tworley
New Member
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by tworley on Apr 17, 2023 13:33:12 GMT -8
Hello! Owners of a new 1963 Santa Fe Cub. Picked up from the in-laws who have owned it for the last 20 years and used it at the local lake and a few trips up to Montana and back. We just picked it up this last weekend.
Pulled it 400 miles home without issue. However, there are a few things that need addressed. Pretty sure the roof leaks (or has leaked). There is definite water staining at one of the side windows, it was broken in a hail storm some years ago and replaced with a piece of wood and caulked around it. Towards the rear, the ceiling sags which I think is a damaged rafter(s). It holds on its own, but we have a jack to keep it solid for now. The panel has also aged and is beginning to fall apart (though no staining). The skirt boards are still there, they seem fairly solid when poking around and crawling underneath but they're also not perfect. The skin has lifted in a few spots and were reattached with self tapping screws. Im guessing new framing is going to be needed
For now, our plan is to try and fit it in our garage this winter and begin repairing what we can. 1) Fix the roof/ceiling. I was nervous to pull it home. As I mentioned, it holds on its own but we placed a jack stand underneath to keep it from flexing too much. This one is a priority.
1) I'd like to get the heat working. It has a propane tank, hoses, gas lantern and stove on the inside so the plumbing should all be there...
2) It has a water tank I believe. There is a capped hose attachment on the outside and a sink (though no faucet) I asked about it but they said there is no tank. I'd like to dive further into it though.
3) Rear window was shot out years ago and was replaced with a piece of plywood. If I can find one, I'd like to put the window back in its place. ![]() Looking forward to gathering more information (I'll be asking a lot of questions!) and hopefully contributing a bit to the site. |
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 18, 2023 15:12:09 GMT -8
Very cute little Santa Fe! I even like the paint job.
It looks like it needs a full build to me. Visible water damage is a clear sign of ROT behind... Once you get it in the garage, prepare to loosen the skins and remove them. No reason to try and do the roof first, as it has to be loosened to get the front, rear and siding off. You will indeed find rotted rafters and probably edge wood/curbing as well.
This type of trailer often had a gravity flow water tank which seems to be missing now. They work pretty well and can be bolstered with a small inline 12 volt pump. I don't think this trailer has a heater. After your build, a Wave 3 catalytic heater will work well. The gas light will provide some heat but only in more temperate climes.
trailertrasher1@gmail.com may have windows to fit.
Keep us in the loop.
|
|
nccamper
Administrator 
Posts: 7,743 
Likes: 2,870
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Apr 18, 2023 22:24:24 GMT -8
Great project…enjoy it
|
|
pthib
Member
Posts: 46
Likes: 35
1966 Buco
Currently Offline
|
Post by pthib on Apr 19, 2023 9:29:37 GMT -8
Very cool little trailer. Love the paint job. Looks to be a very similar in size to the 1966 Kustom Koach I rebuilt last year. There is a thread on this forum about my rebuild.
If the rear window frame is intact any glass shop can cut a new piece of glass. New gaskets and seals are available from Vintage Trailer Gaskets or Vintage Trailer Supply. Different companies but both have decent prices and good service.
Also look into buying Vicx book that is available through this forum. Lots of good advise and pictures of typical vintage trailer rebuilding techniques. I bought it when I rebuilt my 1966 Kustom Koach and it was a valuable source of information.
The friendly folks on this forum are always happy to pass on info and tips to anyone with questions or problems.
Looks like a great project. It may turn into a lot more work than you planned on, but don't give up. In the end you will have a unique trailer that you can be proud of.
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 19, 2023 12:33:08 GMT -8
PM me for images of the gravity water system if you want to add one.
|
|
tworley
New Member
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by tworley on Apr 20, 2023 7:30:00 GMT -8
Will do--thanks for the window resource! Good to know about the gravity tank, all the research I've done and I never found anything regarding the tank. I do know the counter was replaced at one point, so perhaps the faucet was removed. Been researching for days on how to approach the repair work. I like to think I am pretty mechanically inclined and have plenty of tools, but woodwork/repair will be new to me.
|
|
tworley
New Member
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by tworley on Apr 20, 2023 7:33:08 GMT -8
Very cool little trailer. Love the paint job. Looks to be a very similar in size to the 1966 Kustom Koach I rebuilt last year. There is a thread on this forum about my rebuild. If the rear window frame is intact any glass shop can cut a new piece of glass. New gaskets and seals are available from Vintage Trailer Gaskets or Vintage Trailer Supply. Different companies but both have decent prices and good service. Also look into buying Vicx book that is available through this forum. Lots of good advise and pictures of typical vintage trailer rebuilding techniques. I bought it when I rebuilt my 1966 Kustom Koach and it was a valuable source of information. The friendly folks on this forum are always happy to pass on info and tips to anyone with questions or problems. Looks like a great project. It may turn into a lot more work than you planned on, but don't give up. In the end you will have a unique trailer that you can be proud of. Thanks! I have that book bookmarked and plan on buying it here shortly! I'll take a look for your build thread, pictures always speak a thousand words.
|
|
newin62
Active Member
Posts: 165
Likes: 140
1962 Shasta Airflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by newin62 on Apr 21, 2023 2:17:34 GMT -8
Will do--thanks for the window resource! Good to know about the gravity tank, all the research I've done and I never found anything regarding the tank. I do know the counter was replaced at one point, so perhaps the faucet was removed. Been researching for days on how to approach the repair work. I like to think I am pretty mechanically inclined and have plenty of tools, but woodwork/repair will be new to me. To me this looks like a perfect restoration project. It has a great layout, has all the parts and is very compact. This thing would look amazing with new birch paneling. If you are mechanically inclined, don't be afraid of the woodwork as only basic woodworking skills are required for the framing and paneling. Rebuilding cabinets can be more complicated but yours are in excellent condition and only need refinishing. Also, being able to reuse the skins is a huge bonus both in terms of cost and keeping the trailer original. |
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,746
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Apr 21, 2023 6:42:12 GMT -8
I love little trailers like this. It would look great if you did the interior in birch.
|
|
tworley
New Member
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by tworley on Apr 28, 2023 11:32:05 GMT -8
If you are mechanically inclined, don't be afraid of the woodwork as only basic woodworking skills are required for the framing and paneling. Rebuilding cabinets can be more complicated but yours are in excellent condition and only need refinishing. Also, being able to reuse the skins is a huge bonus both in terms of cost and keeping the trailer original.
I mean, I made a cedar chest in high school, but that was 20 years ago 
I need to dive into everything a bit and get a closer look. The skins have quite a bit of damage unfortunately between the self tapping screws, another screwed in plate for a lock, hail damage and just overall wear and tear from the last 60 years.
|
|
