Post by Maverick on Aug 20, 2020 15:47:47 GMT -8
Been a while since I've been on a forum, so I must be desperate. Figure I'd go ahead and just share my project.
I'm completely new to owning a camper, and the opportunity to get a free camper was dropping in my lap from a coworker. He didn't use it and had allowed it to fall into disrepair, and needed to get rid of it ASAP due to his HOA. I bit the bullet and took it to my property, and all it cost was the fee to change the title to my name.
So the reason I'm here is... I can't find jack about Vega other than what NADA has on their site, and that isn't much at all.
It's a 1974 22' WestWind, and I only know that much because I have a tape measure and the plastic badging has somehow managed to survive all these years. And other than some recent water damage from the poorly maintained roof, it's in very good shape inside. Far as I can tell, almost everything inside is original, except for the stove and the cushions. Outside is a different story... I don't know why, I don't thin I want to know why, but one of the previous owners took it upon themselves to splatter the outside of the camper with red paint, then put "Alive Inside" on the back. So I have decided to just repaint the entire thing now.
Anyways back to why I'm here, what all can you guys tell me about Vega? And any useful tips for a young new owner would be appreciated. This thing is a ways from being road-worthy again, since I need tires and to check all of the bearings (I'm an automotive mechanic), and need to replace all exterior lights. Beyond that... It needs a lot of work. But hey it was free, and it gives me something to do! I don't expect this thing to ever be perfect again (Especially not with my skill level), but I have to admit, I've already fallen in love with the thing.
All of these pictures are from when I first picked it up. I've since cleaned it out, power washed the outside and started painting it (I'm just rattle-canning it, don't hate me...). I've also gotten the 120v and 12v sides both working, but both are going to be modified. Relocating the batteries inside so I can put two AGM batteries on it, and hook a charger and inverter directly to them. Also need to replace the water tank as it leaks, and I want to convert it to a bigger plastic one and use a modern on-demand pump. Stove is pretty new, fridge works on both 120v and propane (Only caught fire once!). The big issues are the furnace and the water heater. Water heater, meh I can live without that since I don't plan to use this for long periods of time. The shower is almost too small for me to use anyways. The furnace, I was want to use one of the Diesel style heaters anyways, so this just gives me an excuse to get one now. Honestly the only MAJOR appliance issue it has is the lack of an AC unit...
I'm completely new to owning a camper, and the opportunity to get a free camper was dropping in my lap from a coworker. He didn't use it and had allowed it to fall into disrepair, and needed to get rid of it ASAP due to his HOA. I bit the bullet and took it to my property, and all it cost was the fee to change the title to my name.
So the reason I'm here is... I can't find jack about Vega other than what NADA has on their site, and that isn't much at all.
It's a 1974 22' WestWind, and I only know that much because I have a tape measure and the plastic badging has somehow managed to survive all these years. And other than some recent water damage from the poorly maintained roof, it's in very good shape inside. Far as I can tell, almost everything inside is original, except for the stove and the cushions. Outside is a different story... I don't know why, I don't thin I want to know why, but one of the previous owners took it upon themselves to splatter the outside of the camper with red paint, then put "Alive Inside" on the back. So I have decided to just repaint the entire thing now.
Anyways back to why I'm here, what all can you guys tell me about Vega? And any useful tips for a young new owner would be appreciated. This thing is a ways from being road-worthy again, since I need tires and to check all of the bearings (I'm an automotive mechanic), and need to replace all exterior lights. Beyond that... It needs a lot of work. But hey it was free, and it gives me something to do! I don't expect this thing to ever be perfect again (Especially not with my skill level), but I have to admit, I've already fallen in love with the thing.
All of these pictures are from when I first picked it up. I've since cleaned it out, power washed the outside and started painting it (I'm just rattle-canning it, don't hate me...). I've also gotten the 120v and 12v sides both working, but both are going to be modified. Relocating the batteries inside so I can put two AGM batteries on it, and hook a charger and inverter directly to them. Also need to replace the water tank as it leaks, and I want to convert it to a bigger plastic one and use a modern on-demand pump. Stove is pretty new, fridge works on both 120v and propane (Only caught fire once!). The big issues are the furnace and the water heater. Water heater, meh I can live without that since I don't plan to use this for long periods of time. The shower is almost too small for me to use anyways. The furnace, I was want to use one of the Diesel style heaters anyways, so this just gives me an excuse to get one now. Honestly the only MAJOR appliance issue it has is the lack of an AC unit...