vidashasta
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1963 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by vidashasta on Jan 10, 2021 21:48:54 GMT -8
Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum and I’m a rookie that didn’t do much of the things suggested prior to buying a trailer. I fall into the "I've always wanted a vintage Shasta" category. We bought a 1963 Shasta Airflyte. Yes we overpaid and now that we got that out of the way... the not so good news is that we know there’s water damage but to the extent of what we can’t see we don’t know. Also the sink drain needs to be reconnected, the frig needs to be torn out and we don’t have a key to the main door. The good news is that the electrical works, stove top works, and gas lamp works. The main issue right now is that we live in Glendale, CA and we have contacted 6 camper restoration companies and only 2 returned our call and asked us to email pictures but then we did not hear back. Below is a photo link to pictures. Please give me your thoughts on what you see needing immediate repairs and also please let me know if anyone has a reliable good restoration company referral near Los Angeles. We purchased Vic's ebook but are reluctant to do the work ourselves without a professional assessment. Thanks in advance! link.shutterfly.com/KYZ4jkeJUcb
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jan 10, 2021 22:38:06 GMT -8
Hi, and welcome to VTT.
I looked at your photos, normally you would just lift the lower skins to inspect for wood rot. In your case the entire side skins needs to be removed, because you can easily see the water damage "inside" up high on the inside edges. Make sure you study Vikx's manual because you will find that the roof/front/back skin needs to be removed first before the sides are removed. This is a big job, and will require much in labor time to correctly/safely repair it.
I never knew that there was six camper repair companies in Southern California? I can think of maybe two Top Tier places that would be fully capable of doing this kind of a repair. Make sure you get actual customer references, and look at finished rebuilt trailers before you get started.
John
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 11, 2021 5:16:00 GMT -8
I agree with John, The skin needs to come off to know for sure what you're dealing with but at the very least you'll need the framing and panels replaced up to the front cabinet and rear window.
Are you sure it's not a Shasta 1500? Here is the file on my 1963 Shasta 1500 restoration. It will give you an idea of the construction.
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shastatom
Full Member
I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Jan 12, 2021 15:07:35 GMT -8
From what I can see the back corners and back wall will need to be replaced and framing rebuilt. The roof will have to come off as well, I see water damage up high and it is either leaking from a seam in the roof or along the edges. The front wall and corners will need to be replaced and framing will need to be rebuilt.
I am guessing the wheel well framing will need to be rebuilt as well under the skin. Most of these campers also have a soft floor by the door and main walk way. It is rare not to have to fix the floor around the wheel wells and by the door.
It looks like a good candidate for a parcel rebuild but again it may depend on the floor.
Don't worry about the price you paid, it is about what you want and the fun of getting it back to working order and then using it. That is priceless.
See some of my links to my builds in my signature and that will show you an Airflyte I did an in place rebuild on. The pictures you are showing me remind me of that camper and what was needed.
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vidashasta
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1963 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by vidashasta on Jan 12, 2021 19:56:54 GMT -8
Thank you for the welcome and for the insight. john we looked on the internet and yelp. Can you tell me which 2 in SoCal that you mention are reputable? Any recommendations are welcome at this point, we really want to get the ball rolling. nccamper It could be a 1500, I guessed based on pictures on the Airflyte brochure. Also, I enjoyed your photos. So Cool. shastatom Impressive work. I'm sure it keeps you busy and out of trouble. Ha. Vic can you tell me if it is an Airflyte or 1500 based on the VID # FS21993?
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Post by Teachndad on Jan 12, 2021 21:29:25 GMT -8
Hello and Welcome,
I am sorry you are going through this now. I am encouraged that you want to seek help for repairs.
I would suggest following up with the two companies that asked for pictures. Kind of like when you go for an interview for a job. Be the squeaky wheel. For that matter, I would try as far north as Santa Barbara and as far south as San Diego.
BTW, there is a really good thread here that discusses Airflyte or 1500. Do a search on "1964 Shasta Airflyte.... or 1500?"
Rod
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jan 12, 2021 21:41:05 GMT -8
Commercial company referrals are not allowed on VTT.
Try Placentia, CA and San Diego, CA.
John
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