noni
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1960 18' Kenskill
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Post by noni on Apr 24, 2016 10:14:19 GMT -8
I was terrified! I cried for several days before I found this wonderful bunch of people who love these vintage trailers. Thank you for all the true grit stories you provide. If not for everyone sharing their story, my 1960 Kenskill, would be history! So I took the advice of, "when you open the skin, you will see what you're dealing with". I explored subject after subject, untill I knew, if I didn't get started, it would never get started. That was the scary part. I did it and I am so glad I did,! It has been repaired with my own hands, I learned so much, and it's sealed up again. I still need to do the road test! Wish me luck on that, I hope the entire rear end stays together. Then I will be in Vintage lala land once again. So if you're still not sure, think like I did, " if I open it and it's so bad, just close it back up and Let it go! Or just do it."
I'm still learning how to operate this forums thing. When I get that worked out, hopefully I can do a show n tell on my project.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Apr 25, 2016 9:33:45 GMT -8
Reminds me of when I was installing a sunroof in my very first new car, which was only a couple of months old. I stood there with the drill in my hand for half an hour before I finally said "**** it!" and plunged it into the middle of the brand-new roof. It went fine.
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Poquito
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'68 10' Serro Scotty Sportsman
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Post by Poquito on May 4, 2016 14:03:12 GMT -8
I agree with the responses, since I am still in the throes of my rebuild I don't know how this experience will turn out in the end but I do know this group is very helpful and supportive! I'm handy but not a master carpenter - and am not afraid of tools so I figured if other women out there did this so can I. I bet you can too if you really want to know how well your trailer is put together when your on the road.
Some things I've learned along the way- ...One thing leads to another... Don't be afraid to ask questions Make lists and photo-document everything Try to find sources before you start your tear-down I'm still looking for things and am down to the bare frame but it is not going to stop me! It's nice to have physical help and am not afraid to ask for it I'm ordering Vikx's book and should have got it sooner.
Good luck! Poquito
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prettywoman0172
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1967 Frolic ,
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Post by prettywoman0172 on May 5, 2016 3:57:41 GMT -8
My Frolic is still intact! Although I did remove the stovetop, I put it back. However, the Coachmen is down to the frame and the Shasta and Fan are in various stages of tear down and rebuild. I've just been cleaning the Spartanette. I have been putting in 16hr+ days. Hoping to finish two of them for next summer.
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ivnurse
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Post by ivnurse on May 5, 2016 17:14:52 GMT -8
I think I could be prettywoman0172's twin!! I purchased a 1963 Arrow canned ham last spring. She was structurally sound and all I had to do was remove the old floor and re-tile, painted inside, made new cushions/curtains, etc. I took her camping 3x during the summer and quickly discovered my dislike for the drop floor. Up/down, Up/down, Up/down. It also had a dorm-size fridge and most of my camping was dry. I had no problem not having a potty.
I then was on the look-out for a larger camper with a flat floor and propane frig. Well, I found one which I think is a Shasta Astroflyte. The version without the overhanging front bunk. While I'm not a fan of the exterior (prefer canned hams) I purchased it. These vintage campers are very difficult to find where I live. Anyways, today my husband and brother helped to get the propane stove and frig working. Yes, elated that they work and used help from here and others to solve some problems.
There is a lot of water damage and the skin has separated from the frame near the door and fender wells. I also am very afraid to start taking things apart but glad to know there are others out there like me. My brother is not available to help and my husband really doesn't want to go down this path that I think I must. The options would be to just sell now that I know the appliances work or take the plunge and know that I won't be camping in it this summer.
I am glad that I have found this site (recommended by another). One question - where would I find these videos by mobiltec?
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yas
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by yas on May 5, 2016 19:24:23 GMT -8
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kirkadie
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'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
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Post by kirkadie on May 5, 2016 19:51:00 GMT -8
Have no fear iv, finding and repairing your new trailer's ills won't be as hard as you might think, and if I read your moniker correctly, not outside your expertise, except that you get to keep this patient after you have helped it recover from whatever ails it. The trailer won't mind if it takes several surgeries to cure it, you are allowed to learn as you go, and there is no such thing as malpractice when you let a gang of crazy 'ham fanatics' help you along the way. You might even find the process the perfect ying to counteract your daily yang. As Larry (mobiltec) would say 'grab the nail pullers, pliers and screwdriver, and lift those skins'.
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Lola53
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1953 Westfield Westerner
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Post by Lola53 on May 5, 2016 20:19:03 GMT -8
My advice to add to everyone elses' excellent responses is break up the work into manageable parts... That's the way I'm working on Lola. Small manageable tasks that can be completed in the time alloted - usually a day or weekend. Mark
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