megxn
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Post by megxn on Jun 29, 2024 19:59:59 GMT -8
Hey everyone, my name is Megan, I live in Wisco. I just bought an old hunk of junk 1972 Shasta 1400 for a few hundred dollars. I have been dreaming of getting a camper for a few years now, and after hospitalization due to COVID that wiped away my credit and savings, I figure restoring a camper to join the family and enjoy my favorite state parks is more possible by slowly restoring a camper where the cost is spread out with lots of love and labor. Against near-all members and vintage enjoyers, I plan on modernizing it in almost every way from appliances to solar (and maybe an olive green wrap job). Sorry not sorry! Anyway, I bought Vikx’ book yesterday and read through it, and have browsed a handful of threads here. I’ve done mostly DIY-home renovations in small scale, have several tools available, two neighbors that are skilled carpenters and a brother in law who has an electrical and welding background and is in the process of building a well at their new land up north, so I’m not totally alone. I’m making this post because well…how bad *is it really*, what are my very first steps? I’m thinking it’s taking the skin off and rebuilding the rotted wood-is this doable in a backyard? Thank you SO much for your time! imgur.com/a/0qIkfVr
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 30, 2024 23:39:18 GMT -8
Welcome!
It's a shame they gutted it. It makes the work more complex, but it's still doable.
A few things to keep in mind...
1. To rebuild the camper and have it safe for the road, you need to take the skin off and break it down to the floor. If the floor is rotted, you need to take it down to the frame. These old campers went together in overlapping layers...floor is in place, then several cabinets are put in, then panels and framing, then wiring and insulation, etc, then the skin goes back on. You need to follow the order or the camper will lose tensile strength.
2. You need the cabinets. They play an important role in keeping the camper together. I wouldn't advise moving them from where the manufacture had them.
3. Working outside with tarps is something we've all done but it's much, much, much easier under a lean-to or in a garage.
Enjoy your project!
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megxn
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Post by megxn on Jul 1, 2024 13:13:00 GMT -8
Welcome!
It's a shame they gutted it. It makes the work more complex, but it's still doable.
A few things to keep in mind...
1. To rebuild the camper and have it safe for the road, you need to take the skin off and break it down to the floor. If the floor is rotted, you need to take it down to the frame. These old campers went together in overlapping layers...floor is in place, then several cabinets are put in, then panels and framing, then wiring and insulation, etc, then the skin goes back on. You need to follow the order or the camper will lose tensile strength.
2. You need the cabinets. They play an important role in keeping the camper together. I wouldn't advise moving them from where the manufacture had them.
3. Working outside with tarps is something we've all done but it's much, much, much easier under a lean-to or in a garage.
Enjoy your project!
The good news is the last owner gave me all the cabinetry that he ripped out. After watching some tin can videos I learned how vital the cabinets were in strengthening the trailer. I plan on keep the layout similar but expanding or re-designing the cabinetry but the strength will remain and is #1 priority. Thank you so much for replying and plainly laying out the steps. For whatever reason it’s more impactful to read it in layman’s from a person here than the dozens of paragraphs in Vikx’ book and summarize it in confidence. Maybe when my brother in law takes me renovation seriously he’ll donate a portion of his garage to me… 😉 Thank you!
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