juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 25, 2021 12:00:06 GMT -8
Hi,
First of all, happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate all your advice. Mibiltec, I spent quite a bit of time watching your videos on YouTube, I really enjoyed the tutorial on exterior/interior electrical systems! I also noted the lack of gimp, but by now I am so close to this little trailer that I am overlooking its problems. So I REALLY appreciate your (ruthless yet oh so necessary) objectivity. That's what I'm here for. Unfortunately, I don't think the owner has pictures of the build, so I am left to my own devices to determine the quality of the restoration. Is there a way to determine if this restoration was done from the outside in? If there isn't, and there are no pictures, I will simply walk away.
I don't know why I am so attached to this trailer, in a way I had started romanticizing about all the adventures I was going to have with my kids. Oh well... By the way, if someone does have a trailer that's built right, and sleeps 4, please let me know :/ After this journey, I just can't see myself in a non-vintage trailer.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Nov 25, 2021 12:15:10 GMT -8
I can tell from the close ups showing screws that the metal skin was never removed. Look at the shaded area around the screws where the buffer can't get in. The inside corner moulding was put there for a reason. To hold up the edges of the paneling meaning that the paneling was replaced from the inside. To do this right, now you would have to remove all the metal skin and the entire wrap at least. Then you would need to replace all the paneling and framing in the wrap. I'm sure the walls have damage near the bottom of the wall framing unless he replaced framing from the inside. I don't know whether the walls are attached to the top of the floor or to the side of the trailer.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 25, 2021 13:11:38 GMT -8
That and the fact that the owner does not have pics of the restoration pretty much settles the deal. I do t think this trailer is for me. I cannot thank you enough for taking your time during TG to give advice.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 25, 2021 14:42:18 GMT -8
Rod gave excellent advice: use a ladder to inspect the roof!
We are not trying to downgrade the Century in any way but speak from experience. I like it. That said, re-doing an inside out repair is very difficult and twice the work. Photos will help you decide on purchase or not.
Last thought: shake the trailer at each corner. The cabin and frame should move as one. If the body moves separately, not a good sign.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 25, 2021 14:51:15 GMT -8
I ended up walking away from the deal. The owner cannot provide clear documentation about the restoration, so that was a deal-breaker. I just hope that whoever ends up with this trailer at least makes sure it's safe to tow. Now, back to the hunt for my VTT
|
|
idaho211
Active Member
Posts: 284
Likes: 45
Currently Offline
|
Post by idaho211 on Nov 25, 2021 18:22:37 GMT -8
It is a cute trailer but I think you are smart in walking away. It is easy to get caught in the nostalgia of it all.
I bought a really nice 66 Kenskill or so I thought. I am still working on it. It has so much rot.
What could be worse would be whoever did the repairs cut corners making it unstable for the road.
Take heart. You will find a good trailer.
|
|
WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Nov 26, 2021 8:12:07 GMT -8
Juan, (& anyone else) Here's a link to Mobiltec's 4-part series on "Questions you should ask yourself when looking for a vintage trailer to acquire. Things to check for before you buy." Trailer Questions
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 26, 2021 9:25:41 GMT -8
Thanks for all the great suggestions! I have been enjoying Mobiltec's videos, and I'm getting better at spotting inconsistencies in VTT ads. Also, now I know what a converter does! It's funny because I am a Neurologist with expertise in electrophysiology, and my job consists of figuring out the electrical aspects of the brain. However, I have zero electrical skills when it comes to a home or trailer
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 26, 2021 12:34:26 GMT -8
I'm really sorry the Century turned out to be a no go. It is getting VERY difficult to find a good one! I placed an ad for a canned ham and got zero acceptable candidates. If possible, it might help the seller to know the "whys" of your decision...mainly the lack of build photos.
I placed an ad looking for a true canned ham and got a single response with a maybe. The trailer ended up being too big but was NICE and properly repaired. Other offerings were Scotties (guy didn't have a trailer-he wanted to repair one I found), toasters, 70s and interior paint, all of which the ad said were not of interest. Sigh.
Please PM me for info on a correctly done Aljo in So Cal... Super trailer.
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,744
Likes: 2,871
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 26, 2021 14:01:24 GMT -8
I also think you did the right things passing on this one. In a day when people take photos of their toothbrush and post it on Facebook, it's hard to believe they don't have a single photo of an expensive restoration.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Nov 26, 2021 20:33:36 GMT -8
I also think you did the right things passing on this one. In a day when people take photos of their toothbrush and post it on Facebook, it's hard to believe they don't have a single photo of an expensive restoration. I got a great laugh out of that one....
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 26, 2021 23:12:02 GMT -8
The Century is listed on Craigslist for 16,500 right now...
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,744
Likes: 2,871
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 27, 2021 5:19:15 GMT -8
I also think you did the right things passing on this one. In a day when people take photos of their toothbrush and post it on Facebook, it's hard to believe they don't have a single photo of an expensive restoration. I got a great laugh out of that one.... If I did a 10 minute video of my toothbrush resting I'd get 1000 likes on Facebook or tictok... But I have a very nice looking toothbrush.
When somebody says, "I kept giving the restorer money for several months but it never occurred to me to take a photo with my cellphone!" I run.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Nov 27, 2021 8:01:10 GMT -8
The Century is listed on Craigslist for 16,500 right now... Good candidate for POC of the week...
|
|
aslmx
1K Member
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 364
Currently Offline
|
Post by aslmx on Nov 29, 2021 19:52:31 GMT -8
The Century is listed on Craigslist for 16,500 right now... wow! That’s a purdy good lot.
|
|