cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Aug 20, 2014 9:40:15 GMT -8
I really want a Shasta compact, and I found one, but it is in terrible shape. The inside paneling has major damage and is painted pale blue, cushions-gone, table formica-gone, water damage around vent, roof-unknown, floor damage, trailer frame-unknown, exterior-damage on bottom all around. From the pictures, it looks like a frame up rebuild. She does have wings, all but one exterior light fixture including tail lights, stove, ice box, sink with formica and faucets intact, gas light, electric light fixtures, and hardware for the canvas bunk. My current project had the same paint treatment, and I am still working to get rid of it. Holes in the floor and walls didn't even phase me, but I have grown to love the birch interior that I am putting in my Vanbrook.
I was all set to make a bid, but.... the blue paint stopped me in my tracks.
What is a trailer like this worth?
Cheri
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kathleenc
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Post by kathleenc on Aug 20, 2014 11:08:18 GMT -8
What is a trailer of any kind worth? Whatever an unsuspecting, or addicted, person will pay for it! And of course, you don't visit the crack house to find somebody to talk you out of doing drugs - little vintage trailers are the addiction of choice around here, followed by vintage accessories (including tow vehicles)! I'm afraid you'll have to visit the "Vintage Trailer Owner Rehab" forum for help with that.
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Post by universalexports on Aug 20, 2014 11:39:30 GMT -8
1st thing is to consider your level of experience repairing trailers, lots of tools, saws, equipment is required plus the knowledge of how to use them safely and do proper work.
can you do the work? or afford to pay someone else to. do you know someone who can? can you afford all the required materials needed for the repair. can you wait 1,2 or 5 years to go camping. can you find time in your schedule to fit in the many many hours needed to do the repairs.
or would it be wiser to look around and be patient and find one in better condition?
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Aug 20, 2014 12:47:22 GMT -8
If this is a frame-off full resto project, as you say it should be, then the paint color an even the rot around the ceiling should not be a deterrent...It all should be replaced anyway. Universal has hit it right on the head...it is a long involved process. "Frame-off" generally translates into "piles of parts and wallboard lying all over the yard". I sympathize greatly with the "Compact bug"...I have it myself.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 20, 2014 16:47:14 GMT -8
1st thing is to consider your level of experience repairing trailers, lots of tools, saws, equipment is required plus the knowledge of how to use them safely and do proper work. can you do the work? or afford to pay someone else to. do you know someone who can? can you afford all the required materials needed for the repair. can you wait 1,2 or 5 years to go camping. can you find time in your schedule to fit in the many many hours needed to do the repairs. or would it be wiser to look around and be patient and find one in better condition? There is only one more thing to add to this and that is the biggest question . Are you totally insane like the rest of us if so, go ahead. If not bail out now while you still have the chance, tomorrow may be to late.
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cheri
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Post by cheri on Aug 20, 2014 17:26:13 GMT -8
I am thinking I should just keep looking. I think I could handle the project, but you know the saying, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should". I have spent the past year working on my current trailer, and it would be nice to actually take her "up north" rather than start another project this big.
Thanks for helping me think this through.
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pam
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Serro Scotty 69
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Post by pam on Aug 20, 2014 17:44:02 GMT -8
Are you thinking of working on this over the winter or tucking it away for a 2015 spring project? You already have access to the pole barn (hopefully your hubby will extend your lease:). Finding the space to be able to work on it, protected from the wind, rain or snow, is a huge advantage. It's hard to be rational when it comes to these little gems!
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Aug 20, 2014 19:53:58 GMT -8
I've found that the question "what is it worth" depends on where you live. West of Denver there seems to be a vintage camper on every street. On the east coast, they are few and far between. With that said, I paid $1750 for this very solid Compact in towable condition with not a lot of rot, worn paint, dry rot tires, systems unused for years original interior intact. The last owner used it as a doll house for the kids. And I had to travel to Grand Junction, Co to get it. I've been told the same camper in CA is worth $500-$1000. In NC I'd guess $2500-$3000. In CA, Mobitec finds better than frame up campers for less than $500. One thing the junkies on this site will tell you, keep an eye on dollars flowing out if you plan to sell it within a few years. I've heard a professional paint job can cost $3000+. And I've yet to see even a mint Compact sell for more than $15,000. Even $10,000 is rare. I hope that helps.
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dwells
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Post by dwells on Aug 21, 2014 17:01:06 GMT -8
We're actually considering selling our compact. We love it but between the 21ft that is my next project and the popup that's easier on our little 4-cyl Escape and the fact that we see a move in our future I'm not sure we can justify keeping it. the interior panelling was far enough gone that we painted what remained rather than finding that 70's photoed wood grain to match it. It's mostly original or reproduction otherwise (except the fridge the PO added).
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Aug 21, 2014 19:28:53 GMT -8
My very wise wife told me "work on one trailer at a time, from start to finish". (She never said anything about having back-ups stored across town in friends barns). Sounds like you really want a Shasta compact. If the one you found is cheap enough, who cares what color, you're going to redo it all anyway, no?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Aug 22, 2014 4:26:01 GMT -8
My very wise wife told me "work on one trailer at a time, from start to finish". (She never said anything about having back-ups stored across town in friends barns). Sounds like you really want a Shasta compact. If the one you found is cheap enough, who cares what color, you're going to redo it all anyway, no? A good point. If you don't have a usable camper while you're working on the "project camper", how can you go camping? Owning two is the decent thing to do... for the family!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 23, 2014 20:34:17 GMT -8
Believe it or not, a frame up is easier and quicker than a complete restoral in some cases. If there is enough there for you to use for measurements and patterns then it's a go if the frame is OK. I would look at the fame very close first though. If you are bidding on a trailer from Ebay don't be surprised at what you get if you can't go look at it first. Photos do not tell the story. And if it looks bad in the photos, it will be terrible in person. Some trailers are just a box of spare parts.
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cheri
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Post by cheri on Aug 24, 2014 2:14:52 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Aug 24, 2014 4:28:29 GMT -8
An ambitious project. You need a good imagination to get passed the blue. But the tape holding it together would make me wonder if it would survive transport. I've seen a couple of photos of campers that disintegrated when they were hit with 60 MPH winds. If it's solid enough to flatbed, it comes down to the question of what you're after... a long (hopefully rewarding) project or better starting point for more money that you can camp in sooner.
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cheri
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Post by cheri on Aug 24, 2014 7:30:06 GMT -8
I have decided to move on. We don't have much indoor work space, and I think I would rather use it to store the camper I have already put so much work into over the winter rather than a pile of parts. I really don't need a compact, I just want one.
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