cody
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Post by cody on Dec 16, 2018 13:34:46 GMT -8
Hello, I am cody. I just joined today and I need some advice. My grandfather built a camper on a 1964 camper chassis and frame and I was thinking about buying it from my grandmother. The camper was rebuilt in the early 90’s, with my grandfather having a go big or go home / do it right the first time attitude. I need to check for water damage, and make sure I’m not biting off more than I can chew. The camper has been sitting in the elements for 15 to 20 years, but the interior is in great shape. It does not smell musty, the floor is solid, and the wood paneling on the interior seems to be in great shape, as well as the vinyl headliner. What are some signs I need to look out for, in order to identify if it has water damage? Thank you.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 16, 2018 17:59:43 GMT -8
If you buy it I would do a complete re-putty on it in order to keep it dry for years to come. No matter what's going on up there it's time because the putty tape dries out after that amount of time so even though you see no damage on the inside yet, it doesn't mean water is not getting in above that now. By the time you see the damage from the inside it's too late.
Welcome to the forum.
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Post by vikx on Dec 16, 2018 21:06:10 GMT -8
I agree. It's probably fine right now but needs new putty. Check inside the cupboards and at the ceiling edges for water stains or soft paneling. If it's there, there will be ROT behind in the walls...
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cody
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Post by cody on Dec 17, 2018 4:39:18 GMT -8
Thanks for the advice. I don’t think there is anything serious going on underneath, as the walls are solid, and the areas around the windows feel pretty good, and the interior does not have a musty smell. I will re putty around the windows, door, and power hookup to be safe. Are there any other things I should be looking out for?
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cody
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Post by cody on Dec 17, 2018 5:38:33 GMT -8
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 17, 2018 8:08:45 GMT -8
It sure looks nice on the inside. Danny
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 17, 2018 16:08:42 GMT -8
Sorry I forgot this was a home built.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 17, 2018 20:25:34 GMT -8
Larry, he said his grandfather built it on a old chassis, I'm sure he took some liberties with a home built. Danny
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 17, 2018 20:30:59 GMT -8
Larry, he said his grandfather built it on a old chassis, I'm sure he took some liberties with a home built. Danny OH... Guess I forgot that part. OK never mind LOL...
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Dec 17, 2018 23:04:14 GMT -8
Even though it's home-built, I am betting that it was templated from what was already there, and perhaps some of the building techniques were copied to put it together. It's a pretty good-looking ole trailer in my opinion. I'm sure we'd all agree that we've seen plenty of them that looked similar from the outside. Take it to task with the icepick test first, that will probably show up the most likely indication of any hidden suspected rot. Check the bottom of the skirt boards from underneath for soft and punky wood and especially in the corners at the front and rear corners. If no signs of any rot there,then you may not be in for any unpleasant surprises.
In any case, home-built or not, it is subject to the laws of physics that govern old trailers. First, "Sh&t runs downhill", so the first place water damage will show up is at the bottom. Second, "Putty tape will absolutely harden and shrink over time", so all the seams will need resealing, if it hasn't been done in the last few years. You definitely seem to be starting off on the right track with this one. Best wishes as you explore!
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Post by youngbloodhawk on Dec 18, 2018 7:11:10 GMT -8
Larry, he said his grandfather built it on a old chassis, I'm sure he took some liberties with a home built. Danny OH... Guess I forgot that part. OK never mind LOL... Son Listen to hotrodprimer Acquire your grandfathers camper. It will be a part of you. A young man can reseal trim and windows in a half s day With a pretty girls help. Some here freak over paneling. Sure it’s original and fine. I’m no vintage camper expert but I do Pull my granddads with his potvin Supercharged Lincoln zephyr.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 18, 2018 8:12:49 GMT -8
I'm just going to hang back and watch on this one. The lack of supporting cabinets is a threat to the structural integrity but without seeing the entire trailer and not knowing whether it was a frame off or not I can't come to any conclusions. I've got a clear chassis out back and I've been considering building a custom canned ham in the future. It will have all the usual cabinets in all the usual places. When we stray from common, time proven theory it's a little scary so I'll be sticking with the norm.
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 18, 2018 13:15:01 GMT -8
I think as long as it has a closet or bathroom cabinet on the door side, it's probably ok. Mine has those upper cabinets on the side and they add a lot of strength to the upper corner. I'm just going to hang back and watch on this one. The lack of supporting cabinets is a threat to the structural integrity but without seeing the entire trailer and not knowing whether it was a frame off or not I can't come to any conclusions. I've got a clear chassis out back and I've been considering building a custom canned ham in the future. It will have all the usual cabinets in all the usual places. When we stray from common, time proven theory it's a little scary so I'll be sticking with the norm.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 18, 2018 19:42:50 GMT -8
I totally agree to do all the test that have been advised.
Having family history can be a strong connection and that can be like looking at it through the proverbial rose colored glasses.
Anything can be fixed but there is also a price tag attached to vintage camper that is structurally compromised, The members here really want to help new members avoid the pitfalls of buying that dream camper and then realizing the dream has turned into a nightmare.
Good luck. Danny
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Dec 22, 2018 4:12:59 GMT -8
Even if you have to lift the skins and replace some rotted wood, it's a small price to pay for keeping it in the family.
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