stimpy774
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Post by stimpy774 on Mar 23, 2015 16:52:31 GMT -8
Hello all,
My name is Brett and I just signed up for your cool little site. I don't even have a camper but I have been bitten by the bug. I love the old travel trailers with so much history and character.
My first question would be what brand or model professionals at restoring these might suggest. I imagine certain brands or models have more parts available than others. Also please suggest other resources for learning how to restore these old trailers. For my first one I don't plan to do a complete restoration. I am curious how people fix shower systems and refrigerators in older units since that seems common.
I would like to buy a 1965-1979ish that is not too far gone and bring damaged items back to life. thanks for any help. i look forward to learning from this community.
Regards,
Brett
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Post by bigbill on Mar 23, 2015 18:54:05 GMT -8
Brett, Evan a 1979 is 36 years old it most likely will need resealed at least and could need a major amount of wood rot replaced. There are no new brand specific parts available in any quantity to speak of, but there are many generic parts that can be used. My recommendation on brand is find the best one that you can afford and check it very closely for rot and deterioration then figure what you think it will cost to repair then triple that figure at least. Remember tires, brakes springs, lights, plumbing, heat, A/C and electrical. These are things many people over look when figuring repair cost. The best source of information for buying and restoring/rebuilding is mobiltec's videos which are on the net. Cannedhamtrailers.com if I remember right, if not look on this board for him. Also spend a lot of time reading the info on this board, it will allow you to profit from other peoples mistakes. Last but not least continue to ask questions. Good luck and have fun. Welcome to the world of insanity.  |
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John Palmer
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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 Mar 23, 2015 19:16:35 GMT -8
Big Bill is spot on again!
The cheapest trailer will be the most expensive one you can afford. At some point you will come to understand and agree with that statement.
I don't think many people are into vintage trailers to make money, but you should make wise choices as you enter into the market to minimize your risk and maximize your ability to resell the trailer at the other end. Remember that restoration time and materials are going to cost the same no mater what trailer you choose to purchase. But you will get a better return on your investment of time and materials if you buy a 1950's canned ham, compared to a cheaper 1970's square box trailer. Trailers over 30 feet in length are nice for a stationary park model, but tend to be harder to resell as travel trailers.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Mar 23, 2015 19:49:25 GMT -8
My two cents... 1970s campers aren't old enough yet to be going up in value. Late 1960s can go either way. 1950s generally go up. This doesn't matter if you love the camper and plan on keeping it for years to come. Shasta canned hams seem easy to sell. Westerners too. As they say above, large campers are selling for a song...for many reasons. Vintage Trailer Supply is a great resource. www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Hemet Valley RV for skin and jrail. www.hemetvalleyrv.net/As bill said above, this is a great site for videos on what to expect during a restoration: cannedhamtrailers.com/The best advice I've had on this forum, buy a camper that makes you happy. |
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stimpy774
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Post by stimpy774 on Mar 23, 2015 19:49:51 GMT -8
Guys
thanks for the feedback and detailed answers. Interesting point John on going even older for resell. This will be for me to use but still good point.
Bigbill i can see it is the world of insanity. lol
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 24, 2015 10:24:33 GMT -8
Lot's of it depends on whats available in your area. Not many come up in my area, and so I was not able to be very choosy.. and it's true that you either pay more up front, or lots along the way. So if you only have $1000 to spend up front.. you will likely spend another several thousand down the road.. $100 at a time.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Mar 24, 2015 13:01:31 GMT -8
The crazy thing, especially about the canned ham ones, is that you can spend $300 or $3000 and wind up with essentially the same trailer. The folks are correct about resale, but if you are looking to use it, you just need to factor in the "cost" of using it over the years. How much would it be if you rented a rig? How much is the joy/pain of fixing an old one worth. A lot of us enjoy the "journey" of restoration as much as the "destination" of having it done. That can be priceless. Figure out how much you'd spend over the next couple years doing fun stuff (paying for tickets to concerts, games, etc) and put what you will spend on a trailer in its place. How much is that worth?
The folks here are fun, funny, and ultimately supportive and helpful. Take advantage! (And look at mobiltec's videos BEFORE you buy a trailer. You will have a really good idea of what you might be in store for.)
I don't want to scare you off. We'd do another frame-off restoration in a second if we still had the room to pull it off. There were blood, sweat, and tears, but lots of fun figuring things out, choosing paint and fabric and the little accoutrements that go with the territory.
Welcome!!!
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elewayne
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Post by elewayne on Mar 26, 2015 15:31:58 GMT -8
Just a point, My son's mother and law just bought a 71 Tag Along. She is replacing all the 70's junk paneling with new birch. It was all painted pink anyway, and there was a lot of water damage. She and a girlfriend want to travel with the sisters on the fly group starting this spring. In my eyes that should add value but will it ever translate into $$$, who knows.
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Post by vikx on Mar 26, 2015 20:38:22 GMT -8
Great advice above! I'll be moving this to The Hunt, as I think it is of interest to a lot of people looking.
Welcome Brett. Glad you joined our mad world.
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