msgoehring
Full Member
Just call me Margaret the shellac, buff, sand an shine queen.
Posts: 860
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1957 Westerner Deluxe
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Post by msgoehring on Dec 3, 2016 14:50:24 GMT -8
Greetings. Another Noob here who went out and scratched the Trailer itch on a spur of the moment and is now trying to figure it all out. I've wanted a little camper for years, but everything I could find advertised was either across the country, already renovated (and too pricey), or dirt cheap and more work than I'm comfortable with. This one fell into my lap via Twitter, of all things. Someone saw it parked on the street and Tweeted it out, someone else that I follow Re-Tweeted, I saw that message and asked the OP where the trailer was .. and as luck would have it .. it was parked on a street within ONE MILE of my home. What are the odds? Less $$ than a fully restored, more $$ than a complete shell, but when the seller said he'd bring it to my house for me (because my vehicle doesn't have a tow hitch), I couldn't pass on it. So, there she sits in my driveway and now the real research begins. I'll be digging around on these boards for any and all advice, tips, and hints I can get. I'm so happy to have found this incredible resource! If anyone knows a reliable, experienced person in the Los Angeles area that would be good to hire for bits and pieces (like repair/replace windows, etc.), please let me know. Welcome to the forum, you've taken a great first step by joining because there is lots of great here. And there are a couple of resources you should really check out. They are very helpful and full of all the information you could ask for about repairing or restoring these wonderful vintage trailers. The first resource is mobiltec. He makes videos and posts them on YouTube of his work sharing how to do everything on a trailer from start to finish. His website is: http://www.cannedhamtrailers.com and I recommend you watch this video first so you better understand why these things have to be repaired from the outside in: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDdpZgSD1JM . He does all these videos for free to help others who are interested in vintage trailers, he does accept donations from his website if you find his information as important as I have and are so inclined to help. Next is a wonderful repair manual put together by another long time member who restores trailers, forum name is vikx : vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com My husband doesn't do computers so this manual has become very important to him as we work to do a frame off restoration of our 57 Westerner Deluxe travel trailer. I can also tell you that you don't need to hire someone to do your windows for you, they're really simple to take out and replace the seals and gaskets yourself, you'll find a video showing you just how to do that on mobiltec's website. In fact I'm in the process of doing all 8 of mine, and that includes the big front window that runs almost the full width of my trailer. You should probably create a new post introducing yourself and your little compact for all the other members who may not check this older thread. I think you'll find there are a great number of Shasta owners on here, and quite a few compacts so you will definitely be able to get lots of great advice and support.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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1957 Shasta
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 3, 2016 15:08:53 GMT -8
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mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,824
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 3, 2016 17:41:32 GMT -8
Hello "1962 Shasta" Maybe you could tell us your name or what you would like to be called.. Welcome to the board. Go ahead and peruse these pages. Don't do anything to your trailer until you have done considerable home work. That way you won't ruin it right off the bat. Many people do exactly that. They walk in with a sawzall and gut the trailer. If you do that it's over. Dead... You gut fish, not trailers. Do a little home work and ask some questions. We're all here to help the best we can.
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gypsyatheart
New Member
Nice rain and snow free weather is all I'm asking for. I can deal with cold, but not wet.
Posts: 15
Likes: 11
It is not a Shasta...nope!?
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Post by gypsyatheart on Dec 8, 2016 18:50:55 GMT -8
Great find. Love it! can't wait to see it all fixed. Good luck.
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WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Jan 29, 2017 19:18:29 GMT -8
Howdy everyone from Southern Indiana. We're not new to camping, wait, let me reword that because we are actually travelers, not campers. We only sleep at our campsite as we are in the area to see the sites & chase critters (we like wildlife / nature photography). in 2012 I finished up a scratch built li'l camper, which we have drug over 21,000 miles through 30 States. 2015-04-23 13.12.11 by Whitney Kovener, on Flickr As we get older, we thought I might build something a little bigger so that it could accommodate an indoor potty for that "midnite run". Started to do research on size, shape, etc. Had some time off before Christmas, so we decided to drive to a lake 8-10 miles away to look for wildlife. My mind was wandering as usual and I missed my turn in our little town, so we decided to just drive to the next town and go out that way since it was all highway and smoother. As we entered the next town, I casually glanced over at a car lot and sitting on the back row was a little camper. Needless to say, look what followed me home... 2016-12-23 15.14.28 by Whitney Kovener, on Flickr It has all the original "stuff" inside except the ice box (had a dorm fridge shoved in it's place). Gonna need a lot of work, was actually looking for something more compact, but hey, for what I paid for it, I've got that much worth of metal and chassis out of it. Not going to be an easy fix, but do-able with time. I ain't skeered. Anyway, I'm sure I can glean a lot of information from everyone on this site and hopefully provide some of my own for others. I am a firm believer in lots of pictures for documentation and so I can remember. (Mr.) Whitney (The Mr. is just for reference, as people get confused with my name) Update 1/30/17: Woohoo, I learned how to add pictures! Thanks Dad Rambles
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Post by vikx on Jan 29, 2017 20:47:30 GMT -8
Welcome WhitneyK! Sounds like you got a good one...
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peatrow52
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Posts: 3
Likes: 1
1937 Masterbilt
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Post by peatrow52 on Feb 28, 2017 6:01:18 GMT -8
hello everyone. I'm new to this site. So I'm just trying to figure out things. I know about some of these great buys out there. I bought one and it came crashing down on me. Funny story but another day. I'm building a 1937 Masterbilt . It's about 70% finished. It's a story in it's own right. My wife and I are retired and we like to travel . Hope I get to chat with some of you. Vic
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mrmarty51
Leading Member
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Likes: 423
1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Feb 28, 2017 11:32:12 GMT -8
hello everyone. I'm new to this site. So I'm just trying to figure out things. I know about some of these great buys out there. I bought one and it came crashing down on me. Funny story but another day. I'm building a 1937 Masterbilt . It's about 70% finished. It's a story in it's own right. My wife and I are retired and we like to travel . Hope I get to chat with some of you. Vic Hello Peatrow52, Welcome to the VTT forum Here is a link to the tutorial for posting pics. I like to use flikr as it doesnt bog down the computer. Just click on the link below. link
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Post by vikx on Feb 28, 2017 20:44:52 GMT -8
Welcome Vic!
We look forward to seeing your Masterbuilt.
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gmoulder
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Post by gmoulder on Jun 8, 2017 7:45:17 GMT -8
Hello All. Newbie here. Not sure how the forum works, but very happy to see that there is a resource for folks like myself. Just retired and purchased a 1969 Shasta Airflyte 17 [yes, sight unseen]. Long story, but trailer belonged to three sisters in BHM, had not moved in 25 years, and they wanted to dispose of their father's estate. Trailer in apparently very good condition structurally. Had several RV companies do some work, and their report was that there was minor water damage. The interior is in very good condition. I pulled the trailer from BHM to SoCal last month and am about to begin serious work on it. Am discarding all the original "systems", so anyone who wants the old Nevin water tank, Bolen water heater, the furnace and the Dometic refrigerator are welcome to them. My partner and I are not interested in restoring to "original", our aim is a "cool" efficient modern interior with classic exterior. Regardless of what others have told me, I will be concerned until I know how the trailer is constructed and take enough of the skin off to actually see for myself the condition of the wood. Our goal is to produce a fun romantic vehicle to go camping in without connection to outside services. I will be looking at the videos and reading resources on how to work on the trailer. Want to take advantage of all the wisdom which has been accumulated. Thanks, Glen
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shastabob
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Posts: 4
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Post by shastabob on Jun 9, 2017 10:24:30 GMT -8
Well, the photo link does not seem to be working. At any rate I am now the proud owner of a Shasta Starflyte. Year unknown but working on that. s4517 if anybody can help. It had been sitting at the sellers hunting camp for several years. Luckily the tires held enough air that I could get it towed home. Only one corner rotted underneath the window ac some butcher put in the back. drive.google.com/file/d/0B7THuYQbFCD2bHE1V0NBZFNaU3M/view?usp=sharing
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architeuthidae
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Posts: 5
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1967 Play-Mor
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Post by architeuthidae on Jun 13, 2017 9:25:34 GMT -8
Hello, hello! It's a pleasure to meet you all, my name's Jordan. I don't have a trailer yet, and given how much a lot of people on Craigslist, etc want for rolling rot, I think it might be better to do a ground up build/replica of something like a Shasta Compact or Magic Gem, than to pour money into a restoration. I really love tiny late-50s canned hams under 14' or so.
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mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,824
Likes: 3,751
1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 13, 2017 10:13:31 GMT -8
Hello, hello! It's a pleasure to meet you all, my name's Jordan. I don't have a trailer yet, and given how much a lot of people on Craigslist, etc want for rolling rot, I think it might be better to do a ground up build/replica of something like a Shasta Compact or Magic Gem, than to pour money into a restoration. I really love tiny late-50s canned hams under 14' or so.
You just need to learn how to buy a trailer without over paying. I will be offering that knowledge in my on line classes. I don't look for trailers on CL or Ebay because you are right. People who are selling them in those mediums want an arm and a leg for a rolling piece of rotting junk. All you are really buying are some cabinet templates, windows and hardware. LOL...
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robin
New Member
Posts: 3
1957 Santa Fe
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Post by robin on Jun 13, 2017 20:25:23 GMT -8
Hi Everyone--I'm not exactly new, been lurking for a year now, went and met Vick who has helped me quite a bit! I have a 1957 Santa Fe, 14 ft. She's completely rotten so will be rebuilt (from the outside in!) I know a lot of you are in the Pacific Northwest, so if you're ever in Seattle, come see me, would love some in-person advice. Trying to get the husband to build a carport, I'm slowly converting him I'm looking for Trailertrasher for some stove parts, if anyone knows his email I'd greatly appreciate it! I know you'll all want photos but I'm a little tech challenged, ha! You're all so nice, this is a fun hobby!
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mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,824
Likes: 3,751
1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 14, 2017 6:18:59 GMT -8
Hi Everyone--I'm not exactly new, been lurking for a year now, went and met Vick who has helped me quite a bit! I have a 1957 Santa Fe, 14 ft. She's completely rotten so will be rebuilt (from the outside in!) I know a lot of you are in the Pacific Northwest, so if you're ever in Seattle, come see me, would love some in-person advice. Trying to get the husband to build a carport, I'm slowly converting him I'm looking for Trailertrasher for some stove parts, if anyone knows his email I'd greatly appreciate it! I know you'll all want photos but I'm a little tech challenged, ha! You're all so nice, this is a fun hobby! Hi Robin. Trailer Trasher's email is trailertrasher1@gmail.com Welcome to the forum even though you've been lurking.
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