wyt
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Post by wyt on May 29, 2019 16:06:19 GMT -8
I have not been able to find any information an this trailer! Does anyone know anything about them?
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on May 29, 2019 16:15:52 GMT -8
Those were the pre-cursor to the famous FireBall..... Hang on to that baby because it's rare and deserves to be fully restored PROPERLY....
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wyt
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Post by wyt on May 29, 2019 17:07:12 GMT -8
It is in pretty great condition and - all original parts! Stove - icebox etc. It has the gas lamp in the original box, the original wood screen door, all original tail lights and covers, and I think the seat cushions are original and in fantastic shape. It even has a 1950s little box with the label mosquito repellent. It has 2 rifle racks, hooks outside for lanterns, the original door and lockset with keys! It has the little wood step that came with the trailer rather than the attached ones of today and also the little camp seat that came with it.
It is all original wood - no paint has been applied. Interesting though - It has no paint on the exterior. Just shiny aluminum (in some places it could use a good shine). The aluminum looks different than in the picture but the rest seems to match. The VIN on the tongue matches the paperwork. Maybe it has had it's skin replaced? I do not know.
The only drawbacks are that it has bad hail damage, a hole in the aluminum in one spot, and the ceiling piece under the vent needs replaced.
I towed it home over the mountains and it tows like a dream even in moderate winds.
It has original documentation and title. Should I post pictures?
If it is that rare - I will never be able to renovate it properly....
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on May 29, 2019 19:18:57 GMT -8
Pictures, pictures, pictures! We gotta have pictures! Really want to see detailed pictures of this one!
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wyt
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Post by wyt on May 29, 2019 21:27:33 GMT -8
I will try and get some good one in the next few days.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 30, 2019 5:08:07 GMT -8
You can restore it properly. You're going to have to replace at least that one panel in the center of the ceiling where the vent is. That is called the "key sheet". I have hundreds of videos on how to do this properly and Vikx has a great book on the process as well. What a great find!
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wyt
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Post by wyt on May 31, 2019 18:52:48 GMT -8
Here are pictures and a short videos 1955 Starfire Travel Trailer. The floor feels solid and intact. Other than the vent damage area, most of the water damage appears to be minimal. As you watch the video, you will notice that the skin looks different than the original brochure pictures. I have the title and the VIN on the tongue matches the VIN on the title. The title says that the original state registered was Texas. I was told that the trailer had 2 owners. A man then his son and wife. The latest title is a 1970s title so this may be correct. Also, the brochure was right, You can see what is behind you through the trailer windows while pulling it! It was great to have that kind of view. The seats are not really just cushions. There are metal springs like in older mattresses. It was getting dark so I will have to investigate them later. I really do think that they are the original seats. I am still working on my Shasta so I will cover this and put it on the maybe some day list. I spent my Shasta renovation savings buying it, because around here, people buy the great old trailers, slap paint on them and rent them as studio apartments. I could not let that happen to this 1955 Starfire. I just had to save it. So, the Shasta can wait a little longer - but it was worth saving this guy. Oh, I almost forgot - DO NOT tell my daughter I bought this guy - If she finds out - I will not be long on this earth! If it is truly a find and rare - I am afraid of touching it! My carpenter skills are novice to say the least. After seeing the photos and videos - what are your thoughts?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 31, 2019 19:39:18 GMT -8
Beautiful trailer. I can guarantee you that there is frame rot underneath the skin that you can't see. But you need to remove all of the skin first anyhow so you will be able to assess the work needed when you do that. Do NOT start tearing things out from the inside. That is not how it's done. These trailers are built from the inside out. So you must unbuild them from the outside in. My videos and Vikx' book will guide you every step of the way. My website shows a few trailers all the way through the builds. www.cannedhamtrailers.comYou will also want to purchase Vikx' book. Very inexpensive and a must have for all who restore vintage trailers.
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Post by vikx on May 31, 2019 20:27:23 GMT -8
Thanks Larry.
Wyt, I recommend replacing the hail damaged metal while you have it apart. There is a similar pattern available and if it's slightly different than the siding, not a problem. Many, many trailers used different front and rear metal from the siding, including Shastas.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 31, 2019 20:52:17 GMT -8
Yes that pattern is called Custom Two Inch Mesa and is available from Hemet Valley RV.... www.hemetvalleyrv.net
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wyt
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Post by wyt on Jun 1, 2019 12:21:15 GMT -8
Thank you for the great comments!
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 3, 2019 12:31:59 GMT -8
Hi Friends, Congrats Wyt on your new toy! I took down a Starfire and I believe it was a 1955, but it had the siding as seen in the ad you posted. The one I took down due to severe water damage at the base of the walls, had side windows on both sides of the dinette area. The front window looked the same as yours.
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wyt
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Post by wyt on Jun 5, 2019 14:55:08 GMT -8
I think that the shell has been replaced on mine. The pattern should look like yours and the ad. But I do know the trailer is legit because of the title. So, if it has been replaced - the person knew what they were doing. It looks original. Yours does look a lot like mine Teachndad! On the receiver - was the clamp down part kind of shaped like a shell? On mine the part is very different than other trailers clamps.
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 5, 2019 15:40:38 GMT -8
Hi Wyt,
When I got the Starfire, the tongue jack was frozen with rust. The wing latch on the top of the coupler was gone if it was ever there. So, I can't verify your question.
I watched your video. Your VISIBLE water damage isn't that bad. Many many trailers have that water damage around the roof vent. I have seen far worse than yours. You got lucky. It's cool that you found glass tail light lenses. Those can be hard to find, but depending on the type, plastic copies can be found, but sometimes not. Your cushions on your dinette look amazing.
You asked about a bar across the rear over the window in your video. I believe your referring to one of the bunk poles that support the canvas bunk you found. If you look across and just forward, you will see two more U shaped brackets - one on either side of the trailer. The other pole drops in there. The concept is good, but very often the person or people underneath the bunk don't have much clearance with the bunk fabric over it when it's mounted. Usually there is a double set of u brackets near the rear of the trailer mounted on both side walls. That's for storing the bunk roll it up and then "hang" the poles across and then you can lie down on the bed and enjoy the wood ceiling.
As far as the siding, I would wager to guess, it's original. I think that the ad you posted may be for another year. Just a guess.
Nice find. Get some new tires and the bearings greased and cleaned. Watch out when backing up. Your truck has bumpers that stick out and might dimple the front of the trailer in tight backing maneuvers. I can't tell from the video, just putting that idea out there.
Cheers,
Rod
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wyt
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Post by wyt on Jun 6, 2019 4:30:53 GMT -8
For a '55 I think it is pretty amazing. Who knows - Maybe it was the prototype. Thank you all for your great advice!
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