoughts only. Good Luck.
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