prettywoman0172
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1967 Frolic ,
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Jan 3, 2016 19:20:28 GMT -8
Hello everyone, I've been reading for a few days now and figured it was probably time to introduce myself. My name is Ann-Marie and I am from a Boston suburb in Massachusetts. I am a lifelong doll and toy collector and have been tent camping for many many years. I found backpacking about 8yrs ago and have completed most of the Appalachian Trail. My heart definitely belongs in the mountains of West Virginia. I love road trips and enjoyed the 70s trailer that my dad kept at a campground about 20yrs ago. I became somewhat obsessed with vintage travel trailers (mainly tear drops and canned hams) when a guy at a local REI showed me how to repair the vintage/antique Coleman lantern I dragged out of the dump. He actually lives in my neighborhood and had a teardrop trailer custom built that he let me look at. However, I have been (and will continue to be) a full time (very non traditional) student in pursuit of medical school (decided to become a doctor a bit later in the game) so I am financially challenged. I haunt the Craigslist Free ads daily and finally found a vintage trailer. I visited it several times and even put a deposit on a flatbed to tow it home. But the 'seller' ended up giving it to someone else (who is also a member of this forum). I was heartbroken but decided to keep looking and I placed my own CL wanted ad for a vintage camper and I specifically named the Frolic in the ad. About a month later the person who was given the Frolic sent me an email in response to that ad and said he had a trailer for sale. As I was reading the description I knew it was *the one* that got away. I was so excited! After a few emails back and forth the new 'seller' ended up giving me the trailer  . I paid $175 to have it towed to my yard and now she is mine! The bill of sale from the 'seller' says she is a 1967. There is no title. I know pretty much nothing about trailer restoration but I've been reading and researching and watching Mobiltec's videos. I am taking almost two years off before going to medical school and I plan to do as much as I can before that. I made this Flickr album (hope it works): flickr.com/photos/139139784@N04/sets/72157660723623044 |
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Post by vikx on Jan 3, 2016 22:15:38 GMT -8
Welcome Anne Marie! We are glad you found us.
This little Frolic needs a lot and it will take every bit of two years to get it sound. Not horrible and we're here to help. I'm concerned about the last pictures of the frame? with so much rust and rot. That should be fixed before you do too much.
You've got a lot to work with and it's a cute one.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Jan 4, 2016 5:11:09 GMT -8
Thank you for your reply Vikx. What kind of work do you think the frame is going to need?
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Jan 4, 2016 6:15:29 GMT -8
Welcome! This is THE PLACE to get all kinds of good advice. Although it will be a long time before you'll need it, you are very fortunate in that there is a source for the (elusive) 1/8" birch (and other) plywood in Somerville. Boulter Plywood. Also, be advised that some (un-named) members of this forum are revving up their Sawsall's.
Cutters Club...hands off!
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 4, 2016 6:40:15 GMT -8
Welcome!
I think your camper has great potential. A couple of great pieces of advice given me are...
Work from the ground up.
Work on one section at a time.
As somebody said above, we're here to help make the process fun and rewarding.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jan 4, 2016 14:43:52 GMT -8
Congrats and welcome! Don't let the two year time frame scare you off, this is a great trailer for a restoration/rebuild/reimagine. You have plenty of time to think about how you might use it. Do you really need a flushing toilet? There are a couple really nice porta potties on the market that are easy to use and empty. And, you might be able to fit the bathroom with a shower head as well. This will be something you will have for a very long time, enjoy the journey!
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Post by vikx on Jan 4, 2016 20:16:41 GMT -8
Because of the closeness of the photo, I couldn't tell exactly where the metal rot is and/or how extensive. If the weather allows, crawl around underneath and see how the frame looks. If it ALL looks as your photo does, it may mean welding, new metal or a mostly new frame. If most of it is good, a handy welder will be able to help you and get it strong and sturdy.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Jan 5, 2016 5:23:44 GMT -8
Because of the closeness of the photo, I couldn't tell exactly where the metal rot is and/or how extensive. If the weather allows, crawl around underneath and see how the frame looks. If it ALL looks as your photo does, it may mean welding, new metal or a mostly new frame. If most of it is good, a handy welder will be able to help you and get it strong and sturdy. I was under it last week when I took those pics. That area that has the holes in it is right at the back under the cargo area on one side only. The rest of it looks good to me, but I am not an expert. In fact this is the first time I've ever been under any vehicle. I know my older car is going to need frame work (I love the car so it will get repaired and someday fully restored) and I'm actually scared to look under the car now that I know what to look for. I will make a diagram of the frame and post where I the rust is. Thanks everyone for your help. ann |
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Jan 5, 2016 7:09:52 GMT -8
A warm welcome to you Ann-Marie. There is nothing on these trailer that can't be re-worked, re-built or replaced. It is just a question of how much you want to learn and how much work you are willing to do in relation to how much time and money you can spend on it. Here, we like to see safe, functional trailers returned to service, so in that regard we won't cut you much slack. Beyond that, do as you please.
It will be a long haul, but very well worth it.
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mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by mel on Jan 5, 2016 9:29:38 GMT -8
Looks like a cute little camper, I love the bump out in the top front.
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Post by vikx on Jan 5, 2016 11:21:26 GMT -8
Frame: I would definitely have a knowledgeable frame and axle person inspect the frame. It appears to be rolled steel. If so, appropriate additions could go a long way toward a safe and sound trailer.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Jan 5, 2016 12:03:49 GMT -8
Frame: I would definitely have a knowledgeable frame and axle person inspect the frame. It appears to be rolled steel. If so, appropriate additions could go a long way toward a safe and sound trailer. I definitely will! Thank You! |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Jan 9, 2016 15:26:22 GMT -8
What if I can't do it?  ? |
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Post by vikx on Jan 9, 2016 21:50:15 GMT -8
You can. Start with the frame and get some estimates. That has to be fixed regardless. We can help with advice on repairs.
PM me for info on my Vintage Trailer Repair book.
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kirkadie
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'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
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Post by kirkadie on Jan 10, 2016 6:30:44 GMT -8
If I can do it anyone can. One step at a time, and take pictures of everything so you'll remember how to put it all back together.
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. I paid $175 to have it towed to my yard and now she is mine! The bill of sale from the 'seller' says she is a 1967. There is no title. I know pretty much nothing about trailer restoration but I've been reading and researching and watching Mobiltec's videos. I am taking almost two years off before going to medical school and I plan to do as much as I can before that. 
?