shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 14:44:04 GMT -8
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 15:02:56 GMT -8
Update. I just shot the seller a message and offered $400 which he accepted. He claims it is a 1973. I'll need to pull the trigger soon. Any input greatly appreciated.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 30, 2016 15:27:03 GMT -8
"Is it worth $400" is a difficult question to answer. Especially with one photo.
At a glance, it looks like it needs a frame up restoration. Most of us enjoy the work, do you? That's a big question.
An early 70s toaster is worth considerably less then a late 50s ham. Something to consider before doing the frame-up restoration. But to be perfectly honest, it's hard to find a late 50s ham at any price lately.
A few questions worth asking.
Is the interior intact?
Are you in the state that makes it easy to get a title?
Is the hitch straight and functioning?
Is the metal frame solid or rotted? You should really crawl underneath and check it.
Are the walls and edge boards solid enough to tow it home?
Back to the big question, are you looking for a project? Do you enjoy the work? Or are you hoping for a Shasta you can camp in within a week or two? If your hope is to be camping soon, you'll be sorry you bought it. If you're looking for a project, it may be a great purchase.
Do an inspection before committing, if possible. Either way, $400 hundred dollars is not a big gamble. If you change your mind you should be able to sell it and get your money back.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 15:34:30 GMT -8
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 15:36:54 GMT -8
As for the restoration. I would gladly take it on but my only worry is storage. I have a 2 car garage but I doubt this would fit in there so I'd have to tarp her when it rains. I'm a carpenter but this would be my first camper.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jun 30, 2016 15:38:43 GMT -8
Good luck!
Sorry about the typos. Dictating through Siri helps me reply quickly but at a cost.
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 30, 2016 15:38:50 GMT -8
I can see the rot dripping from it. That paneling is next to impossible to match so like NCC said you are in for a frame up rebuild. But if you like doing this stuff then $400 for anything that is old and rolls is not much of a gamble.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 15:58:43 GMT -8
I just don't want to replace the skin. Outside of that, I'll tackle whatever unless the metal frame is toast. The seller said he took it to the car wash a few weeks ago. He also mentioned the trailer lights didn't work and assumed it was the bulbs.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 30, 2016 17:25:57 GMT -8
I just don't want to replace the skin. Outside of that, I'll tackle whatever unless the metal frame is toast. The seller said he took it to the car wash a few weeks ago. He also mentioned the trailer lights didn't work and assumed it was the bulbs. Whether you replace the skin or not, you must remove it to do repairs. You can't do that properly with the metal skin on. The light problems more times than not are usually due to bad grounds. All the bulbs don't fail at the same time. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2016 17:37:38 GMT -8
Oh boy. Its rough and is going to need a thorough inspection to make sure it can even travel safe home, but you can't really lose financially. You can easily unload it yourself for that price. Aside from that, like the pros on here said already just be prepared for a very long process. You aren't camping anytime soon. Its about guaranteed that much of the wood needs replacing, it looks all original. But thats not all bad. Nice to not have anyone butcher it. Unless you want to deal with leaks or worse, a very bad accident from the trailer falling apart due to rot. All seams have to be resealed, as well as windows. Not so much rocket science but there is a way to correctly do it, and it takes a good bit of time. These guys and gals on here, as you may know, are extremely knowledgeable. Blows me away. But again, At least several months of work, usually longer. I have a 67, love these things!
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 18:01:42 GMT -8
I went and looked at it. Thanks to you guys I pointed out all of the obvious rotten wood. I ended up buying it for $200. He even hauled it 15 miles to my house because my Jeep was too tall even with a 3 1/4" drop. A long road ahead indeed.
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shea2288
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Post by shea2288 on Jun 30, 2016 18:13:58 GMT -8
I was amazed how small this thing was. It is definitely a compact. Now where the hell do I start?..
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 30, 2016 18:24:02 GMT -8
I went and looked at it. Thanks to you guys I pointed out all of the obvious rotten wood. I ended up buying it for $200. He even hauled it 15 miles to my house because my Jeep was too tall even with a 3 1/4" drop. A long road ahead indeed. Good Job shea. I tell people to take an ice pick with them so you can stick it in the corners and wheel wells to show how rotten the trailer is and talk about how it's going to have to be a total rebuild. I tell them the parts are only good for templates. And it's all true but it get's the price down usually. For $200 you have a great start. As far as where to begin... I start with brand new tires. Then it's time to start pulling skin. Front and rear first. Start there. See what's under there. Take photos and bring them here. You'll get lots of good advice. |
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Post by danrhodes on Jun 30, 2016 18:25:06 GMT -8
I was amazed how small this thing was. It is definitely a compact. Now where the hell do I start?.. videos, vikx book, lots of vtt |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2016 18:28:44 GMT -8
Awesome! I am especially interested in the photos of what you accomplish! Always fun to see someone working on the exact same model. You should be proud, most people just buy these things blindly for the most part.
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