egoelden
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1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by egoelden on May 26, 2020 9:04:08 GMT -8
Hello all! My husband and I just purchased a 1965 Shasta Compact we are calling "Hamilton" and are about to begin the adventure of remodeling but want to do it right and get as much info as we can first! He was totally gutted by the previous owner, we knew this could be risky but there are no signs of water damage or rot so we took the plunge. We have the wings, some exterior plaques, table, table base, stove, and propane tank holder but that is about it - as I said the entire camper is gutted. The previous owner gutted then did the exterior/interior work you see here - removed and replaced wood frame/insulation, replaced back window, exterior corner metal trim/screws, new insulation and plywood on sidewalls (we will probably redo this), and a composite flooring (which we also intend to take out and replace). Wiring for trailer lights works but is otherwise not done. Axel, wheels, bearings, and springs are all in excellent condition. The trailer is water tight (we drove 3 hours home in a crazy rain storm) and all signs of water damage/rot are gone (Thank heavens!). We are hoping to restore to "mostly" original features, parts, and layout, but with some modern conveniences, updates, and touches. Any advice, tips, suggestions, ideas, plans, parts, photos, etc. are welcome and needed! See his photo below and let us know what you think!! photos.app.goo.gl/S55oCf6dnGB1NqUv8 photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNybJaT6u9K00cZW1DJLE9rohHAkLKdf5U71-iGnwIGAxsErLPwLZlxPleFyz44Kg?key=dGpHX1ZJZXBWdHktdEVjVzcyRlg2bGJ2dGRZQXBn |
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Post by vikx on May 26, 2020 9:52:30 GMT -8
Welcome to VTT. I'm sorry your little trailer was gutted as it makes for more difficult repairs. Does the PO have photos of any work in progress? It would be very beneficial to see what s/he did. Before proceeding with any work, it will be necessary to lift the skins; sides, front and back. I'm seeing some sag going on above the tongue which will need to be addressed. Also, it doesn't appear to have been inspected or repaired below floor level which is very important for structural integrity. (these repairs can't be accomplished without the skins being lifted) Here is my Land Commander when I bought it:  001 g LC Gets a Bath (1) by vikkx, on Flickr And what I discovered below floor level:  002 c LC Rot (1) by vikkx, on Flickr Once you get the skins lifted, we will be able to help with repairs and offer advice. Have fun with your trailer. |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 26, 2020 10:05:31 GMT -8
Vikx is very wise. Also vikx has a book about repairing, maintaining, etc. And mobiltec’s videos are a wonderful resource.
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egoelden
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1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by egoelden on May 26, 2020 12:51:46 GMT -8
Thank you for this advice! Do you know of a quick video or guide for lifting the skins? I have bookmarked Mobiltec's website and youtube but haven't dove-in yet. We will be sure to do this though as we want our little Hamilton to be strong and last!!
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Post by vikx on May 26, 2020 20:11:45 GMT -8
My book discusses the order of build and lifting the skins. Depending on the condition of the trailer, sometimes you can float the roof, sometimes you have to remove and roll it. vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/ |
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egoelden
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1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by egoelden on May 27, 2020 7:21:29 GMT -8
Just got my hands on a load of photos of Hamilton from the PO! They range from "pre-demo" to "re-framing." Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions from those with a more trained and skilled eye are appreciated! photos.app.goo.gl/S55oCf6dnGB1NqUv8 |
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Post by vikx on May 27, 2020 22:19:30 GMT -8
Hey, you got lucky! They did a good job; took it apart and fixed it right. I'm not a fan of the plywood walls but if they are attached strongly, the trailer should be OK.
You definitely need the cabinets because they are very important structurally. Study some more Compacts and ask more questions.
This is going to be fun!
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 28, 2020 7:20:53 GMT -8
You are lucky! There’s a lot of work ahead, but at least it doesn’t look like you’ll have to fix any of the PO’s fixes.
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egoelden
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1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by egoelden on May 31, 2020 7:11:14 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx and Hamlet, we do plan to re-make the kitchenette based off the original layout. We will also be covering the entire interior (including the plywood walls) with a birch paneling after adding insulation and moisture barrier to front, back, and ceiling. I am also wondering if anyone has pictures (or know where to find them) of the what the original curbside interior should look like, I am wondering if there is supposed to be an upper cabinet next to the door over the end of the "luxury lounge bench" on that side. Thanks!
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on May 31, 2020 16:08:18 GMT -8
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Post by danrhodes on May 31, 2020 17:47:25 GMT -8
Hey, you got lucky! They did a good job; took it apart and fixed it right. I'm not a fan of the plywood walls but if they are attached strongly, the trailer should be OK. You definitely need the cabinets because they are very important structurally. Study some more Compacts and ask more questions. This is going to be fun! Am I missing something here? I see plywood walls and ceiling joists attached from the inside with angle brackets. No way I would have gotten away with that here. |
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Post by vikx on May 31, 2020 20:06:11 GMT -8
I think the build was OK. I mentioned not liking the plywood walls and that may have to be changed but it went down to the frame, the walls look good and inside brackets won't hurt. I wouldn't do it but they are strong enough. If this trailer was being built here and now, we would suggest changes but it is certainly OK to move on and make improvements.
Yes Dan, we would have yelled at you...
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