prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 3, 2016 8:06:59 GMT -8
Vintage Camper Hacks - anyone know of any tricks for repurposing regular (non RV) items for their vintage camper? Lights, door knobs, doors, furniture, etc. I am trying to rebuild my camper using salvaged materials and keeping it as inexpensive as possible by trading or selling other salvaged items to pay for things (like the frame and specific tools). I recently saw some wall sconces that were made out of mason jars that I really liked. Ideas? Advice?
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Post by danrhodes on Feb 3, 2016 8:20:42 GMT -8
I don't think you'll find a lot of "hackers" here on VTT...Seems mostly purists interested in quality and period correct rebuilds. I said it on Facebook, so I'll say it here, there are many ways to embrace this hobby, from a glowing amber birch original to a pink cupcake glamped disaster, so my hack is to do whatever makes you happy. Do stick around though, as you will not find a nicer group of folks to kick your butt when you're on the wrong track ;-) I have noticed you get a wide variety of advice on Facebook, some of which can be downright dangerous, but safety is always first on VTT.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 3, 2016 8:27:10 GMT -8
I find some the folks on Facebook to be pretty rude sometimes, too. I have gotten a number of private messages there that have been pretty mean, too. I have been reading here and sort of have an idea of what needs to be done and how I plan to do it and you're right - some of the advice on the FB page I don't think is "accurate" or safe. Edit: However, I have found three people on Facebook that are local to me that have been really helpful.So I guess you take the good with the bad
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Post by danrhodes on Feb 3, 2016 8:38:10 GMT -8
I find some the folks on Facebook to be pretty rude sometimes, too. I have gotten a number of private messages there that have been pretty mean, too. I have been reading here and sort of have an idea of what needs to be done and how I plan to do it and you're right - some of the advice on the FB page I don't think is "accurate" or safe. Edit: However, I have found three people on Facebook that are local to me that have been really helpful.So I guess you take the good with the bad It's hard not to be enthusiastic when you first get started. I know I spammed the heck out of this place (as my friend Teachndad remarked after being away from here for a bit). I never got a rude or mean response here though...only helpful people often going out of their way to share their experience.
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Post by vintagebruce on Feb 3, 2016 10:05:41 GMT -8
My two cents would be...there are purists, serious rebuilders and rebuilders out to have some fun, with a wink thrown in here and there. Many owners will buy and sell a number of vintage campers. Some may keep the same camper and hand it down to their kids. When it comes time to sell the purist will probably get the best price (not necessarily a large return on the total investment though). The serious rebuilder should realize enough cash to get into her/his next project and the fun builder will be lucky, sometimes, to break even. We embrace all three types of Member. I have the mind set and skill set to be a fun rebuilder, as Popeye says, I yam what I yam...I totally enjoy the vintage camper culture and the Members of VTT, and am always tickled to learn new stuff. I've never seriously considered opening a facebook "page". When I start rebuilding my 23' 1950 Travelo and 1959 Airflyte...you better believe I will have a Hack of a Good Time! I may even hack the Travelo into two 10 footers. I suggest you make your camper your own, while still remembering that when you find the one you want even more, there have to be some buyers that like your hacks/modifications. I say go for it!
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Feb 3, 2016 11:43:55 GMT -8
My two cents would be...there are purists, serious rebuilders and rebuilders out to have some fun, with a wink thrown in here and there. Many owners will buy and sell a number of vintage campers. Some may keep the same camper and hand it down to their kids. When it comes time to sell the purist will probably get the best price (not necessarily a large return on the total investment though).... I suggest you make your camper your own, while still remembering that when you find the one you want even more, there have to be some buyers that like your hacks/modifications. I say go for it! vintagebruce is wise. From a quasi-purist... The lamps made out of Mason Jars are replaceable as are cute curtains, linens, throw rugs, stuff on the wall. Even painting the inside some shade of white (not pink, green, lavender, etc), if it's not done to hide rot, won't necessarily keep it from selling. And we have seen plenty of beautiful trailers that had been painted. You get to do what you want. There are no vintage trailer police out there (though some would like to take the job). If you have corrected any and all structural, mechanical, and water, electric, and gas issues, and you can prove that by taking good pictures along the rebuild way, if you ever decide to sell it, you can take out all the kitsch and some lucky person will happily buy it. Welcome, good luck, and follow your heart.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Feb 3, 2016 13:26:25 GMT -8
I choose to think that I'm making mine much better than Shasta did (in '76) by replacing every single piece of 70s "wood" in the interior, and removing all traces of Harvest Gold from the bathroom. I'm re-using any original cabinet hardware and light fixtures and appliances that still work, though. Of course nobody thinks a 70s model is "vintage" or wants to preserve their look down to the last can of Billy Beer and Captain And Tennille beach towel like they do with a '61 Compact, so no one cares what you do to them. If you have some precious, rare camper you might get dogged if you turn it into a curio shop. Especially if there is pink involved. Personally I couldn't care less what someone else might think of my design choices, I'm building it for me to use, not them, and not as a commercial venture. If you're building it to sell, stick to as original as possible, or at least make changes that are easy to undo so a purist will still want to buy it.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 3, 2016 14:25:30 GMT -8
I have the exact trailer I want - so I'm not going to sell it, which is why I don't care what I have to put into it (will need a frame) to get it road worthy. Someday maybe I'll find something else I like, too...but I'm still keeping this one. Thanks for your advice everyone.
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Post by bigbill on Feb 3, 2016 14:58:51 GMT -8
I have been reading the above posts and I wish make a statement. There are all types of people and trailers on this board, some restore to exact original some remake to suit their wants and needs. THE ONLY thing that I feel this board stresses/demands of you is the following: 1. Make your trailer safe so that you or no one else gets hurt. 2. Build your trailer so that you have the trailer that you desire, green pink or shellac doesn't matter. 3. We also like you to have fun while rebuilding and using your trailer. 4. Most of us realize that there are people of all income and talent levels here and most of us try to assist them all. I know that I personally don't care who you are or what your station in life is I try to make good workable suggestions based on 60 years of learning the hard and some times expensive way. Some times I think I have made every mistake at least twice so I try to keep you from having that experience, and if I haven't made the mistake I have watched someone else make it.
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Post by bigbill on Feb 3, 2016 15:10:29 GMT -8
One more thought while I am up on my soap box. This is something that is a labor of love, it can assist you and yours in making memories that will last not only your life time but others who you share them with. IF you are in this planning on getting rich money wise I wish you luck because if you break even money wise you will be lucky but good times with family are PRICELESS. May God be with you on your adventures.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 3, 2016 15:29:36 GMT -8
That would be me... We're all here to help each other. Old and new ideas alike, just about anything you need a good answer for is here in these pages. There's one heck of a lot of collective knowledge here.
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Post by vikx on Feb 3, 2016 22:41:48 GMT -8
I like the idea of the fruit jar lamps. Make sure they aren't too heavy for the mounting spot and/or glue backers to support the weight.
A lot of what you do depends on what you want to do with the trailer. Weight doesn't matter if you don't want to travel. Repairs become more important with the number of miles.
We are here for you. It's your trailer, make it yours.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 4, 2016 7:18:00 GMT -8
When I first saw the trailer I didn't care if I ever towed it (I don't even have a tow vehicle - yet!) I just knew I wanted it. Or had to have it, rather. Since I've been researching the repairs/restoration and have been spending more time in and around the trailer all I can think about is all the places I can go! I am a seasoned camper and long distance backpacker. I love my tents. But I have always had a need to be 'off the grid' and that trailer is an amazing step in that direction. I've had kind of a crappy life. A few years ago I sold my house and everything I owned to take a shot at going to medical school. I finally applied this year but had to withdraw my applications because I could not qualify for the GradPlus loans to pay for it. I need a few years more to save some money and figure things out. This trailer is a wonderful distraction and it holds some hope for me - of having my own little place 'off the grid' of finally teaching me the skills I have always wanted to learn, to hopefully finally finish something I've started...so many things. Sorry to be so long winded.
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highrolla7
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Post by highrolla7 on Feb 4, 2016 11:58:43 GMT -8
Agreed, you do what you want. Im new to the trailer scene, but have restored old cars, 1951 Chevy sedan and 1967 Mercury Cougar. I did the way I wanted.
Im currently doing a 71 Shasta sc16 now, found rot throughout, except in Kitchen area. So, Im removing walls, rebuilding framing and changing to to fit my needs. Example, I have 1 12v light in the kitchen area and 1 in the bathroom. Im adding 2 in the rear and moved my original 12v to directly above the sink. I did this due to me being 6 ft and tired of hitting my head on it. Now, it is out of the way. not a hack, but an improvement for my purposes.
TJ
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Feb 5, 2016 8:28:51 GMT -8
A few ideas.. -Cover cushions with sheets, that have elastic bands on the bottom to make them fit like bottom sheets on a bed. -Pick up dishes at thrift stores, .. go eclectic it doesn't have to match. -Reprint vintage art from online with a home printer and frame it with dollar store frames. -Ask friends for vintage items, laying around their basements they are not wanting -Paint the outside of your trailer with a foam rollar and latex house paint (google it, it has been done) -Use liquid epoxy and cool paint or fabric to refurbish countertops -Use paint inside the trailer instead of restoring the wood -Use mactac, adhesive vinyl to dress up a fridge front -Spray existing light fixtures with silver or gold spray paint. Add shades of your choice. -Make window curtains out of sheets, or inexpensive pillow cases folded over at the top -Use inexpensive peel and stick tiles to cover an ugly floor.
-All of the above advice is based on the idea that your trailer is "STRUCTURALLY SOUND" and "DOES NOT LEAK". If it's not, then you will be dealing with those issues whether you like to our not. I am not personally doing any of the things I just listed as I am taking a long term approach to my project, it's going to be a fund retirement hotel on wheels for road trips, so I am not in a hurry. However, every one has different goals. Good luck with your project.
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